UPSC IR Content Index
Module 1: Foundations of International Relations
Topic 1.1: Core Concepts & Principles in IR
1.1.1: The State and Sovereignty
- Definition of State, Nation, Nation-State, Nation-building and Nationalism.
- Concept of Sovereignty (Internal vs. External), Westphalian Sovereignty.
- Challenges to Sovereignty: Globalization, Humanitarian Intervention, Responsibility to Protect (R2P), Non-State Actors, Failed States.
- Soft State vs. Hard State.
1.1.2: Power in International Relations
- Definition and Types of Power: Hard Power (Military, Economic), Soft Power (Culture, Values, Institutions), Smart Power (Combination).
- Dimensions of Power: Structural Power, Relational Power, Composite Power.
- Measurement of Power: GDP, Military Spending, Technological Prowess, Population.
- Distribution of Power: Unipolarity, Bipolarity, Multipolarity, Polycentric World, Hegemony.
1.1.3: National Interest and Foreign Policy
- Definition of National Interest: Core values, Survival, Economic Welfare, Prestige, Ideology.
- Levels of Analysis in IR: Individual, State, International System.
- Formulation of Foreign Policy: Role of Political Leadership, Bureaucracy (MEA), Domestic Politics, Public Opinion, Think Tanks, Media.
- Instruments of Foreign Policy: Diplomacy, Coercion, Sanctions, Military Force, Economic Aid, Propaganda, Public Diplomacy.
1.1.4: Security Concepts
- National Security vs. Human Security (Freedom from Fear, Freedom from Want).
- Traditional Security vs. Non-Traditional Security Threats (Terrorism, Climate Change, Pandemics, Cyber threats).
- Security Dilemma, Balance of Power, Collective Security, Alliances, Arms Race, Deterrence.
- Strategic Autonomy vs. Alignment, Non-Alignment.
1.1.5: Interdependence and Globalization
1.1.6: Geopolitics and Geo-economics
- Classical Geopolitical Theories: Mackinder's Heartland Theory, Mahan's Sea Power Theory, Spykman's Rimland Theory.
- Contemporary Geopolitics: Energy Geopolitics, Resource Scarcity, Maritime Security (Choke Points), Arctic Geopolitics, Space Geopolitics.
- Geo-economics: Trade Wars, Sanctions, Economic Coercion, Connectivity Projects (BRI), Supply Chain Resilience.
Topic 1.2: Major Theories of International Relations
1.2.1: Realism
- Core Tenets: Anarchy, Statism, Self-Help, Survival, Power Maximization, Rationality.
- Classical Realism: Thucydides, Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbes, E.H. Carr, Hans J. Morgenthau (Human Nature, Lust for Power).
- Structural Realism (Neorealism): Kenneth Waltz (Systemic Anarchy, Distribution of Capabilities).
- Offensive Realism: John Mearsheimer (Hegemony, Maximizing Power).
- Defensive Realism: Kenneth Waltz (Survival, Security Maximization).
- Critiques and Contemporary Relevance (e.g., US-China rivalry).
1.2.2: Liberalism
- Core Tenets: Cooperation, Institutions, Democracy, Interdependence, Rationality, Progress, Rule of Law.
- Idealism/Classical Liberalism: Immanuel Kant, Woodrow Wilson (Perpetual Peace, International Law, IOs).
- Neoliberal Institutionalism: Robert Keohane, Joseph Nye (Complex Interdependence, Role of Institutions in facilitating cooperation, Prisoner's Dilemma).
- Democratic Peace Theory: Michael Doyle (Democracies don't fight each other).
- Commercial Liberalism: Economic interdependence reducing conflict.
- Sociological Liberalism: Transnational relations, people-to-people ties.
- Critiques and Contemporary Relevance (e.g., failure of institutions, rise of populism).
1.2.3: Constructivism
- Core Tenets: Ideas, Norms, Identity, Culture, Social Construction of Reality, Intersubjectivity.
- Key Thinkers: Alexander Wendt ('Anarchy is what states make of it').
- Role of Shared Understanding, Beliefs, and Identity in shaping State Behavior.
- Logic of Appropriateness vs. Logic of Consequence.
- Application to Security (Security Communities), Human Rights, Global Norms, International Law.
- Critiques and Contributions to understanding changing IR.
1.2.4: Marxist and Critical Theories
- Core Tenets: Economic Determinism, Class Struggle, Capitalism's role in Exploitation, Unequal Exchange, Historical Materialism.
- Dependency Theory: Andre Gunder Frank (Core-Periphery dynamics, Underdevelopment).
- World-Systems Theory: Immanuel Wallerstein (Core, Semi-periphery, Periphery).
- Gramscian Hegemony, Frankfurt School, Neo-Gramscianism.
- Critiques and Relevance to Global Inequality, North-South Divide, Debt Trap Diplomacy.
1.2.5: Feminist Theories in IR
- Core Tenets: Gender as a fundamental category of analysis, Challenging patriarchal structures, Mainstreaming gender perspective.
- Types: Liberal Feminism, Critical Feminism, Post-structuralist Feminism, Post-colonial Feminism.
- Impact on Security (Gendered violence, WMDs), Peacebuilding (UNSCR 1325), Development, Diplomacy.
- Critiques and Contributions (e.g., women in peacekeeping, gender-inclusive foreign policy).
1.2.6: Post-structuralism and Post-colonialism
- Post-structuralism: Deconstructing power, discourse, knowledge (Foucault, Derrida, Ashley, Walker).
- Post-colonialism: Challenging Eurocentrism, Imperial legacies, Voice of the Global South (Edward Said, Gayatri Spivak, Homi Bhabha).
- Relevance to understanding identity, representation, and power imbalances in IR, challenging universal narratives.
Topic 1.3: Historical Evolution of the International System
1.3.1: Pre-Westphalian Order
1.3.2: The Westphalian System (1648) and its Aftermath
1.3.3: 19th Century: Concert of Europe, Imperialism, and Colonialism
- Concert of Europe, Congress of Vienna, Principle of Intervention vs. Non-Intervention.
- Industrial Revolution and Scramble for Colonies (Asia, Africa) – Colonial Legacy.
- Rise of Great Powers (Britain, France, Germany, USA, Japan).
- Emergence of International Law and Early International Organizations (e.g., Universal Postal Union).
1.3.4: World Wars and the Inter-War Period
1.3.5: The Cold War Era (1945-1991)
- Bipolarity: USA vs. USSR, Ideological Conflict (Capitalism vs. Communism).
- Key Events: Berlin Blockade, Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam War, Afghanistan Invasion.
- Proxy Wars, Arms Race (Nuclear Deterrence), Space Race.
- Formation of Alliances: NATO, Warsaw Pact, SEATO, CENTO.
- Emergence of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Third World, Bandung Conference.
- Détente and Second Cold War.
- End of Cold War: Collapse of USSR, Unipolar Moment.
1.3.6: Post-Cold War Era and Contemporary Global Order (1991-Present)
- Unipolarity (US Hegemony), Rise of Globalization and Liberal International Order.
- Emergence of Non-State Actors (MNCs, NGOs, Terrorist groups).
- Rise of Regionalism and New Great Powers (China, India, Brazil, Russia).
- Challenges to Unipolarity, Rise of Multipolarity/Polycentrism.
- Global Challenges (Climate Change, Terrorism, Pandemics, Cyber Security).
- New Geopolitical Concepts: Indo-Pacific, Arctic, Multilateralism 2.0.
- Current Global Transitions: US-China Rivalry, Russia-Ukraine War implications, Middle East instability.
Module 2: International Organizations and Global Governance
Topic 2.1: The United Nations (UN) System
2.1.1: Establishment and Evolution
2.1.2: Principal Organs and Their Functions
- General Assembly (GA): Functions, UNGA Resolutions, G4, Uniting for Peace Resolution.
- Security Council (SC): Composition (P5, E10), Veto Power, Functions (Peace & Security), SC Reforms, India's bid for permanent membership.
- Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC): Functions, Subsidiary Bodies, Link with Specialized Agencies.
- International Court of Justice (ICJ): Jurisdiction, Advisory Opinions, India's engagement.
- Secretariat: Role of Secretary-General.
- Trusteeship Council (Historical Role).
2.1.3: Specialized Agencies and Programs
2.1.4: UN Peacekeeping Operations (PKOs)
2.1.5: UN Reforms and Challenges
Topic 2.2: International Economic and Financial Organizations
2.2.1: Bretton Woods Institutions
2.2.2: World Trade Organization (WTO)
- Evolution from GATT, Principles (MFN, National Treatment, Non-Discrimination).
- Structure: Ministerial Conference, General Council, Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), Appellate Body.
- Key Agreements: TRIPS, TRIMS, GATS, AoA (Agreement on Agriculture), NAMA.
- Doha Development Round: Issues and Stalemate (Agriculture, NFF, Services).
- Challenges: Appellate Body Crisis, Fisheries Subsidies, Digital Trade, Trade Protectionism, India's Stand.
2.2.3: Other Major Economic Groupings
- G7, G20: Objectives, Evolution, Role in Global Economic Governance, India's G20 Presidency outcomes.
- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD): Role, Membership, India's relationship.
- BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa): Objectives, New Development Bank (NDB), Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), Expansion.
- Other Development Banks: Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Topic 2.3: Regional Organizations and Groupings
2.3.1: European Union (EU)
2.3.2: ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)
2.3.3: African Union (AU)
2.3.4: Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
2.3.5: South Asian Regional Cooperation
- SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation): Objectives, Achievements, Challenges (Bilateral Disputes, Inactivity).
- BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation): Objectives, Importance for India (Alternative to SAARC, Act East link), Projects.
- Other Sub-regional Initiatives: BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal) Motor Vehicles Agreement.
2.3.6: Other Significant Regional Blocs/Fora
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO): Objectives, Expansion, Role in European Security, Russia-Ukraine War implications.
- GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council): Economic and Security Cooperation.
- OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) and OPEC+: Role in global energy markets.
- APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation).
- IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association): Objectives, India's role.
- Pacific Islands Forum (PIF): India's engagement.
- Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue): Genesis, Objectives (Free and Open Indo-Pacific), Cooperation areas (Maritime Security, Vaccines, Critical Tech, Climate).
- I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, USA): Economic cooperation.
- Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).
Topic 2.4: Non-State Actors in IR
2.4.1: Multinational Corporations (MNCs)
2.4.2: International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs)
2.4.3: Transnational Terrorist Organizations
2.4.4: Organized Crime Syndicates
2.4.5: Other Non-State Actors
Module 3: India's Foreign Policy
Topic 3.1: Evolution of India's Foreign Policy
3.1.1: Historical Roots and Influences
3.1.2: Nehruvian Era (1947-1964)
3.1.3: Post-Nehruvian Era to End of Cold War (1964-1991)
3.1.4: Post-Cold War Era (1991-Present)
- Economic Liberalization and Look East Policy (now Act East).
- Strategic Realignment: Growing ties with USA, Israel.
- Nuclear Policy (Pokhran II, 1998) and Nuclear Doctrine.
- Guiding Principles: Strategic Autonomy, Multi-alignment/Omni-alignment, Comprehensive National Power, Neighbourhood First, SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
Topic 3.2: Determinants of India's Foreign Policy
3.2.1: Geographical Factors
3.2.2: Historical and Cultural Factors
3.2.3: Economic Factors
3.2.4: Military and Strategic Factors
3.2.5: Domestic Factors
3.2.6: Ideological and Value-based Factors
Topic 3.3: India's Nuclear Policy
3.3.1: Evolution and Key Milestones
3.3.2: Nuclear Doctrine
3.3.3: International Treaties and India's Stand
3.3.4: Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and India's Membership Bid
3.3.5: India-US Civil Nuclear Deal (123 Agreement)
Module 4: India and its Neighbourhood
Topic 4.1: India and Pakistan
4.1.1: Historical Background and Partition Issues
4.1.2: Kashmir Dispute
4.1.3: Major Wars and Conflicts
4.1.4: Cross-border Terrorism
4.1.5: Bilateral Engagements and CBMs
4.1.6: Economic and Cultural Ties
4.1.7: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
Topic 4.2: India and China
4.2.1: Historical Ties and Boundary Dispute
4.2.2: Major Conflicts
4.2.3: Tibet and Dalai Lama Issue
4.2.4: Bilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation
4.2.5: Strategic Competition
4.2.6: Multilateral Cooperation
4.2.7: Challenges and Future Prospects
Topic 4.3: India and Other South Asian Neighbors
4.3.1: India and Bangladesh
4.3.2: India and Nepal
4.3.3: India and Sri Lanka
4.3.4: India and Afghanistan
4.3.5: India and Myanmar
4.3.6: India and Bhutan
Module 5: India and Major Global Powers & Key Regions
Topic 5.1: India and the United States
5.1.1: Evolution of Strategic Partnership
5.1.2: Defense Cooperation
5.1.3: Economic and Trade Relations
5.1.4: Diaspora and People-to-People Ties
5.1.5: Cooperation Areas
5.1.6: Strategic Convergence
5.1.7: Challenges
Topic 5.2: India and Russia
5.2.1: Historical Legacy and Enduring Partnership
5.2.2: Defense Cooperation
5.2.3: Energy Cooperation
5.2.4: Bilateral Trade and Investment
5.2.5: Multilateral Engagements
Topic 5.3: India and Europe
5.3.1: India-European Union Relations
5.3.2: India and France
5.3.3: India and Germany
5.3.4: India and United Kingdom
5.3.5: Nordic Countries
5.3.6: Italy and others
Topic 5.4: India and Japan
5.4.1: Evolution of Special Strategic and Global Partnership
5.4.2: Economic Cooperation
5.4.3: Defense and Security Cooperation
5.4.4: Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement
5.4.5: Cooperation in Infrastructure Development and Technology
Topic 5.5: India and the Middle East (West Asia and North Africa - WANA)
5.5.1: India and GCC Countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, etc.)
5.5.2: India and Iran
5.5.3: India and Israel
5.5.4: India's Approach to Middle East Peace Process
5.5.5: I2U2 Grouping (India, Israel, UAE, USA)
Topic 5.6: India and Africa
5.6.1: Historical Ties and Bandung Legacy
5.6.2: Pan-Africa Initiatives
5.6.3: Trade, Investment, and Development Cooperation
5.6.4: Security Cooperation
5.6.5: Challenges
Topic 5.7: India and Latin America & Caribbean (LAC)
5.7.1: Growing Economic and Strategic Engagements
5.7.2: Agricultural Trade
5.7.3: Cultural and People-to-People Ties
Topic 5.8: India and Central Asia
5.8.1: Historical Ties (Silk Road) and Connectivity Initiatives
5.8.2: Energy Security and Resource Diplomacy
5.8.3: Security Concerns
5.8.4: SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS)
Topic 5.9: India and Southeast Asia / Indo-Pacific
5.9.1: Act East Policy and ASEAN Centrality
5.9.2: Indo-Pacific Concept
5.9.3: Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
5.9.4: Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC)
5.9.5: East Asia Summit (EAS)
Module 6: Emerging Global Issues and Challenges
Topic 6.1: Climate Change and Environmental Diplomacy
6.1.1: Science of Climate Change
6.1.2: International Climate Governance
6.1.3: Key Concepts
6.1.4: Climate Finance
6.1.5: India's Climate Action
6.1.6: Other Environmental Challenges
Topic 6.2: International Security Challenges
6.2.1: Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism
- Definition, Types (State-sponsored, Transnational), Funding (Terror Finance), Cyber Terrorism.
- International Counter-Terrorism Frameworks: UNSC Resolutions, FATF (Financial Action Task Force), Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
- India's Counter-Terrorism Efforts: Bilateral, Multilateral Cooperation, Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) proposal.