Essential 15-Marker Answers for International Relations Exams

Posted on Dec 6, 2025 in Political Sciences

High-Scoring 15-Marker Answers for International Relations

Below are full-length, high-scoring 15-marker answers covering all requested topics in International Politics. These explanations are written in clear, academic English, expanded for detail, easy to understand, and perfect for exam preparation.

✅ 15-Marker Answers – Full Detailed Explanations

1. Meaning and Nature of International Politics

International Politics (IP) refers to all political interactions and relationships among sovereign states and other global actors such as the United Nations, multinational corporations, terrorist organizations, NGOs, and regional groups. It studies how nations pursue their national interest, maintain security, form alliances, cooperate on global issues, and deal with conflict and peace.

Nature of International Politics

  1. Anarchical System
    There is no world government. States operate in a decentralized world where each nation is responsible for its own security. This anarchy leads states to rely on power and self-help.

  2. Power-Oriented
    IP revolves around the concept of power—military strength, economic capability, and diplomatic influence. States continuously try to maximize power to protect national interests.

  3. Dynamic and Ever-Changing
    Global politics changes due to leadership changes, technological advancement, wars, revolutions, and globalization. For example, the rise of China has changed global power distribution.

  4. Multi-Actor System
    States are no longer the only actors. IGOs (UN, WTO), MNCs (Apple, Google), terrorist networks, and even individuals influence global politics.

  5. Interdependence
    Due to globalization, states are economically interconnected. Political decisions in one country affect others (e.g., oil price fluctuations, US interest rate changes).

  6. Conflict and Cooperation
    IP includes both—wars, rivalries (India–Pakistan, US–China) and cooperation (climate agreements, trade).

  7. Norms and International Law
    Although not fully enforceable, international laws, treaties, and customs guide state behavior. The UN Charter, Geneva Conventions, and WTO rules shape global conduct.

Conclusion:
International Politics is a complex subject involving power, interests, global institutions, and interdependence. It is constantly evolving with new global challenges such as terrorism, climate change, pandemics, and economic crises.

2. Power and Elements of National Power

Power in international relations is the ability of a state to influence the behavior of other states to achieve its national interests. Power can be military, economic, political, cultural, or diplomatic.

Elements of National Power

  1. Geographic Factors
    Size, climate, natural resources, and strategic location influence power.
    Example: Russia’s huge size, the US’s oceanic protection, India’s coastline.

  2. Population
    A large population can provide labor force, markets, and military manpower. But quality matters—education, skills, and health increase power.

  3. Economic Strength
    A strong economy supports military development, diplomacy, trade, and technology. Advanced industries and strong GDP enhance global influence.

  4. Military Strength
    Includes manpower, technology, nuclear weapons, and defense capability. Nations with strong militaries (US, China) exert greater influence.

  5. Political Leadership & Stability
    Effective leadership shapes foreign policy and strengthens the state image. Stable governments attract investment and ensure consistent policy.

  6. National Character & Morale
    Unity, patriotism, discipline, and resilience strengthen national purpose. High morale helps nations face crises.

  7. Foreign Policy & Diplomacy
    Alliances, negotiations, treaties, and strategic partnerships expand power.
    Example: India–US partnership, NATO alliance.

  8. Science & Technology
    Technological advancement determines military and economic strength. Countries leading in AI, space, and cyber power gain global influence.

Conclusion:
National power is multidimensional. A combination of geographic, economic, military, and diplomatic factors determines a state’s standing in world politics.

3. United Nations: Organs and Functions

The United Nations (UN), founded in 1945, aims to maintain international peace, promote development, and ensure cooperation among nations. It has six principal organs:

1. General Assembly (UNGA)

  • World’s largest deliberative body (193 members).
  • Discusses global issues—peace, development, human rights.
  • Approves UN budget, elects non-permanent UNSC members.
  • Passes resolutions reflecting world opinion.

2. Security Council (UNSC)

  • Maintains international peace and security.
  • 5 permanent members (P5) + 10 non-permanent.
  • Can impose sanctions, approve military action, and authorize peacekeeping.
  • P5 has veto power.

3. International Court of Justice (ICJ)

  • Judicial organ of the UN.
  • Settles disputes between states (maritime disputes, border issues).
  • Gives advisory opinions to UN organs.

4. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

  • Coordinates social, economic, health, and cultural activities.
  • Works with WHO, UNESCO, IMF, and NGOs.
  • Focuses on poverty reduction and sustainable development.

5. Secretariat

  • Administrative organ headed by the Secretary-General.
  • Conducts day-to-day work, prepares reports, supports peacekeeping missions.
  • Represents the UN as its chief diplomat.

6. Trusteeship Council

  • Established to supervise trust territories.
  • Became inactive in 1994 after all trust territories gained independence.

Conclusion:
The UN plays a central role in peacekeeping, development, and global cooperation. Its organs perform legislative, executive, judicial, and administrative functions essential for world order.

4. Terrorism: Meaning, Causes, Types, and Impact

Terrorism is the use of violence or threat to create fear and achieve political, ideological, religious, or strategic objectives. It targets civilians, governments, or symbolic institutions.

Causes of Terrorism

  1. Political instability
  2. Religious extremism
  3. Economic inequality
  4. Foreign occupation
  5. Ethnic conflicts
  6. Radicalization through social media
  7. State oppression or authoritarianism

Types of Terrorism

  1. Religious Terrorism – motivated by religious extremism (ISIS, Al-Qaeda).
  2. State-Sponsored Terrorism – supported by governments (e.g., Cold War proxy groups).
  3. Ethno-National Terrorism – separatist movements.
  4. Left-wing & Right-wing Terrorism – ideological motivations.
  5. Cyber Terrorism – digital attacks on infrastructure.
  6. Bioterrorism – spread of biological agents (hypothetical but dangerous).

Impact of Terrorism

  • Loss of life and property
  • Economic decline, reduced investment
  • Refugee crises
  • Breakdown of law and order
  • International tensions
  • Spread of fear and insecurity

Conclusion:
Terrorism is a global challenge requiring cooperation through intelligence sharing, development policies, and deradicalization programs.

5. Feminist Theory in International Relations (IR)

Feminist theory criticizes traditional IR for being male-dominated and militaristic. It highlights how global politics affects women differently.

Key Arguments of Feminist IR

  1. Gendered Nature of Global Politics
    Traditional IR focuses on war, power, and diplomacy—areas historically dominated by men.

  2. Women as Invisible Actors
    Women’s roles in peacebuilding, migration, and care work are often ignored.

  3. Human Security vs. Military Security
    Feminists argue security should include:

    • Economic safety
    • Health
    • Rights
    • Environmental protection

  4. Impact of War on Women
    Women face displacement, sexual violence, and loss of livelihood in conflict zones.

  5. Need for Women’s Participation
    More women in diplomacy and peace processes lead to durable peace agreements.
    Example: UN Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace & Security.

  6. Intersectionality
    Gender intersects with class, race, and ethnicity—affecting global outcomes.

Conclusion:
Feminist IR broadens global politics by focusing on equality, justice, and human-centered security. It challenges power structures and promotes inclusive policy-making.

6. Diplomacy: Meaning, Types, Functions, and Instruments

Diplomacy is the peaceful management of international relations through negotiation and communication.

Functions of Diplomacy

  1. Negotiation of treaties
  2. Representation of the state abroad
  3. Protecting national interests
  4. Information gathering
  5. Conflict resolution
  6. Strengthening economic and cultural ties
  7. Crisis management

Types of Diplomacy

  1. Bilateral Diplomacy – between two countries.
  2. Multilateral Diplomacy – within organizations like the UN or WTO.
  3. Secret Diplomacy – confidential agreements (common before WWI).
  4. Public Diplomacy – influencing foreign public opinion.
  5. Track II Diplomacy – informal negotiations involving NGOs and academics.
  6. Digital Diplomacy – use of social media and cyber tools.

Instruments of Diplomacy

  • Embassies and ambassadors
  • Summits and conferences
  • Treaties and agreements
  • Diplomatic notes
  • Sanctions
  • Mediation and arbitration

Conclusion:
Diplomacy is essential in maintaining peace and managing global conflicts. It helps states protect interests without resorting to war.

7. Collective Security vs. Balance of Power

Collective Security

A system where all states agree that if one state is attacked, all others will respond collectively (e.g., UN Security Council).

Features:

  • Universal membership
  • Joint action against aggression
  • Preventing war through unity
  • Peacekeeping operations

Weaknesses:
Veto power, political rivalry, lack of military commitment.

Balance of Power

A system where states prevent dominance by maintaining equal power distribution.

Methods:

  • Alliances
  • Armament
  • Divide and rule
  • Buffer states
  • Territorial adjustments

Example: Cold War bipolarity (US vs. USSR).

Conclusion:
Both systems aim to maintain peace—collective security through cooperation and balance of power through equilibrium.

8. Bretton Woods Institutions: IMF, World Bank, WTO

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

  • Maintains monetary stability
  • Provides short-term loans
  • Monitors the global financial system
  • Stabilizes exchange rates

World Bank

  • Provides long-term loans
  • Funds infrastructure, education, and health projects
  • Works to reduce poverty
  • Supports sustainable development

World Trade Organization (WTO)

  • Regulates global trade
  • Ensures free and fair trade
  • Settles trade disputes
  • Reduces tariffs and trade barriers

Conclusion:
These institutions form the backbone of global economic governance and promote financial stability and global trade.

9. NATO: Objectives, Structure, and Post-Cold War Role

Background

Established in 1949 during the Cold War as a collective defense alliance against Soviet expansion.

Objectives

  • Collective security (“attack on one = attack on all”)
  • Counter-terrorism
  • Crisis management
  • Cybersecurity
  • Peacekeeping

Structure

  • North Atlantic Council
  • Military Committee
  • Allied Command Operations

Post-Cold War Role

  • Humanitarian missions
  • Peacekeeping in Afghanistan and Kosovo
  • Partnership with non-member states

Conclusion:
NATO remains the world’s most powerful military alliance, significantly influencing global security.

10. The Cold War: Causes, Phases, and Global Impact

Causes of the Cold War

  • Ideological conflict (capitalism vs. communism)
  • Power vacuum after WWII
  • Arms race and nuclear rivalry
  • Mutual distrust

Phases of the Cold War

  1. 1945–1953: Cold tension, Berlin blockade, NATO creation
  2. 1953–1962: Height of tension – Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis
  3. 1962–1979: Détente – reduced tensions
  4. 1979–1991: New Cold War – Afghan invasion, fall of the USSR

Impact of the Cold War

  • Bipolar world structure
  • Nuclear proliferation
  • Formation of alliances (NATO, Warsaw Pact)
  • Proxy wars (Korea, Vietnam)
  • Collapse of the USSR and rise of US dominance

Conclusion:
The Cold War shaped modern world politics, alliances, and global institutions.

11. League of Nations: Successes and Failures

Successes of the League

  • Settled minor disputes
  • Reduced drug trafficking
  • Improved labor conditions
  • Controlled diseases through the health organization

Failures of the League

  • No armed forces
  • The USA never joined
  • Failed to stop major aggression (Japan 1931, Italy 1935)
  • Weak enforcement power
  • Ultimately failed to prevent WWII

Conclusion:
Although idealistic, the League lacked power and unity. Its failure led directly to the creation of the stronger United Nations.

12. Core IR Theories: Realism, Liberalism, and Marxism

Realism

  • Human nature is selfish
  • States seek power and security
  • The world is anarchic
  • Military capability is crucial
  • Conflict is inevitable

Thinkers: Machiavelli, Hobbes, Morgenthau

Liberalism

  • Cooperation is possible
  • Institutions reduce conflict
  • Democracy and trade promote peace
  • Emphasis on human rights

Thinkers: Kant, Woodrow Wilson

Marxism

  • Politics shaped by economic structures
  • Capitalist countries exploit weaker nations
  • Imperialism is the highest stage of capitalism
  • Class struggle shapes global politics

Thinkers: Karl Marx, Lenin

Conclusion:
These three theories offer different explanations of global politics—focusing on power (Realism), cooperation (Liberalism), and economic structure (Marxism).

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