PSIR DeepAnalysis

International Relations Theory

  1. Approaches to the Study of International Relations: Idealist, Realist, Marxist, Functionalist and Systems theory.
  2. Key Concepts in International Relations: National interest, security and power; Balance of power and deterrence; Transational actors and collective security; World capitalist economy and globalisation.
  3. Changing International Political Order:
    (a) Rise of superpowers; Strategic and ideological Bipolarity, arms race and cold war; Nuclear threat;
    (b) Non-aligned movement: Aims and achievements.
    (c) Collapse of the Soviet Union; Unipolarity and American hegemony; Relevance of non-alignment in the contemporary world.
  4. Evolution of the International Economic System: From Bretton woods to WTO; Socialist economies and the CMEA (Council for Mutual Economic Assistance); Third World demand for new international economic order; Globalisation of the world economy.
  5. United Nations: Envisaged role and actual record; Specialized UN agencies—aims and functioning; the need for UN reforms.
  6. Regionalisation of World Politics: EU, ASEAN, APEC, AARC, NAFTA.
  7. Contemporary Global Concerns: Democracy, human rights, environment, gender justice terrorism, nuclear proliferation.