BPSC 134
INTRODUCTION OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
IGNOU BPSC 134 Solved Free Assignment
BPSC 134 Solved Free Assignment July 2024 & January 2025
Assignment – I
Q 1. Critically examine the different forms of regionalism in world politics.
Ans. Regionalism in world politics refers to the process through which countries within a particular geographical region come together to pursue common goals, often based on shared political, economic, cultural, or security interests.
It has been a major feature of international relations, especially since the mid-20th century, and has taken on various forms across different parts of the world.
These forms of regionalism are not uniform; they differ in purpose, intensity, institutional design, and outcomes.
Critically examining the different forms of regionalism helps us understand how nations collaborate or compete within their regions, and how these processes shape global power dynamics.
One of the most prominent forms of regionalism is economic regionalism, which involves the creation of trade blocs or economic communities to enhance economic cooperation among member states.
The European Union (EU) is the most developed example of this, having evolved from a simple coal and steel community to a full-fledged political and economic union with a common currency, open borders, and strong institutions.
Other examples include the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), now replaced by USMCA, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
These organizations aim to reduce trade barriers, harmonize regulations, and increase intra-regional trade.
Economic regionalism is often motivated by the desire to improve competitiveness in the global market, reduce dependency on external powers, and ensure economic stability within the region.
However, critics argue that such regional blocs can also create exclusionary practices, undermining global trade norms and intensifying economic inequality between and within countries.
Another key form is political regionalism, where countries collaborate to promote shared political values such as democracy, human rights, or good governance.
The African Union (AU) is an example of this, as it aims to promote peace, security, and democratic principles across Africa.
Similarly, the Organization of American States (OAS) promotes democracy and political dialogue in the Americas.
Political regionalism often arises from a collective historical experience or a shared desire to reduce the influence of former colonial powers or global superpowers.
Nonetheless, the effectiveness of such regional organizations is often questioned.
Internal conflicts, lack of enforcement mechanisms, and differing political interests can hinder unity and reduce their ability to respond decisively to regional crises.
Security regionalism is another important form, where countries come together to address shared security concerns. This can involve military cooperation, joint defense strategies, or intelligence sharing.
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), although transatlantic in nature, exemplifies a strong security alliance formed during the Cold War to counter the Soviet threat.
In Asia, organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) aim to tackle terrorism, separatism, and extremism through regional collaboration.
While security regionalism can promote stability and reduce the likelihood of inter-state conflict, it may also heighten tensions with non-member states or foster militarization.
Additionally, power imbalances among member countries often limit collective decision-making and make such arrangements dependent on dominant regional powers.
Cultural and identity-based regionalism is another form that arises when states or communities within a region share common linguistic, religious, ethnic, or historical backgrounds.
This form of regionalism often feeds into broader political or economic cooperation.
For example, the Arab League is based on the shared identity of Arabic-speaking nations, while Latin American countries often highlight a shared colonial history and language.
Cultural regionalism can foster solidarity and a sense of unity, but it also runs the risk of exclusion and ethnic nationalism.
In some cases, identity-based regionalism has fueled separatist movements or inter-ethnic conflicts within states, such as in the Balkans or parts of South Asia.
There is also sub-national or micro-regionalism, which refers to the collaboration among sub-national units such as provinces, cities, or border regions.
This form has gained prominence in recent years, especially in Europe and North America, where regions like Catalonia in Spain or Quebec in Canada pursue greater autonomy and cross-border cooperation.
Micro-regionalism focuses more on practical cooperation in areas such as transportation, tourism, environment, and trade, often bypassing the central governments.
While this can empower local communities and enhance regional integration from the bottom up, it can also challenge national sovereignty and lead to political fragmentation.
Critically evaluating these different forms of regionalism reveals that while the idea of regional cooperation is appealing, it is fraught with challenges.
Regionalism can both enhance and limit the sovereignty of states, depending on how it is institutionalized and who dominates the regional agenda.
Stronger countries within regions often shape the agenda, leading to imbalances and the marginalization of smaller members.
Additionally, regionalism may clash with globalization when regional blocs adopt protectionist policies.
Despite these criticisms, regionalism continues to play a vital role in the contemporary world, helping countries manage interdependence, reduce conflict, and promote common interests in a rapidly changing global environment.
Q 2. Explain the liberal approach to the study of international relations.
Ans. The liberal approach to the study of international relations offers an optimistic and progressive perspective on how nations interact with one another.
Unlike the realist school, which focuses heavily on power, conflict, and survival in an anarchic international system, liberalism emphasizes cooperation, mutual interests, and the importance of international institutions, democratic governance, and economic interdependence.
Liberal thinkers believe that the world is not doomed to perpetual conflict and that peace and cooperation are achievable through the right set of conditions and policies.
This approach gained prominence especially after the devastation of the two World Wars, which made scholars and policymakers rethink how global peace could be maintained.
At the heart of liberal internationalism is the idea that human beings are inherently capable of cooperation and rational decision-making.
Liberal thinkers argue that if individuals can coexist peacefully within societies through the rule of law, shared norms, and democratic processes, then states can also find ways to cooperate in the international arena.
Therefore, liberalism strongly promotes the establishment of international laws, treaties, and organizations that facilitate peaceful engagement between nations.
For instance, institutions like the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the International Monetary Fund are seen as mechanisms that can help manage conflicts, promote dialogue, and ensure that global interactions follow agreed-upon rules.
A core belief in liberal theory is that democratic governance plays a crucial role in maintaining peace.
This is known as the “democratic peace theory,” which claims that democracies are less likely to go to war with each other.
The reasoning is that democratic governments, being accountable to their citizens, are less likely to engage in conflicts that risk lives and resources.
Public opinion, free press, and checks and balances within democratic systems serve as constraints on the use of military force.
While critics have pointed out exceptions to this theory, historical patterns show that large-scale wars between democracies are relatively rare, giving some weight to this liberal argument.
Another major element of liberalism is the belief in economic interdependence as a pathway to peace.
Liberals argue that when countries are economically tied together through trade, investment, and globalization, the cost of conflict becomes too high.
When businesses, supply chains, and financial interests span borders, nations are more likely to resolve disputes through diplomacy rather than warfare.
For example, the European Union’s foundation was built on economic cooperation, with the idea that countries trading coal and steel together would be less likely to fight.
Over time, this economic foundation evolved into deeper political integration.
Though economic interdependence does not eliminate all conflict, it creates incentives for peaceful relations and strengthens the case for multilateral engagement.
International institutions also form a central pillar of the liberal approach.
Liberals argue that institutions help to reduce uncertainty, provide platforms for negotiation, enforce norms, and monitor compliance with international agreements.
For instance, the United Nations provides a space for countries to discuss global issues and coordinate responses to crises, while the World Trade Organization establishes rules for global trade.
These institutions, according to liberals, help in building trust and facilitating long-term cooperation.
Even though some institutions face criticism for being ineffective or biased, liberal theorists maintain that reforming them is better than abandoning them, as they serve as essential tools for global governance.
Furthermore, non-state actors such as multinational corporations, non-governmental organizations, and civil society groups are recognized by liberals as significant players in international relations.
These actors influence global agendas, provide humanitarian assistance, and act as bridges between states and societies.
The liberal perspective sees international relations not just as interactions between governments but as a complex web of relationships involving multiple stakeholders.
This broader view allows for a more inclusive and dynamic understanding of global affairs.
Despite its strengths, the liberal approach is not without its criticisms.
Realists argue that liberalism is overly idealistic and ignores the enduring role of power and self-interest in international politics.
They point out that even democratic states engage in wars, violate international laws, and act unilaterally when it suits them.
Moreover, economic interdependence can sometimes lead to conflict, as seen in trade wars or when dependence is weaponized.
Institutions can also become tools of powerful states, losing credibility and legitimacy in the eyes of weaker nations.
These criticisms highlight the limitations of liberalism but do not entirely undermine its value; rather, they point to the need for constant adaptation and awareness of global power dynamics.
Assignment – II
Q 1. Discuss the role of the nation –state in the era of globalisation.
Ans. The nation-state, long considered the primary actor in international politics, faces both challenges and transformations in the era of globalisation.
Traditionally, a nation-state is a political entity characterized by defined territorial boundaries, a permanent population, a sovereign government, and a shared sense of identity among its people.
However, the accelerating pace of globalisation—marked by increased interconnectedness through trade, technology, migration, and the flow of information—has significantly altered the role and influence of nation-states.
While some argue that globalisation has weakened the sovereignty of nation-states, others suggest that it has merely reshaped their responsibilities and created new arenas for engagement.
One of the key ways globalisation impacts the nation-state is by shifting economic power.
In a globalised economy, decisions affecting domestic industries and employment are increasingly influenced by multinational corporations, international trade agreements, and global financial markets.
This reduces the ability of national governments to control their own economies through traditional means such as tariffs, subsidies, or currency regulation.
As capital moves freely across borders, countries must compete to attract investment, often by adopting similar economic policies, which can limit national policy choices.
Yet, despite these pressures, the nation-state still plays a central role in regulating markets, collecting taxes, and implementing social welfare policies to address the inequalities and disruptions caused by globalisation.
Culturally and socially, globalisation has introduced a mix of integration and resistance.
On one hand, people are exposed to diverse ideas, lifestyles, and technologies, which can enrich societies and promote tolerance.
On the other hand, the rapid spread of global culture—especially Western media and consumerism—can lead to cultural homogenization, causing fear of losing local traditions, languages, and values.
In response, nation-states often act as guardians of national identity.
They promote cultural heritage, regulate immigration, and establish education policies that reflect national values.
In this sense, globalisation has intensified the importance of the nation-state as a protector of cultural uniqueness.
In the realm of politics, the influence of international institutions like the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and International Monetary Fund, as well as regional bodies like the European Union, has grown significantly.
These organizations shape global norms and sometimes limit national autonomy. However, nation-states are still the ones negotiating within these forums.
They represent their citizens, make treaties, and enforce international agreements at the domestic level.
Therefore, while global governance is expanding, it still relies heavily on the cooperation and authority of sovereign states.
Moreover, challenges such as climate change, pandemics, cybercrime, and terrorism highlight the ongoing necessity of the nation-state.
These are global problems requiring international cooperation, but the actual implementation of solutions happens largely through national governments.
They provide the legal framework, security forces, and public health systems needed to address such crises.
The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, showed how crucial national leadership remains in managing emergencies, even as the world watched and learned from each other’s experiences.
Q 2. Explain the significant tenants of realism.
Ans. Realism is one of the most influential theories in the study of international relations.
It provides a pragmatic and often pessimistic view of how states behave in the international system.
Emerging prominently after the Second World War, realism is grounded in the belief that the international arena is anarchic, meaning there is no central authority above states.
As a result, every state must look after its own interests and survival.
The significant tenets of realism revolve around power, security, national interest, and the assumption that human nature is inherently self-interested.
One of the central tenets of realism is the idea that states are the primary and most important actors in international politics.
Realists argue that although international organizations, non-governmental actors, and multinational corporations exist, they operate only through the permission and will of sovereign states.
States are considered unitary actors, meaning they act as single entities pursuing their national interests, regardless of internal political divisions.
This perspective simplifies the international system and allows realists to focus on the behavior of states in relation to one another.
Another fundamental belief in realism is that the international system is anarchic.
Unlike domestic politics, where there are governments and legal systems to enforce rules and resolve disputes, the global arena lacks a central authority.
This creates a self-help system where each state must rely on itself to ensure its security.
This condition of anarchy leads to a constant state of uncertainty and mistrust among nations.
As a result, states often assume the worst about others’ intentions, leading to arms races and conflict even when no state desires war.
Closely connected to anarchy is the realist emphasis on power and security.
Realists argue that power—especially military power—is the most important tool a state has to protect itself and achieve its goals.
The more power a state possesses, the more secure it becomes. This focus on power explains why states invest heavily in defense and often engage in strategic alliances or rivalries.
According to realism, the balance of power between nations helps prevent any one state from dominating others, which in turn maintains peace. When the balance of power is disturbed, war becomes more likely.
Realism also highlights the idea of national interest as the primary guide for a state’s foreign policy.
This means that states act not based on ideals, morality, or international norms, but based on what benefits them most.
Realists believe that moral considerations often take a backseat to the strategic and practical needs of the state.
This perspective helps explain why states sometimes make alliances with questionable regimes or pursue policies that contradict their stated values.
Furthermore, human nature is viewed by many classical realists as inherently self-interested and power-seeking.
Thinkers like Thomas Hobbes and Hans Morgenthau argued that just as individuals in a state of nature compete for survival, so do states in the international system.
This darker view of human nature underpins the realist belief that conflict is natural and inevitable in world politics.
Q 3. Discuss the reforms of UNSC in the 21st centaury.
Ans. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), established in 1945, is one of the most powerful organs of the United Nations, responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
However, as the world has evolved, the structure and functioning of the UNSC have been increasingly criticized for being outdated and unrepresentative of contemporary global realities.
The need for reform has become a significant topic in the 21st century, as emerging powers, developing nations, and global civil society have begun to demand a more democratic, transparent, and effective Security Council.
One of the central issues raised in discussions about UNSC reform is its membership structure.
The Council currently has 15 members—five permanent members (P5) with veto power: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China—and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
This structure reflects the power dynamics of the post-World War II era, not the modern geopolitical landscape.
Countries like India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan—collectively known as the G4—have been pushing for permanent membership, arguing that their economic strength, population, contributions to the UN, and regional influence make them deserving candidates.
African countries have also demanded greater representation, highlighting that the continent, despite being heavily impacted by the Council’s decisions, has no permanent seat.
The veto power held by the five permanent members is another major point of contention.
Critics argue that the veto often paralyzes the Council, especially during conflicts involving one of the P5 or their allies.
For instance, repeated use of the veto in matters concerning Syria or Ukraine has led to inaction, frustrating the global community.
There have been calls to restrict the use of veto in cases involving mass atrocities or to require more than one permanent member to use the veto to block a resolution.
While some reform proposals have suggested abolishing the veto altogether, such a change would require the agreement of the very powers that benefit from it, making this a difficult goal to achieve.
The 21st century has also witnessed increasing demands for transparency and accountability within the UNSC.
Civil society organizations and smaller nations have pushed for more open debates, better communication of decisions, and a stronger role for the General Assembly in peace and security matters.
There is a growing belief that the UNSC must act not just as a political club of powerful nations but as a truly representative body that reflects the collective will of the international community.
Despite widespread consensus on the need for reform, progress has been slow due to conflicting national interests and the procedural challenges involved in amending the UN Charter.
Reform requires the approval of two-thirds of the General Assembly, including all five permanent members of the Council—a tall order considering the reluctance of the P5 to dilute their power.
Assignment – III
Q 1. Bipolar System
Ans. The bipolar system refers to an international power structure where two superpowers dominate global affairs.
This system was most evident during the Cold War era, with the United States and the Soviet Union emerging as the two poles.
Both powers had their own military alliances, economic blocs, and ideological camps—capitalism versus communism.
The bipolar system shaped international relations through intense rivalry, arms races, and proxy wars, while also maintaining a form of global stability through the balance of fear, especially with nuclear deterrence.
Though the Cold War ended in 1991, the bipolar structure remains a significant concept in understanding global power dynamics.
Q 2. European Union
Ans. The European Union (EU) is a unique political and economic union of 27 European countries committed to regional integration.
Formed after World War II to promote peace and cooperation, the EU has developed a single market, a shared currency (the euro), and policies on trade, environment, and human rights.
It represents a model of supranational governance, where member states voluntarily share sovereignty for mutual benefit.
The EU plays an influential role in global affairs, advocating for multilateralism, sustainable development, and democratic values.
Q 3. The Trusteeship Council
Ans. The Trusteeship Council was one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, established to oversee the administration of trust territories and ensure their transition to self-governance or independence.
With the successful decolonization of most territories, the Council suspended its operations in 1994.
Although inactive, it remains formally in existence and symbolizes the UN’s historical role in promoting self-determination and international accountability.
Q 4. Balance of Power
Ans. The balance of power is a concept in international relations where power is distributed among states or alliances to prevent any one from becoming too dominant.
The idea is that when power is balanced, peace is more likely because no single actor can impose its will without facing resistance.
Historically, European politics during the 18th and 19th centuries were heavily influenced by this principle.
In modern times, it still informs strategic alliances and defense policies, as states seek to counterbalance rivals to maintain regional or global stability.
Q 5. Multilateralism
Ans. Multilateralism refers to a cooperative approach in international relations where multiple countries work together to address common challenges and promote shared goals.
This is typically done through international institutions and agreements, such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and climate accords.
Unlike unilateral or bilateral actions, multilateralism emphasizes dialogue, mutual respect, and collective decision-making.
It is especially important in today’s interconnected world, where global issues like climate change, pandemics, and terrorism require broad cooperation.
Multilateralism promotes a rules-based international order and seeks to ensure that even smaller nations have a voice in shaping global policies.
IGNOU BPSC 133 Solved Free Assignment