Political Science V (International Relations)

Unit 1 — The Study of International Relations

Definition, Nature of Study and Contents of Study · Evolution as an Academic Discipline

• IR as an Academic Discipline: Relevance of the study of IR

Unit 2 — Approaches to the Study of International Relations

Idealism- Liberalism- Neo-liberal Schools · Realism and Neo-Realist Schools · John Rawls’ theory of Global Justice- Law of Peoples

Unit 3 — National Power-Meaning

National Power-Meaning, Definition and Nature · Role- Elements of National Power · Limitations of National Power

• National Power
• Meaning and Definition, Elements and Limitations of National Power

Unit 4 — Problems of War and Peace

Balance of Power · Collective Security · Nuclear Deterrence

Unit 5 — Foreign Policy and Diplomacy

Meaning and Scope of Foreign Policy and Diplomacy · Evolution of Diplomacy and Impact of Diplomacy on Foreign Policy · Role of Multinational Companies and their impact on Foreign Policy and Diplomacy · Determinants of India’s Foreign Policy

• Diplomacy — as an official medium of inter-state communication
• Multinational Company (MNC) (Home State & Host State relations Environmental

Unit 6 — Major Areas of Conflict in International Relations

East-West Relations and the Cold War: Origin, Causes, Stages, Impacts, and End of the Cold War · Breakdown of USSR · North-South Relations

• Global North — South divide (Rich vs. Poor, Stability vs. Progress)

Unit 7 — The Third World and Non-Aligned Movement

The Third World-Common Features, Problems, Role in International Society · Non-Aligned Movement- Contributions, Problems, Relevance

Unit 8 — International Order in the 21st Century.

International Order in the 21st Century

• Polarity in IR - Bi-Polarity (1949–1991), Uni-polarity (1991 — 2001), Multi — polarity (2001- present)