PSIR Paper 2 UPSC 2020 - Question Paper with Solutions 

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SECTION-A

1. Answer the following in about 150 words each:

PSIR 1a Discuss the subject matter of comparative politics. Outline the limitations of comparative political analysis. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks

PSIR 1b Analyze the contribution of liberal democratic principles in the democratization of Indian polity. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks

PSIR 1c Has the increased participation of the underprivileged in the political process of the developing societies strengthened democracy or created political chaos and conflict? Comment. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks

PSIR 1d Critically examine the impact of the process of globalization from the perspective of the countries of the Global South. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks

PSIR 1e What are the core assumptions of idealism as an approach to study International Relations? Explain its continuing relevance in peace building. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks

PSIR 2a Explain the concept of balance of power. What are the various techniques of maintaining balance of power? UPSC 2020, 20 Marks

PSIR 2b Enumerate the challenges in the operation of the principles related to collective security in the UN Charter. UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

PSIR 2c Critically analyze the implications of Sino-American strategic rivalry for the South and South-East Asian region. UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

PSIR 3a Discuss the ways to strengthen the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to enable it to address the challenges faced by the developing countries. UPSC 2020, 20 Marks

PSIR 3b Critically evaluate the role of the United States of America in the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement mechanism and its implications for the future of the WTO. UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

PSIR 3c Explain the significance and importance of the demand raised by the developing countries for a New International Economic Order (NIEO). Are they likely to achieve their objectives of NIEO in foreseeable future? UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

PSIR 4a Discuss the significance and urgency of the UN Security Council reforms. Explain the relevance of the reform proposals made by the UN Secretary- General António Guterres for the developing countries. UPSC 2020, 20 Marks

PSIR 4b Critically analyze the role of ASEAN in the promotion of regional peace and security through economic cooperation and trade. UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

PSIR 4c Examine the role of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other major efforts by the UN to address the global environmental crisis. UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

SECTION-B

5. Answer the following in about 150 words each:

PSIR 5a Describe the structure and function of the National Security Council of India. What role does it play in the formulation of Indian foreign policy? UPSC 2020, 10 Marks

PSIR 5b Outline the reasons of low volume of trade in the SAARC region. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks

PSIR 5c Analyze the impact of hydropolitics on Indo-Bangladesh relations. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks

PSIR 5d Discuss the future prospects of Indo-Nepal relations in the context of the recent publication of new Nepalese map wrongly claiming Indian territory. UPSC 2020, 10 Marks

PSIR 5e How does cross-border terrorism impede the achievements of peace and security in South Asia? UPSC 2020, 10 Marks

PSIR 6a How do the guiding principles of India-Africa relations seek to enhance harmony and mutual cooperation between India and Africa? UPSC 2020, 20 Marks

PSIR 6b What are the notable features of the recently concluded pact or the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) between India and Japan? How is it likely to address the security concerns of India? UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

PSIR 6c Discuss the significance of Indo-US strategic partnership and its implications for India's security and national defence. UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

PSIR 7a Explain the defence and foreign policy options of India to address the challenges emerging out of the current India-China standoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). UPSC 2020, 20 Marks

PSIR 7b Explain the importance of India's claim for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

PSIR 7c Discuss the efficacy of India's 'no first use' policy (nuclear weapons) in the context of the evolving strategic challenges from its neighbours. UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

PSIR 8a "The war in Afghanistan is crucial from the point of view of India's national security. If the Americans withdraw and Jihadis emerge with a sense of triumphalism, India will face increasing onslaught of terrorism." Comment. UPSC 2020, 20 Marks

PSIR 8b Identify the key sectors of cooperation between India and Israel since 2014. Examine their significance in strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries. UPSC 2020, 15 Marks

PSIR 8c Critically examine the role of India in shaping the emerging world order. UPSC 2020, 15 Marks