BPSC-134 SOLVED IGNOU ASSIGNMENT 2025

BPSC-134: INTRODUCTION OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. Critically examine the different forms of regionalism in world politics.

Regionalism in world politics refers to the process through which countries within a specific geographical area or region engage in closer political, economic, and social cooperation. Over the years, regionalism has evolved and manifested in various forms, each with unique characteristics and goals. Broadly, regionalism can be categorized into two types: formal and informal. Formal regionalism refers to institutionalized cooperation between states, often resulting in the creation of international organizations or agreements. Informal regionalism refers to less structured cooperation without formal institutional frameworks.

The first and most common form of regionalism is economic regionalism, which includes the creation of regional trade agreements and economic blocs. Examples of such agreements include the European Union (EU), the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Economic regionalism seeks to promote trade liberalization, economic integration, and regional development. By reducing trade barriers, fostering economic cooperation, and ensuring a more efficient allocation of resources within a region, these agreements aim to enhance the economic strength of the participating countries. While economic regionalism has yielded tangible benefits, such as improved trade relations, it also raises concerns about its impact on global trade, as it can create trade diversion and discriminate against non-member states.

Another form is political regionalism, where countries within a region work together to address shared political, security, or social concerns. Political regionalism often emerges in response to external or internal challenges, such as security threats, civil conflicts, or geopolitical shifts. The African Union (AU) and the Arab League are prominent examples of political regionalism, wherein member states collaborate on issues related to peacekeeping, conflict resolution, and human rights. While political regionalism strengthens the regional security framework, it can be hindered by intra-regional rivalries, differing political ideologies, and the lack of effective enforcement mechanisms.

Security regionalism focuses on creating collective defense mechanisms or security arrangements to address regional security threats. NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is a prime example, where member states have committed to mutual defense in case of an armed attack. The goal of security regionalism is to provide a platform for countries to collaborate on military and strategic matters. While regional security arrangements promote stability and reduce the likelihood of conflict, challenges such as varying levels of commitment, differing national interests, and external interventions may undermine the effectiveness of such security frameworks.

In contrast, cultural and social regionalism emphasizes the promotion of shared cultural and social values among neighboring countries. Regionalism in this form can foster cooperation in areas such as education, health, and tourism. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is an example of a regional organization focusing on cultural exchange and socio-economic development, even though it faces challenges due to political tensions between member states.

However, regionalism also faces significant challenges. One key criticism is that regionalism can exacerbate inequalities between member states, particularly when there is a power imbalance. Larger, more powerful states may dominate the decision-making processes, leaving smaller states marginalized. Furthermore, regionalism can lead to the fragmentation of global governance, where regional blocs prioritize their interests over multilateral cooperation. The rise of protectionist tendencies, as seen in the Brexit decision, also highlights the potential for regionalism to sow divisions and hinder global cooperation.

In conclusion, while regionalism has become an essential aspect of world politics, its forms and impacts are multifaceted. It can lead to economic, political, and security cooperation but also poses challenges in terms of inclusivity, global integration, and the effective resolution of cross-border issues.

2. Explain the liberal approach to the study of international relations.

The liberal approach to international relations (IR) is one of the primary theoretical perspectives that seeks to explain the behavior of states and non-state actors in the international system. Rooted in ideals of individual freedom, democracy, and cooperation, liberalism emphasizes the potential for human progress and cooperation in the international arena, challenging the realist view that international relations are defined by power struggles and competition for security. The liberal approach is marked by an optimistic belief in the possibility of international cooperation, the rule of law, and the promotion of shared norms and values.

At the heart of the liberal approach is the belief in the potential for cooperation among states. Unlike realists, who view international relations as a zero-sum game where one state’s gain is another’s loss, liberals argue that cooperation can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes. The liberal perspective is influenced by the idea of absolute gains rather than relative gains, meaning that states and other actors can benefit from cooperation without necessarily worrying about the advantages or disadvantages it may give to others. Through diplomacy, international organizations, and treaties, liberalism argues that states can work together to address global challenges such as trade, climate change, and security threats.

One key aspect of the liberal approach is its emphasis on international institutions and organizations. Liberals believe that international organizations, such as the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), play a crucial role in facilitating cooperation between states. These institutions provide platforms for negotiation, dispute resolution, and the establishment of international norms and rules. Through these bodies, states can promote peace, manage conflicts, and foster economic interdependence. The liberal perspective argues that such institutions help to mitigate the anarchy of the international system, reducing the likelihood of conflict by promoting communication, transparency, and predictability.

Another foundational concept in liberalism is the idea of democratic peace theory. This theory posits that democracies are less likely to go to war with one another compared to authoritarian regimes. The reasoning behind this theory is that democracies share common values such as respect for individual rights and the rule of law, which makes them more inclined to resolve disputes peacefully and diplomatically. Moreover, democratic leaders are held accountable by their citizens and are less likely to engage in wars that could result in significant human costs. This idea has been supported by historical evidence showing that democratic states rarely engage in armed conflict with other democracies.

Economic liberalism is another key strand of the liberal approach, which advocates for free trade and economic interdependence as pathways to peace and prosperity. Liberals believe that economic ties between states reduce the likelihood of conflict, as states that are economically interdependent have more to lose from war. Economic liberalism is closely associated with the concept of globalization, which encourages the free movement of goods, services, and capital across borders, fostering a more integrated global economy.

Furthermore, liberals argue that human rights and international law play a vital role in promoting global peace and stability. Liberal theorists advocate for the protection of human rights as a central goal of international relations. They argue that international norms and legal frameworks can help promote justice, democracy, and peace by holding states accountable for their actions and ensuring the protection of individuals from state abuses.

Despite its optimistic outlook, the liberal approach to international relations has been criticized. Critics argue that liberalism tends to overlook power dynamics and the inequalities between states. While liberalism emphasizes cooperation, critics point out that unequal distribution of power can undermine the effectiveness of international institutions and the fair application of international law. Furthermore, the rise of nationalism and protectionism in recent years has challenged the liberal assumption that states will always act in the interest of cooperation and peace.

In conclusion, the liberal approach to international relations provides a framework for understanding international politics based on the potential for cooperation, the importance of international institutions, and the promotion of democratic values and human rights. While it presents a more optimistic vision of world politics, its assumptions about human nature, the role of institutions, and the impact of globalization have been subject to criticism, particularly in light of recent global challenges. Nonetheless, liberalism remains a central theory in the study of international relations, influencing diplomatic practice and policy-making in many parts of the world.

Answer the following questions in about 250 words each.

1. Discuss the role of the nation –state in the era of globalisation. 10
2. Explain the significant tenants of realism. 10
3. Discuss the reforms of UNSC in the 21st centaury.

1. Discuss the role of the nation-state in the era of globalization.

In the era of globalization, the role of the nation-state is evolving but remains central in shaping global affairs. Globalization refers to the interconnectedness of countries through trade, communication, technology, and cultural exchange. As borders become more permeable, the power of the nation-state has been challenged, yet it still plays a crucial role in determining the scope and direction of global interactions.

Firstly, globalization has led to increased interdependence between nations, reducing the autonomy of individual states in certain domains. For example, economic decisions such as trade agreements, monetary policies, and labor markets are often shaped by global forces beyond the control of individual states. International organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO) and regional economic agreements exert influence over domestic policies.

However, the nation-state retains significant power, especially in political, cultural, and security matters. States remain the primary actors in enforcing laws, protecting sovereignty, and maintaining order within their territories. National governments are essential in managing domestic issues such as healthcare, education, and welfare, which directly impact citizens’ lives. Moreover, in the face of global challenges like climate change, terrorism, or pandemics, nation-states continue to play a leadership role in forming policies and negotiating international cooperation.

While globalization has led to a more interconnected world, nation-states are adapting by balancing global integration with the protection of their sovereignty and national interests. Thus, rather than being replaced, the role of the nation-state is being redefined in the context of an increasingly globalized world.

2. Explain the significant tenets of realism.

Realism is one of the dominant theories in international relations, emphasizing the role of power and the inherently anarchic nature of the international system. The main tenets of realism include:

1. Anarchy: Realists argue that the international system is anarchic, meaning there is no overarching authority to govern states’ actions. In this condition, there is a lack of global government or a higher power that can enforce laws, making international relations inherently unstable.
2. State-Centrism: According to realism, states are the principal actors in international relations, and their primary concern is survival. States act based on their national interest, which is largely defined by the need for power, security, and the protection of sovereignty. Realists view states as rational entities that calculate risks and benefits to maximize their advantages.
3. Power and Security: Realism emphasizes the importance of military and economic power in international politics. States are constantly in competition for power and security, and they may engage in alliances or conflict to maintain or enhance their position in the global hierarchy. The pursuit of power is seen as the driving force behind state behavior.
4. Human Nature: Realists often believe that the nature of humans, driven by a desire for dominance and survival, is reflected in state behavior. This assumption underpins the idea that states will act in a self-interested manner, often leading to conflict.
5. The Balance of Power: Realists argue that peace is maintained through a balance of power, where no state is dominant enough to impose its will on others. When power is concentrated in one or a few states, instability and conflict are more likely to occur.

Realism provides a pessimistic view of international relations, suggesting that competition, conflict, and power struggles are inevitable due to the structural anarchy of the international system.

3. Discuss the reforms of UNSC in the 21st century.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is the primary international body responsible for maintaining peace and security. However, over the years, it has faced growing calls for reform due to its perceived inefficiency, lack of representativeness, and failure to address contemporary global challenges. Several significant reforms have been proposed to adapt the UNSC to the realities of the 21st century:

1. Expansion of Membership: One of the main criticisms of the UNSC is its composition. The five permanent members (P5) – the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China – hold veto power, which gives them disproportionate influence over decisions. This structure reflects the post-World War II power dynamics but does not represent the current geopolitical landscape. Proposals to reform the UNSC have called for the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent seats to include emerging powers such as India, Brazil, and Germany, as well as African nations, which are underrepresented.
2. Veto Power Reform: The P5’s veto power has been a major point of contention, as it allows any of them to block resolutions, often leading to gridlock on important issues. Reforms have been suggested to limit or modify the veto power, either by introducing qualified majorities or removing the veto in certain circumstances, such as cases involving mass atrocities or human rights violations.
3. Improved Transparency and Accountability: There have been calls for the UNSC to operate more transparently and with greater accountability to the international community. Critics argue that the decision-making process is often opaque, and the lack of a clear mechanism for holding the council accountable undermines its legitimacy.
4. Increased Focus on Emerging Threats: As the nature of global security challenges evolves, the UNSC is increasingly urged to focus on emerging threats such as cyber warfare, climate change, and pandemics. Some reforms advocate for greater flexibility and responsiveness to these non-traditional security concerns.
5. Regional Representation: Another suggested reform is to enhance regional representation in the UNSC decision-making process. This could involve greater collaboration between the UNSC and regional organizations, allowing for a more inclusive and regionally representative approach to peace and security.

Despite these calls for reform, achieving consensus among UNSC members, particularly the P5, has been difficult. The structural and political interests that underpin the current system make significant reform challenging, but the continued pressure for change reflects the need for a more democratic, responsive, and effective Security Council in the 21st century.

Answer the following questions in about 100 words each.

1. Bipolar System 6
2. European Union 6
3. The Trusteeship Council 6
4. Balance of Power 6
5. Multilateralism

1. Bipolar System:
   A bipolar system refers to a global order dominated by two major powers or blocs, typically competing for influence and control. The Cold War era (1947-1991) is a prime example, with the United States and the Soviet Union as the two dominant superpowers. In this system, the world was largely divided into two opposing alliances, each led by one of the superpowers, influencing global politics, economics, and military strategies. Bipolarity tends to create clear divisions, but it can also lead to stability, as both superpowers maintain a balance of power to avoid direct conflict.
2. European Union (EU):
   The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 European countries aimed at fostering economic integration, political cooperation, and peace. Founded in the aftermath of World War II, the EU promotes free trade, shared laws, and a common market, while allowing free movement of people, goods, services, and capital among member states. It has also developed foreign policy coordination and regional security mechanisms. Despite challenges such as Brexit, the EU continues to play a significant role in global diplomacy, trade, and governance, working towards a unified Europe both politically and economically.
3. The Trusteeship Council:
   The Trusteeship Council was one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, created to oversee the administration of trust territories and ensure that their inhabitants were prepared for self-government. Established by the UN Charter in 1945, the council helped guide former colonies toward independence. However, as most trust territories gained independence by the mid-20th century, the Trusteeship Council ceased its activities, and it has effectively been inactive since 1994. Its formal purpose has diminished, reflecting the decolonization process and the shift in global governance priorities.
4. Balance of Power:
   The balance of power refers to a situation in international relations where no single state or coalition is powerful enough to dominate others, thus preventing any one power from becoming overly influential. This concept is essential for maintaining stability, as countries tend to form alliances and counterbalance stronger states to prevent dominance. Historically, the balance of power theory has shaped diplomatic strategies and the formation of alliances, particularly in Europe, to avoid hegemonic control and reduce the likelihood of war through mutual deterrence.
5. Multilateralism:
   Multilateralism is a diplomatic approach where multiple countries work together to address global challenges, often through international institutions like the United Nations, World Trade Organization, or regional organizations. It contrasts with unilateralism (acting alone) and bilateralism (working with one other country). Multilateralism promotes collective decision-making, cooperation on issues like trade, climate change, security, and human rights, and helps establish common norms and rules. It is seen as crucial for addressing complex global problems that no single nation can solve independently.