The International Relations Preparation Foundation of UPSC.

  • Part 1: Introduction to International Relations
  • Part 2: introduction to international politics
  • Part 3: Strategic sources of international politics

What do we mean by International Relations?

International Relations (IR) refer to the study of interactions between states, international organisations, non-governmental organisations and even individuals who influence the international politics. It looks at the ways in which nations co-exists, compete, and even at times go against each other in matters regarding security, trade, environment, and ideology.

IR is not a matter to an aspirant of UPSc–but it is a crucial transitioning point: bridging theory and present events. Available on paper GS Paper 2, the Essays paper, or PSIR as an optional, therech concepts about IR are the foundation of analysis.

Importance of IR in UPSC

GS Paper 2- some of the questions are always concerned with the relationship that India has with its neighbours, international organization and issues at hand around the world.

GS Paper 3– IR is associated with such issues as cyber security, climate change, and technology transfer.

Essay Paper– IR knowledge is required in many essay topics such as multipolarity, globalisation or the role of India as a global peace maker.

PSIR Optional -The PSIR optional syllabus is almost entirely about international relations and comparative politics.

Interview Stage Duplicated questions can sometimes address India foreign policy, relations, or current crisis e.g. the Russia war with Ukraine.

To the point, IR is the art of donning glasses that help to focus the politics of the world.

Why IR is Crucial for India

India is not merely an observer in international affairs; calls come to make India a power house and consider it one of the powers in takings of some organisations some are BRICS, QUAD and G20 and an applicant to permanent membership into UN Security Council. Knowledge of IR would assist aspirants to understand the strategic issues and opportunities of India in the rapidly changing world.

Scope of IR in UPSC

Stable Part– Theories, foreign policy doctrine, historical events (Cold war, NAM).

Still Harm, Up To Date: India-China border, global terrorism, climate talks.

Integrated Learning– It is answering by tying theory to current developments that results in a high score.

Examples (UPSC Previous Year Gabrielle Shakespearean, 2020):

“In the past twenty years, India has developed the relationship with the USA into the international regional strategic partner. Discuss.”

Motivation for Aspirants

The international Relations can be overwhelming, but when properly prepared, it is one of the most demanding of upsc disciplines. In this case, quality mentorship is relevant. Educational institutions such as 50-CENTS | IAS Institute have been known to make the concepts of IR easy to understand among aspirants. Particularly, Upasana Sarin Ma, recognized as an exceptionally successful scholar in the field of Political Science/International Relations has mentored many of her students to realize the ability of giving exam based answers in a conceptual manner. The very fact that she has stressed the connection between the theory of the state which is still and the current affairs, which are dynamic, is precisely what the UPSC required.

Key Takeaways (Summary Box)
  1. IR concerns the politics of the world, collaboration and war.
  2. Under UPS, IR crosses over with GS, Essay, and Optional papers.
  3. Equally important is the theory and current affairs.
  4. The primary themes include the foreign policy of India and the international role of India.
  5. Expert mentorship, such as that of Upasana Sarin Ma’am (50-CENTS | IAS), can help to save time and refine answer-writing abilities.