International Relations and International Organisations
What the exam tests
Expect questions on the nature of international relations, national interest, diplomacy, the UN and its organs, and regional organisations such as SAARC and BRICS.
Core rules and concepts
- International relations studies interactions among states and non-state actors; realism stresses power and national interest, idealism stresses cooperation and law.
- Instruments: diplomacy, treaties, alliances, sanctions, foreign aid and war.
- United Nations: founded in 1945; principal organs include the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, International Court of Justice, Secretariat and Trusteeship Council.
- Security Council: five permanent members with a veto; ten non-permanent members elected for two years.
- Regional bodies: SAARC (1985, Dhaka), BRICS, NAM (1961, Belgrade), WTO, IMF, World Bank and the Commonwealth.
Worked example
'India demands a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.' Reason: India argues that the Council reflects 1945 power, not contemporary realities; it cites population, contributions to peacekeeping and democratic credentials. But expansion requires amendment of the UN Charter, including ratification by two-thirds of members and all permanent members - so a veto holder can block it. The reasoning must show both claim and procedure.
Traps
Do not confuse the International Court of Justice with the International Criminal Court; the ICC is separate from the UN. Do not say the General Assembly's resolutions are legally binding on states. Do not treat SAARC as a security alliance. Do not say the veto is available to all Council members.