International Relations (IR) is an important subject in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) or other Group A and Group B services. It is part of the UPSC CSE Mains examination, and candidates need a strong understanding of international politics and diplomacy to excel in this paper.

Here is an overview of the International Relations syllabus for UPSC CSE:

• Basic Concepts: This section covers fundamental concepts in international relations, including sovereignty, state, nation, power, balance of power, diplomacy, and non-alignment.

• Theories of International Relations: Understanding various theoretical perspectives such as Realism, Liberalism, Marxism, Constructivism, and other contemporary IR theories is crucial.

• Key Actors and Institutions: This section focuses on the major actors in international relations, including nation-states, international organizations (UN, WTO, IMF, etc.), non-state actors (NGOs, MNCs, etc.), and regional organizations (ASEAN, EU, etc.).

• International Conflicts and Disputes: Candidates should study various global and regional conflicts, their causes, consequences, and resolution methods. This includes topics like terrorism, nuclear proliferation, ethnic conflicts, and humanitarian crises.

• Global Governance: Understanding global governance mechanisms and issues related to global commons (climate change, oceans, space, etc.) is essential.

• • India’s Foreign Policy: A significant portion of the syllabus is dedicated to India’s foreign policy, including its historical evolution, principles, and contemporary issues. Candidates should also be aware of India’s relations with major countries and regional groupings.

• International Organizations: In addition to the United Nations, candidates should have knowledge of the functioning and significance of other international organizations and groupings such as BRICS, G7, G20, SCO, etc.

• • Bilateral and Regional Relations: Studying India’s relations with neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan, China, and countries in South Asia, is essential. Additionally, knowledge of India’s engagement with regions like the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia is important.

• Foreign Policy of Major Powers: An understanding of the foreign policies of major global powers, such as the USA, China, Russia, and the European Union, is necessary.

• Current Affairs: Candidates should stay updated with recent developments in international relations, as questions in the UPSC Mains exam often touch upon contemporary issues.

To prepare for this subject, candidates should read textbooks on international relations, study current affairs from reputable sources, and practice answer writing to improve their analytical and writing skills. Additionally, candidates can refer to previous year’s question papers to get an idea of the type of questions asked in the UPSC CSE Mains exam for International Relations.