UGC NET/JRF EXAM, INTERNATIONAL & AREA STUDIES, December-2023 (PAPER-II)

Total Questions: 100

1. The Realist approach to international politics is focused on:

Correct Answer: C. Power politics
Solution:The Realist approach to international politics emphasizes power politics as the central focus. Realists believe that international relations arere governed by the competitive and conflictual nature of humans and the anarchic structure of the international system.

States are primarily concerned with their own survival and operate under the assumption that other states are also pursuing power to ensure their security. This leads to a constant power struggle where military and economic strength are key components.

Options A, B, and D do not align with the Realist perspective, as they emphasize peace, disarmament, and decolonization, which are more characteristic of liberal or constructivist theories.

2. According to Michel Foucault, there is link between:

Correct Answer: C. Power and knowledge
Solution:According to Michel Foucault, there is a profound link between power and knowledge. Foucault argued that power is not only exercised through political and economic means but also through the control and dissemination of knowledge.

Institutions like schools, prisons, and hospitals play a role in shaping what is considered true or false, normal or abnormal. This concept is central to his theory of discourse and how societal norms are established.

Options A, B, and D focus on specific aspects of power or security that do not capture the broader, interdisciplinary approach Foucault is known for.

3. The discipline of International Relations emerged after:

Correct Answer: C. The First World War
Solution:The discipline of International Relations (IR) formally emerged after the First World War. The war highlighted the need to understand and manage international conflicts and led to the establishment of IR as an academic discipline.

The founding of the League of Nations in 1920 was a direct response to World War-I and aimed to promote peace and cooperation among states.

While the Westphalian Treaty (B) laid the groundwork for the modern state system, and World War-II (A) further developed IR studies, it was the aftermath of World War-I that spurred its initial academic formation.

Stalin’s rise (D) influenced Cold War dynamics but was not central to the emergence of IR as a discipline.

4. According to Keohane and Nye International Relations are defined by :

Correct Answer: C. Complex interdependence
Solution:Keohane and Nye’s concept of complex interdependence describes the multiple channels of interaction between states and societies, including economic, social, and environmental connections.

This theory contrasts with traditional realist views by emphasizing that states are interconnected through various non-military means, which can reduce the likelihood of conflict and increase cooperation.

Options A, B, and D do not capture this multi-dimensional nature of international relations as described by Keohane and Nye.

5. The Treaty of Westphalia took place in the year:

Correct Answer: C. 1648
Solution:The Treaty of Westphalia took place in 1648, marking the end of the Thirty Years’ War in Europe and establishing the principles of state sovereignty and non-intervention.

This treaty is often cited as the beginning of the modern international system of states. Options A (1468), B (1660), and D (1948) are incorrect as they do not correspond to the historical event of the Treaty of Westphalia.

6. Which port in Iran is of economic and strategic significance for India?

Correct Answer: C. Chabahar port
Solution:The Chabahar port in Iran is of significant economic and strategic importance for India. It provides India with a critical access point to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.

This port is part of India’s broader strategy to enhance trade and connectivity with these regions and counter China’s influence through the Belt and Road Initiative.

Options A (Hambantota port), B (Djibouti port), and D (Port of Victoria) are strategically important in their contexts but not relevant to India’s strategic interests in the same way as Chabahar port.

7. Which Country joined the SCO as the ninth member?

Correct Answer: B. Iran
Solution:Iran joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as its ninth member. The SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance, which includes China, Russia, and several Central Asian countries. Options A (Iraq), C (Japan), and D (Nepal) are incorrect as they are not members of the SCO.

8. The Second World War would not have happened without :

Correct Answer: B. Rise of Hitler
Solution:The rise of Hitler is a key factor that led to the Second World War. Hitler’s aggressive expansionist policies, militarization, and the ideology of Nazism directly contributed to the outbreak of the war.

Options A (rise of China), C (growing power of Brazil), and D (role of India) are historically inaccurate in this context, as they did not play direct roles in precipitating WWII.

9. Marxist considered the First World War as:

Correct Answer: C. Imperialist war
Solution:Marxists view the First World War as an imperialist war, driven by the competition among capitalist powers for colonies, resources, and markets.

This perspective highlights the economic motivations behind the conflict and criticizes the capitalist system for leading to such large-scale wars.

10. Which of the following is known as 'Alliance of East' ?

Correct Answer: C. SCO
Solution:The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is often referred to as the “Alliance of the East.” It is a political, economic, and security alliance that includes China, Russia, and several Central Asian countries, aiming to promote regional cooperation and stability.

Options A (NAFTA), B (BRICS), and D (QUAD) are significant international groupings but do not have the same regional focus as the SCO in Eurasia.