CSS International Relations (IR) Syllabus — FPSC PDF Download

The CSS IR syllabus carries 200 marks. IR — International Relations falls under Group 1 of the CSS optional subjects — Commerce and Social Sciences — alongside Computer Science, Economics, Political Science, and Accountancy and Auditing in the Central Superior Services examination set by FPSC. It is one of the 45 optional subjects which is chosen by most of the CSS aspirants. The CSS International Relations syllabus covers theories of IR including realism, liberalism, and constructivism, alongside foreign policy analysis, diplomacy, international organizations, global governance, and Pakistan’s foreign relations. The official topic breakdown is published by FPSC. IR is consistently chosen by candidates from political science, law, and public administration backgrounds because of its strong thematic overlap with Pakistan Affairs and Current Affairs compulsory papers.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Paper—1 (Marks-100)

Total Marks (200 MARKS)

I. Introduction

 The Definition and Scope of International Relations.  The Nation-State System  Evolution of International Society

II. Theories and Approaches

 The Classical Approaches-Realism and Idealism  The Scientific Revolution-Behavioral Approach, System Approach,  Neo-realism, Neo-liberalism.  Post-modernism, Critical Theory, Feminism, Constructivism

III. International Political Security.

 Conceptualization of security in the Twenty-First century  Power. Elements of National Power  Balance of Power  Foreign Policy: Determinants, Decision Making and Analysis  Sovereignty  National Interest

IV. Strategic Approach to International Relation.

 War: Causation of War, Total War, Limited War, Asymmetric Warfare, Civil War, Guerilla Warfare  Strategic Culture: Determinants of Pakistani Strategic Culture.  Deterrence: Theory and practice with special reference to India and Pakistan

V. International Political Economy.

 Theories in IPE: Mercantilism, Economic Liberalism, and Neo- Marxism  Theories of Imperialism, Dependence and Interdependence discourse

VI. International political community.

 Nationalism  Internationalism  Globalization

VII. Approaches to Peace

 Diplomacy  International Law  Arms Control /Disarmament and Nuclear Non proliferation Regime

VIII. International Political Institution

 United Nations  International Monetary Fund (IMF)  World Bank  International Court of Justice

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Paper— 2 (Marks-100)

I. International Relation between two Wars

 Russian Revolution, Fascism, League of Nations, Second World War

II. Cold War

 Decolonization in Asia and Africa.  Rise of United States and Soviet Union,  Era of Tight Bipolarity, Détente and Loose Bipolarity, Revival of Cold War

III. Post Cold War

 End of History, Clash of Civilizations, Terrorism, Globalization, Unipolarity (New World Order) and Revival of Multi-Polarity

IV. International and Regional Organizations

 League of Nations, United Nations, Regional Organizations, EU, ASEAN, NAFTA, SAARC, SCO, OIC, ECO, WTO.  Reforms in the United Nations, World Bank and the IMF

V. Foreign Policy of Selected Countries

 USA, Russia, China, UK, India, Pakistan and EU

VI. South Asia

 Peace-making and Peace-Building in South Asia: Analytical overview of peace processes between/among the states of South Asia especially between India and Pakistan.  India and Pakistan: Overview of agreements and accords, Indus Water Treaty; Composite Dialogue; Sir Creek & Siachen border, Visa and People to people contact; Trade; and Role of civil society  Afghanistan: Cold war theatre; Soviet Invasion and Mujahedeen; Geneva Accord; Post Cold War situation—Rise of Taliban, AL-Qeada & 9/11; Operation Enduring Freedom; The Bonn Process- Withdrawal

VII. Weapons of Mass Destruction

 Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons  Nuclear Weapon States- Programs and Postures: Indian-Pakistan Nuclear Doctrines  Nuclear Non –Proliferation Regime: International Atomic Energy Agency, Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty; Nuclear Supplier Group; Partial Test Ban Treaty; Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty; Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty  Challenges of Non-Proliferation, Cooperation for Nuclear Energy  The Missile Defence Systems and their impact on global strategic environment  Militarization and Weaponization of Space.

VIII. Contemporary Issues

 Euro-Atlantic Vs. Asia Pacific: Great Power Policies  Kashmir Issue  Palestine Issue

SUGGESTED READINGS

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Paper— I Frequency Analysis

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Paper II Frequency Analysis

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Paper— I Top 5 Most Repeated Topics

1. The Definition and Scope of International Relations (9 appearances)
2. Foreign Policy: Determinants, Decision Making and Analysis (9 appearances)
3. The Nation-State System (8 appearances)
4. Balance of Power (8 appearances)
5. Neo-realism, Neo-liberalism (7 appearances)

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Paper— II Top 5 Most Repeated Topics

1. Terrorism (12 appearances)
2. Foreign Policy of Selected Countries (Pakistan) (12 appearances)
3. Foreign Policy of Selected Countries (USA) (11 appearances)
4. Afghanistan: Rise of Taliban, 9/11, Withdrawal, etc. (11 appearances)
5. Regional Organizations (EU, ASEAN, NAFTA, SAARC, SCO, OIC, ECO, WTO) (10 appearances)