Trend | Action |
---|---|
Concept-heavy & philosophical questions | Deep understanding of thinkers (e.g., Plato vs Marx) |
Analytical linkage to current issues | Apply theories to events (e.g., Hobbes & emergency powers) |
IR papers more dynamic | Update with multilateral events, regional alignments |
UPSC expects articulation & originality | Avoid coaching template answers – be issue-driven |
Theme | Application Strategy |
---|---|
Western Political Thought | Compare: Rawls vs Nozick on Justice, Plato vs Kautilya |
Indian Political Thought | Use GS lens: Gandhi & Ambedkar in social justice debates |
Theories of State | Link to GS2 policies: Liberal vs Marxist vs Feminist State |
Indian Constitution & Politics | Real-life application: FRs vs DPSPs in farm laws, SC verdicts |
Political Ideologies | Use Essay-relevant debates: Conservatism, Environmentalism |
Topic | Enrichment Strategy |
---|---|
Comparative Politics | Highlight evolving democracies, populism, majoritarianism |
IR Theory | Realist-Liberal-Constructivist lenses on India-China, UN reforms |
India & World | Link to G20, QUAD, Global South, Energy Diplomacy |
Global Issues | Data from SIPRI, World Bank, WTO, IMF, UNHCR |
Area | Technique |
---|---|
Short Notes | 100+ thinkers, doctrines, case laws, quotes |
Test Practice | Bi-weekly tests with personalized review |
PYQ Mapping | Thematic analysis – e.g., justice, sovereignty, diplomacy |
GS/Essay Linkage | IR/Polity lens in topics like globalisation, nationalism |
Resource | Purpose |
---|---|
Andrew Heywood Books | Core theory base |
Subrata Mukherjee & Sushila Ramaswamy | Indian & Western Thought |
IGNOU PSIR Notes | Simplified concepts |
IDSA, ORF, MEA Briefs | IR enrichment |
The Hindu, Indian Express Editorials | Daily updates & current relevance |
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