How this paper is set and answered
From the notes printed under FPSC's own Revised Scheme tables.
- Ratio of MCQs in compulsory papers for CE-2016 will be 20 MCQs in each paper except in the paper of Essay. Similarly there will be 20 MCQs from each optional paper except Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.
Complete International Relations Syllabus
The full official FPSC syllabus, reproduced section by section from the source document.
Paper I — 100 marks
1Introduction
3 points
- The Definition and Scope of International Relations.
- The Nation-State System
- Evolution of International Society
2Theories and Approaches
4 points
- The Classical Approaches-Realism and Idealism
- The Scientific Revolution-Behavioral Approach, System Approach,
- Neo-realism, Neo-liberalism.
- Post-modernism, Critical Theory, Feminism, Constructivism
3International Political Security.
6 points
- 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
4Strategic Approach to International Relation.
3 points
- 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
5International Political Economy.
2 points
- Theories in IPE: Mercantilism, Economic Liberalism, and Neo- Marxism
- Theories of Imperialism, Dependence and Interdependence discourse
6International political community.
3 points
- Nationalism
- Internationalism
- Globalization
7Approaches to Peace
3 points
- Diplomacy
- International Law
- Arms Control /Disarmament and Nuclear Non proliferation Regime
8International Political Institution
4 points
- United Nations
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- World Bank
- International Court of Justice
Paper II — 100 marks
9International Relation between two Wars
1 point
- Russian Revolution, Fascism, League of Nations, Second World War
10Cold War
3 points
- Decolonization in Asia and Africa.
- Rise of United States and Soviet Union,
- Era of Tight Bipolarity, Détente and Loose Bipolarity, Revival of Cold War
11Post Cold War
1 point
- End of History, Clash of Civilizations, Terrorism, Globalization, Unipolarity (New World Order) and Revival of Multi-Polarity
12International and Regional Organizations
2 points
- 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
13Foreign Policy of Selected Countries
1 point
- USA, Russia, China, UK, India, Pakistan and EU
14South Asia
5 points
- 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
15Weapons of Mass Destruction
7 points
- 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.
16Contemporary Issues
3 points
- Euro-Atlantic Vs. Asia Pacific: Great Power Policies
- Kashmir Issue
- Palestine Issue
How to Prepare International Relations for CSS
International Relations (IR) tests a candidate's understanding of global political theories, historical developments, and contemporary issues. Structured into two papers of 100 marks each, it requires both theoretical depth and factual knowledge. A strong script demonstrates analytical prowess by applying IR theories to real-world scenarios, particularly those involving Pakistan and South Asia, and presents arguments with clarity and evidence drawn from the syllabus.
International Relations (IR) is a highly dynamic 200-mark subject. While incredibly popular, scoring well necessitates heavy reliance on current global events and stringent theoretical application rather than just memorizing static history.
1. Master the IR Theories (Paper I): Paper I is purely theoretical. You must master IR paradigms like Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, and Marxism. If a question asks about the Russia-Ukraine war or the Middle East crisis, your answer must analyze it strictly through these theoretical lenses (e.g., structural realism), rather than just stating historical facts.
2. Applying Case Studies (Paper II): Paper II is heavily aligned with Current Affairs. Read international publications like Foreign Affairs, The Diplomat, and The Economist daily. Extract data, changing policy shifts, and geopolitical trends to use as compelling case studies.
3. Conceptual Terminology: Use strong, field-specific terminology. Words like 'hegemonic stability', 'security dilemma', 'balance of power', and 'unipolarity' reflect academic maturity. Make sure every geopolitical argument is backed by a recognized IR theorist's quote.
Paper by paper
This paper is foundational, focusing on theories, concepts, and institutions. Prioritise a deep understanding of 'Theories and Approaches' as they provide the analytical framework for the entire subject. Master concepts like 'Power', 'Balance of Power', 'Foreign Policy', and 'National Interest', and understand the roles of 'United Nations', 'International Monetary Fund', and 'World Bank'. Link theoretical knowledge to practical applications in security and political economy.
Paper II is more historically and regionally focused, building upon the theoretical base of Paper I. Emphasise the evolution of international relations from 'Inter-War' to 'Post Cold War' eras. Pay close attention to 'South Asia', especially 'India and Pakistan' relations and the 'Afghanistan' conflict, as these are frequently tested. Understand the nuances of 'Weapons of Mass Destruction' and 'Contemporary Issues' by applying theoretical lenses from Paper I.
A six-month plan
- 1Phase 1: Foundations and TheoriesWeeks 1-6
Begin with 'Introduction' to grasp the scope of IR and the 'Nation-State System'. Dedicate significant time to 'Theories and Approaches', mastering 'Realism and Idealism', 'Behavioral Approach', 'System Approach', 'Neo-realism', 'Neo-liberalism', 'Post-modernism', 'Critical Theory', 'Feminism', and 'Constructivism'. This theoretical grounding is paramount.
- 2Phase 2: Core Concepts and IPEWeeks 7-12
Move to 'International Political Security', focusing on 'Power', 'Balance of Power', 'Foreign Policy', 'Sovereignty', and 'National Interest'. Explore 'Strategic Approach to International Relation', including 'War' and 'Deterrence' with reference to India and Pakistan. Conclude with 'International Political Economy', understanding 'Mercantilism', 'Economic Liberalism', 'Neo- Marxism', 'Imperialism', 'Dependence', and 'Interdependence discourse'.
- 3Phase 3: Historical Evolution and InstitutionsWeeks 13-18
Cover 'International political community', 'Approaches to Peace' (Diplomacy, International Law, Arms Control), and 'International Political Institution' from Paper I. Transition to Paper II by studying 'International Relation between two Wars', 'Cold War' (Decolonization, Bipolarity, Détente), and 'Post Cold War' (End of History, Clash of Civilizations, Terrorism, Globalization, Unipolarity, Multi-Polarity).
- 4Phase 4: Regional Dynamics and Contemporary IssuesWeeks 19-24
Focus on 'International and Regional Organizations', including 'United Nations' reforms. Study 'Foreign Policy of Selected Countries' (USA, Russia, China, UK, India, Pakistan, EU). Deep dive into 'South Asia', covering India-Pakistan relations and 'Afghanistan'. Conclude with 'Weapons of Mass Destruction' and 'Contemporary Issues' like 'Kashmir Issue' and 'Palestine Issue'.
- 5Phase 5: Revision and PracticeWeeks 25-26
Consolidate all learned material. Practice integrating theories from Paper I with case studies and historical events from Paper II. Focus on essay writing practice, time management, and refining arguments. Regularly review high-yield topics and common mistakes.
Using CSSPrep.AI for International Relations
Only the tools that genuinely support this subject are listed.
Use it to structure comprehensive answers for subjective questions. Input a syllabus topic and let it help build a thesis, outline, introduction, argument paragraphs, and conclusion, ensuring a well-organised response.
Try: Foreign Policy: Determinants, Decision Making and Analysis
Utilise it to break down challenging topics into a structured map. This helps in understanding timelines, cause and effect relationships, key actors, various arguments, and current relevance, making complex concepts more digestible.
Try: Balance of Power
Engage with the diagnostic and adaptive MCQ practice to test your recall of definitions, historical events, and key figures from the syllabus. This is crucial for strengthening your objective component performance.
Submit your written answers to receive objective feedback against the CSS rubric. It provides scores on structure, content, evidence, and language, highlighting areas for improvement specific to your IR answers.
High-yield topics
Each one is traced back to the section of the official syllabus it comes from.
This historical period profoundly shaped the modern international system, leading to significant events like decolonisation, the rise of superpowers, and the development of various international relations theories. Its legacy is still relevant today.
Syllabus section: Cold War
Common mistakes in International Relations answers
- Failing to apply theoretical frameworks from Paper I to the historical events and contemporary issues discussed in Paper II, resulting in descriptive rather than analytical answers.
- Providing generic answers without specific examples, facts, or case studies drawn from the syllabus, especially when discussing foreign policies or regional conflicts.
- Confusing the core tenets and assumptions of different IR theories (e.g., Realism vs. Liberalism, Neo-realism vs. Neo-liberalism), leading to muddled arguments.
- Neglecting to incorporate Pakistan's perspective or specific relevance where appropriate, such as in discussions of strategic culture, deterrence, or South Asian dynamics.
- Presenting a purely historical narrative for topics that require critical analysis of causes, impacts, and future implications, particularly in sections like 'Cold War' or 'Post Cold War'.
- Overlooking the objective component of the paper, which often tests factual recall of definitions, key actors, and historical events directly from the syllabus.
FPSC recommended books
The 26 books FPSC lists for International Relations in the official syllabus.
| Title | Author |
|---|---|
| 1. World Politics: Trend and Transformation, Ninth Edition | Charles W. Kegley JR. and Eugene R Wittkopf |
| 2. Understanding International Relations, Second Edition | Chris Brown |
| 3. Politics Among Nations | Hans j. Morgenthau |
| 4. International Politics: A Framework for Analysis | Holsti, K.J. |
| 5. Contemporary Security and Strategy | Craig A. Snyder (ed.), |
| 6. The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations | John Baylis and Stev Smith,eds |
| 7. Games Nations Play, Seventh Edition | John Spanier |
| 8. Essentials readings in World Politics | Karen Mingst |
| 9. World in Collision: Terror and the Future of Global Order | Ken Booth and Tim Dunne, ed |
| 10. Theory of International Politics | Kenneth N. Waltz |
| 11. Theories of International Relations | Scott Burchill and Andrew Linklater |
| 12. The Cause of Wars | Michael Howard |
| 13. Politics of Nuclear Weapons in south Asia | Bhumitra Chakma, ed |
| 14. The Twenty Year’s Crisis ; 1919-1939:An Introduction to the Study of International Relation | E.H. Carr |
| 15. Bomb Scare: The History and Future of Nuclear Weapons | Joseph Cirincione |
| 16. Arms Control: The New Guide to Negotiations and Agreements | Jozef Goldblat |
| 17. Explaining Foreign Policy | Llyod Jenson |
| 18. The International Politics of Space | Michael Sheehan |
| 19. Foreign Policy Making Process: A Case Study of Pakistan | Moonis Ahmar, ed |
| 20. Planning the Unthinkable How New Powers Will Use Nuclear Biological And Chemical Weapons | Peter R. Lavoy, Scott D. Sagan, and James J. Wirtz |
| 21. Pakistan’s Foreign Policy : An Historical Analysis | S.M. Burke |
| 22. International Relations: Politics and Economy in the 21st Century | William Nester |
| 23. Foreign Policy and Political process | William Wallace |
| 24. Nuclear Risk Reduction Measures and Restraint Regime in South Asia | Zafar Nawaz Jaspal |
| 25. The India- Pakistan Military Standoff; Crisis and Escalation in South Asia (United States | Zachary S. Davis, ed |
| 26. Nuclear Pakistan: Strategic Dimensions | Zulfiqar Khan, ed |
Frequently asked questions
How important are the theories in Paper I for the overall subject?
The theories in Paper I are critically important as they provide the analytical lens through which all other topics in International Relations are understood and evaluated. A strong grasp of these theories is essential for constructing nuanced and well-argued responses in both papers.
Should I memorise all the FPSC recommended books?
It is not necessary to memorise all 26 recommended books. Instead, focus on understanding the core concepts and arguments presented in the syllabus. The books serve as resources for deeper reading and to broaden your perspective on specific topics, rather than for rote memorisation.
How can I effectively link Paper I and Paper II?
To link Paper I and Paper II effectively, consistently apply the theoretical frameworks learned in Paper I (e.g., Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism) to analyse the historical events, regional dynamics, and contemporary issues covered in Paper II. For instance, use theories of power to explain Cold War dynamics or theories of international political economy to discuss the IMF and World Bank.
Is current affairs important for International Relations?
Current affairs are important, but only to illustrate and provide contemporary examples for the specific topics mentioned in the syllabus. Focus on how current events relate to 'Contemporary Issues', 'Foreign Policy of Selected Countries', or 'South Asia', ensuring your analysis remains grounded in the syllabus's theoretical and conceptual framework.
What is the best way to prepare for the 'Foreign Policy of Selected Countries' section?
For this section, first understand the 'Determinants, Decision Making and Analysis' of foreign policy from Paper I. Then, apply this framework to each of the selected countries (USA, Russia, China, UK, India, Pakistan, EU), focusing on their historical context, national interests, and strategic culture as outlined in the syllabus.
How should I approach the 'Weapons of Mass Destruction' section?
Approach this section by understanding the technical aspects of 'Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons' and the 'Nuclear Weapon States- Programs and Postures'. Crucially, focus on the 'Nuclear Non –Proliferation Regime' including its treaties and institutions, and analyse the 'Challenges of Non-Proliferation' and the impact of 'Missile Defence Systems' on global strategy.
Syllabus text reproduced from Revised Syllabi for CSS Competitive Examination, CE-2016 (updated 7 July 2015), pages 96-99. Marks and grouping are from the same document's Revised Scheme tables. Verify against the official PDF before relying on it.