Road Maps

International Relations

200 marks · 2 papers · 180 minutes per paper

0%Complete

Preparation duration is an estimate and may vary according to your academic background, available study time and familiarity with the subject.

Stage 1Orientation

Understand the official syllabus, paper structure, marks and preparation resources.

Read and annotate the official FPSC syllabusReview every paper, section, marks allocation and official instruction before beginning preparation.

Set up subject resourcesCreate folders or notebooks for syllabus notes, practice, past papers and revision material.

Review the paper formatUnderstand the number of papers, marks, duration and relevant language or MCQ rules.

Stage 2Foundation

Build the concepts, terminology and prerequisite knowledge needed for the subject.

Build a subject glossaryList and define the core terminology needed across the syllabus.

Map prerequisite conceptsIdentify foundational concepts and arrange them before advanced topics.

Stage 3Official Syllabus Coverage

Cover every official FPSC topic in a practical sequence.

Cover: Subject overviewStudy the official syllabus content, prepare notes, identify likely examination angles and mark weak areas. Official scope: Paper—1 (Marks-100)

Cover: IntroductionStudy the official syllabus content, prepare notes, identify likely examination angles and mark weak areas. Official scope: Introduction

Cover: Theories and ApproachesStudy the official syllabus content, prepare notes, identify likely examination angles and mark weak areas. Official scope: Theories and Approaches

Cover: International Political Security.Study the official syllabus content, prepare notes, identify likely examination angles and mark weak areas. Official scope: International Political Security.

Cover: Strategic Approach to International Relation.Study the official syllabus content, prepare notes, identify likely examination angles and mark weak areas. Official scope: Strategic Approach to International Relation.

Cover: International Political Economy.Study the official syllabus content, prepare notes, identify likely examination angles and mark weak areas. Official scope: International Political Economy.

Cover: International political community.Study the official syllabus content, prepare notes, identify likely examination angles and mark weak areas. Official scope: International political community.

Cover: Approaches to PeaceStudy the official syllabus content, prepare notes, identify likely examination angles and mark weak areas. Official scope: Approaches to Peace

Cover: International Political InstitutionStudy the official syllabus content, prepare notes, identify likely examination angles and mark weak areas. Official scope: International Political Institution

Cover: International Relation between two WarsStudy the official syllabus content, prepare notes, identify likely examination angles and mark weak areas. Official scope: International Relation between two Wars

Cover: Cold WarStudy the official syllabus content, prepare notes, identify likely examination angles and mark weak areas. Official scope: Cold War

Cover: Post Cold WarStudy the official syllabus content, prepare notes, identify likely examination angles and mark weak areas. Official scope: Post Cold War

Cover: International and Regional OrganizationsStudy the official syllabus content, prepare notes, identify likely examination angles and mark weak areas. Official scope: International and Regional Organizations

Cover: Foreign Policy of Selected CountriesStudy the official syllabus content, prepare notes, identify likely examination angles and mark weak areas. Official scope: Foreign Policy of Selected Countries

Cover: South AsiaStudy the official syllabus content, prepare notes, identify likely examination angles and mark weak areas. Official scope: South Asia

Cover: Weapons of Mass DestructionStudy the official syllabus content, prepare notes, identify likely examination angles and mark weak areas. Official scope: Weapons of Mass Destruction

Cover: Contemporary IssuesStudy the official syllabus content, prepare notes, identify likely examination angles and mark weak areas. Official scope: Contemporary Issues

Stage 4Consolidation

Prepare short notes, comparisons, evidence, diagrams, facts, formulas or timelines.

Prepare concise revision notesCompress covered material into quick revision notes without removing required syllabus coverage.

Create connections and comparison materialUse tables, diagrams, timelines, formulas, maps or concept links where suitable for this subject.

Stage 5Exam Application

Apply knowledge through the paper-specific practice format.

Prepare analytical outlines using causes, consequences and comparisonsComplete this task under exam-oriented conditions and record areas that need revision.

Build an evidence bank of thinkers, examples, quotations, maps or timelinesComplete this task under exam-oriented conditions and record areas that need revision.

Write three timed critical-analysis answersComplete this task under exam-oriented conditions and record areas that need revision.

Stage 6Past Papers

Attempt topic-wise and full-length past-paper practice.

Classify past-paper questions by syllabus topicUse validated official past papers and link each question to the relevant syllabus topic.

Attempt a timed past paperAttempt a complete paper or equivalent question set within the official time limit.

Stage 7Revision and Mock Examination

Complete layered revision, weak-area review and a timed mock paper.

Complete first revisionReview all notes and update topics marked Needs Revision.

Complete second revisionFocus on recall, structure, evidence, formulas or language accuracy.

Attempt final mock examinationComplete a timed mock and evaluate coverage, accuracy, structure and time management.

Paper 1 · 100 marks

Subject overview

Paper—1 (Marks-100)

The Definition and Scope of International Relations.

The Classical Approaches-Realism and Idealism

Conceptualization of security in the Twenty-First century

War: Causation of War, Total War, Limited War, Asymmetric Warfare , Civil War, Guerilla Warfare

Theories in IPE: Mercantilism, Economic Liberalism, and Neo- Marxism

Nationalism

Diplomacy

United Nations

Introduction

The Nation-State System

The Scientific Revolution-Behavioral Approach, System Approach,

Power. Elements of National Power

Strategic Culture: Determinants of Pakistani Strategic Culture.

Theories of Imperialism, Dependence and Interdependence discourse

Internationalism

International Law

International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Evolution of International Society

Theories and Approaches

Neo-realism, Neo-liberalism.

Balance of Power

Deterrence: Theory and practice with special reference to India and Pakistan

Globalization

Arms Control /Disarmament and Nuclear Non proliferation Regime

World Bank

Post-modernism, Critical Theory, Feminism, Constructivism

International Political Security.

Foreign Policy: Determinants, Decision Making and Analysis

International Court of Justice

Sovereignty

Strategic Approach to International Relation.

National Interest

International Political Economy.

International political community.

Approaches to Peace

International Political Institution

Paper 2 · 100 marks

International Relation between two Wars

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

Decolonization in Asia and Africa.

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

League of Nation s, United Nations, Regional Organizat ions, EU, ASEAN, NAFTA, SAARC, SCO, OIC, ECO, WTO.

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

Peace-making and Peace -Building in South Asia: Analytic al overview of peac e processes between/among the states of South Asia especially between India and Pakistan.

Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

Euro-Atlantic Vs. Asia Pacific: Great Power Policies

Cold War

Rise of United States and Soviet Union,

Reforms in the United Nations, World Bank and the IMF

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

Nuclear Weapon States - Programs and Postures: Indian -Pakistan Nuclear Doctrines

Kashmir Issue

Era of Tight Bipolarity, Détente and Loose Bipolarity, Revival of Cold War

Post Cold War

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

Nuclear Non –Proliferation Regime: International Atomic Energy Agency, Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty; Nuclear Supplier Group; Partial Test Ban T reaty; Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty; Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty

Nuclear Non –Proliferation Regime: International Atomic Energy Agency, Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty; Nuclear Supplier Group; Partial Test Ban T reaty; Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty; Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty

Palestine Issue

International and Regional Organizations

Challenges of Non-Proliferation, Cooperation for Nuclear Energy

Foreign Policy of Selected Countries

The Missile Defence Systems and their impact on global strategic environment

South Asia

Militarization and Weaponization of Space.

Weapons of Mass Destruction

Contemporary Issues

Suggested ReadingsWorld Politics: Trend and Transformation, Ninth Edition Charles W. Kegley JR. and Eugene R Wittkopf
Suggested ReadingsUnderstanding International Relations, Second Edition Chris Brown
Suggested ReadingsPolitics Among Nations Hans j. Morgenthau
Suggested ReadingsInternational Politics: A Framework for Analysis Holsti, K.J.
Suggested ReadingsContemporary Security and Strategy Craig A. Snyder (ed.),
Suggested ReadingsThe Globalization of World Poli tics: An Introduction to International Relations John Baylis and Stev Smith,eds
Suggested ReadingsGames Nations Play, Seventh Edition John Spanier
Suggested ReadingsEssentials readings in World Politics Karen Mingst
Suggested ReadingsWorld in Collision: Terror and the Future of Global Order Ken Booth an d Tim Dunne, ed
Suggested ReadingsTheory of International Politics Kenneth N. Waltz
Suggested ReadingsTheories of International Relations Scott Burchill and Andrew Linklater
Suggested ReadingsThe Cause of Wars Michael Howard
Suggested ReadingsPolitics of Nuclear Weapons in south Asia Bhumitra Chakma, ed
Suggested ReadingsThe Twenty Y ear’s Crisis ; 1919 -1939:An Introduction to the Study of International Relation E.H. Carr
Suggested ReadingsBomb Scare: The History and Future of Nuclear Weapons Joseph Cirincione
Suggested ReadingsArms Control: The New Guide to Negotiations and Agreements Jozef Goldblat
Suggested ReadingsExplaining Foreign Policy Llyod Jenson
Suggested ReadingsThe International Politics of Space Michael Sheehan
Suggested ReadingsForeign Policy Making Process: A Case Study of Pakistan Moonis Ahmar, ed
Suggested ReadingsPlanning the Unthinkable How New Powers Will Use Nuclear Biological And Chemical Weapons Peter R. La voy, Scott D. Sagan, and James J. Wirtz
Suggested ReadingsPakistan’s Foreign Policy : An Historical Analysis S.M. Burke
Suggested ReadingsInternational Relations: Politics and Economy in the 21st Century William Nester
Suggested ReadingsForeign Policy and Political process William Wallace
Suggested ReadingsNuclear Ri sk Reduction Measures and Restraint Regime in South Asia Zafar Nawaz Jaspal
Suggested ReadingsThe India- Pakistan Military Standoff; Crisis and Escalation in South Asia (United States Zachary S. Davis, ed
Suggested ReadingsNuclear Pakistan: Strategic Dimensions Zulfiqar Khan, ed

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