Disintegration of the USSR
1. What were the main political and economic factors that led to the disintegration of the Soviet
Union in 1991?
2. Explain the role of Mikhail Gorbachev’s policies of Glasnost and Perestroika in the collapse of
the USSR.
3. How did ethnic and nationalist movements within the Soviet Republics contribute to the
dissolution of the USSR?
4. Explain the term Shock Therapy. What was the impact of ‘shock therapy’ on the economies
and political structures of post-Soviet states?
5. Discuss the role of the Cold War and arms race in the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union.
6. How did the weakening of the Communist Party and rise of democratic movements lead to
the end of the USSR?
7. What were the geopolitical consequences of the Soviet Union’s disintegration for Eastern
Europe and Central Asia?
8. How did the dissolution of the USSR affect global power dynamics and the unipolar world
order?
9. Explain how Russia emerged as the successor state of the USSR and its influence in global
politics today.
10. Analyze the impact of the USSR’s collapse on Indo-Russian relations and India’s foreign
policy.
Contemporary Centres of Power
1. What factors contributed to China’s rise as an economic and political powerhouse in the post-
Mao era?
2. How has the European Union evolved from an economic community to a political and
strategic power?
3. Discuss the objectives and functions of ASEAN and its significance in regional and global
politics.
4. How has BRICS emerged as an important multilateral organization in the 21st century?
5. Analyze the impact of the European Union’s common currency, the Euro, on global trade and
finance.
[Link] India’s position in the changing global power structure and its strategic partnerships
with major powers.
Contemporary South Asia
1. What are the major political and security challenges faced by South Asian countries in the
21st century?
2. Discuss the role and limitations of SAARC in promoting regional cooperation in South Asia.
3. How has the India-Pakistan rivalry influenced peace and stability in South Asia?
4. What impact has China’s growing influence had on South Asian geopolitics?
5. Explain the role of democracy and military rule in shaping the political landscape of South
Asian countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh.
6. How do ethnic conflicts and insurgencies affect regional stability in South Asia?
7. Discuss India’s role in promoting economic integration and trade among South Asian nations.
8. Analyze the impact of terrorism and cross-border conflicts on the security dynamics of South
Asia.
9. What are the key economic cooperation initiatives among South Asian countries, and how
effective have they been?
International Organizations
1. What were the main objectives behind the formation of the United Nations (UN) in 1945?
2. Explain the role of the UN Security Council. Why is there a demand for its reform?
3. Discuss the structure and functioning of the UN General Assembly. How does it differ from
the Security Council?
4. What are the major successes and failures of the United Nations in maintaining global peace
and security?
5. How has the World Trade Organization (WTO) influenced international trade and economic
relations?
6. Discuss the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank in shaping global
economic policies.
7 Explain the significance of regional organizations like the European Union (EU) and ASEAN
in the global political order.
8. Assess India’s contribution to and role in the UN