The concept of surplus value (Mehrwert) is a cornerstone of Karl Marx’s critique of political economy, especially in his seminal work Das Kapital (1867). It represents the value produced by labor that exceeds the laborer’s wages and is appropriated by the capitalist as profit. 1. The Labour Theory of Value: Marx, building on classical economists…
Month: May 2025
Explain the Realist and Interdependence approaches to the study of India’s foreign policy.
India’s foreign policy is shaped by a variety of theoretical approaches, two of the most prominent being Realism and Interdependence. Both approaches offer different perspectives on how India navigates its relations with other countries, balancing national interests, security, and economic growth in a globalized world. Realist Approach: Realism in international relations emphasizes the centrality of…
Discuss India’s World View
India’s worldview has undergone a significant transformation over the past few decades, shaped by its historical experience, geopolitical realities, and economic imperatives. India’s foreign policy is influenced by its diverse cultural heritage, the desire for regional stability, and its aspirations to play a more prominent role in global governance. The key elements of India’s worldview…
India-Latin America Relations
India’s relations with Latin America have been steadily growing, particularly in the post-Cold War era. Historically, these relations were not as strong as those with other regions like the United States or Europe, but since the 1990s, both regions have worked to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties. Latin America is of strategic importance to…
European Union
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 member countries located primarily in Europe. It was founded with the goal of fostering economic cooperation and promoting peace and stability across Europe. Over time, the EU has evolved from a simple economic agreement into a complex organization with a wide range of…
Contribution of people’s movements to the betterment of the environment
People’s movements have played a significant role in advancing environmental causes, particularly in the context of raising awareness, advocating for sustainable practices, and influencing policy changes. These movements often arise from the grassroots level, driven by local communities, activists, and concerned citizens. They address a range of environmental issues, including deforestation, pollution, climate change, and…
Explain the role of civil society in furthering environmental causes by citing examples of various global, regional, and national NGOs.
Introduction: Civil society plays a crucial role in advancing environmental causes worldwide. It encompasses a broad spectrum of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), grassroots movements, activists, and community-based organizations that engage in environmental advocacy, policy influence, and sustainable practices. Civil society organizations (CSOs) often fill gaps left by governments and the private sector, providing services, raising awareness,…
Critically analyse the problems and challenges confronted by governments in harmonising development policies with sound environmental policies.
Introduction: Harmonizing development policies with environmental protection is a major challenge for governments around the world. As nations strive for economic growth and development, the pressures on natural resources increase, often leading to environmental degradation. In the quest for development, issues such as poverty, industrial growth, urbanization, and population increase often conflict with the need…
Explain the salient features of any two international agreements and conventions related to environmental protection.
Introduction: International agreements and conventions play a pivotal role in addressing global environmental issues. These agreements facilitate collaboration between nations to safeguard the planet’s resources, mitigate the impacts of environmental degradation, and ensure the protection of ecosystems. Two key international environmental agreements that have significantly influenced global environmental protection are the Paris Agreement and the…
Describe any two global environmental issues and their implications for sustainable development.
Introduction: Global environmental issues are challenges that transcend national borders and require collective action for their resolution. These issues affect ecosystems, biodiversity, and the overall health of the planet, posing significant threats to sustainable development. Sustainable development, defined by the United Nations as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability…
Analyze various dimensions related to the sustainable use of natural resources.
Introduction: Sustainable use of natural resources refers to the management and utilization of resources in a way that ensures their availability for future generations. This concept is central to sustainable development, which balances economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection. Natural resources, such as water, land, forests, minerals, and biodiversity, are the foundation for human…
We discharge our roles following a particular lifestyle that may not be compatible with sustainable development.
Introduction: Human societies, through their lifestyles, significantly influence the planet’s ecological and environmental health. The statement implies that the way we live — our consumption habits, production practices, and overall way of life — may not align with the principles of sustainable development. Sustainable development emphasizes meeting the needs of the present without compromising the…