Category: political-science

Niccolò Machiavelli (1469–1527), a Florentine diplomat and political thinker, is often regarded as the father of modern political science. In contrast to classical philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, Machiavelli approached politics from a realist perspective, focusing on power, pragmatism, and the effective exercise of authority. His major works—The Prince and Discourses on Livy—illustrate his…

India’s role in the United Nations (UN) has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy, reflecting its commitment to multilateralism, international peace, and the promotion of social justice. India, a founding member of the UN, has always supported the principles of the UN Charter and emphasized its role in fostering a rules-based international order. Over…

International terrorism refers to terrorist activities that transcend national borders and involve non-state actors or groups engaging in acts of violence with global implications. These acts are typically aimed at achieving political, ideological, or religious goals and can target civilian populations, infrastructure, or governments. International terrorism is distinct in that it involves cross-border coordination, global…

Pokhran-II refers to a series of nuclear tests conducted by India in May 1998 at the Pokhran Test Range in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. These tests were a follow-up to India’s first nuclear test, Smiling Buddha, which was carried out in 1974. Pokhran-II was a significant milestone in India’s nuclear capabilities, as it demonstrated…

The role of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in India has evolved significantly over the years, especially in the domain of foreign policy-making. Traditionally, foreign policy in India was managed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), but over time, the PMO has gained substantial influence in shaping the country’s international relations. This shift has…

In a democratic setup like India, foreign policy is not the exclusive domain of the ruling party or the executive; it involves multiple stakeholders, including political parties. The role of political parties in shaping and influencing India’s foreign policy has evolved, especially in the context of the country’s democratic framework, where electoral processes and political…

The post-Cold War era, which began in the early 1990s with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, has significantly altered the dynamics of international relations. This transformation is particularly visible in the relationship between the United States and the European Union (EU). While the Cold War period defined much of their interaction—focused primarily on mutual…

India-China relations have witnessed significant transformation over the past few decades. The two countries, once adversaries, have evolved into complex partners, both in economic and geopolitical dimensions, albeit with continuing challenges. Conclusion: Emerging trends in India-China relations reflect a balance of competition and cooperation. Economic interdependence continues to grow, yet geopolitical and strategic differences, especially…

Indo-Russian relations have undergone significant changes since the mid-1990s, marked by evolving strategic, economic, and political engagement. The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 created a new world order, with Russia emerging as an independent state. This transformation prompted India to recalibrate its foreign policy, shifting from a Soviet-centric approach to engaging with the…

India’s foreign policy is shaped by a combination of both internal and external factors, reflecting its unique geopolitical position, historical experiences, and economic goals. Below are the key determinants that have influenced India’s foreign policy over the years: Historical Context and Legacy India’s foreign policy is deeply rooted in its historical experiences, particularly its colonial…

India’s foreign policy toward South Asia has been shaped by its historical, cultural, geographical, and strategic interests. As the largest country in the region, India plays a dominant role in shaping the political, economic, and security landscape of South Asia. India’s approach to its neighbors is influenced by its goals of regional stability, economic integration,…

The concept of “complex interdependence” was introduced by international relations scholars Robert Keohane and Joseph Nye as an alternative to the realist framework, which emphasizes military power and state-centric approaches in international politics. In contrast, complex interdependence stresses the importance of multiple, overlapping channels of interaction between states and non-state actors in the global system,…