Should India Become a Permanent Member of the U.N. Security Council?The question of whether India should become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has been a subject of significant debate in international relations. As one of the world’s largest democracies and a rapidly growing economic and political power, India’s case for…
Trace the evolution of Non-aligned movement and discuss its contemporary relevance.
Evolution of the Non-Aligned Movement and Its Contemporary RelevanceThe Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) emerged during the Cold War as a coalition of countries that sought to remain independent of the two major power blocs led by the United States and the Soviet Union. Since its inception, NAM has evolved in response to changing global dynamics, and…
Review the contributions of Latin American Social Scientists to the theory of dependency.
Contributions of Latin American Social Scientists to the Theory of DependencyThe theory of dependency emerged in the mid-20th century as a critical response to the modernization theory, which posited a linear path of development for all nations. Latin American social scientists played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the dependency theory, which provided a…
What are the underlying assumptions of the concept of ‘Realism’ in IR theory? Explain ‘neo-realism.
Understanding the Underlying Assumptions of Realism in International Relations TheoryRealism, as a foundational concept in International Relations (IR) theory, presents a worldview that emphasizes the role of power, state sovereignty, and self-interest in shaping global politics. At its core, realism operates under several key assumptions that form the basis of its theoretical framework.1. State-Centrism: Realism…
What do you understand by civil society?
Civil society is a concept that encompasses the realm of voluntary associations, organizations, and institutions that exist between the state and the individual, characterized by their independence from government control and their pursuit of collective interests and public goods. The term “civil society” refers to the sphere of social life where citizens come together to…
Write a note on John Austin’s concept of sovereignty.
John Austin, a 19th-century British legal philosopher, made significant contributions to the understanding of sovereignty through his seminal work “The Province of Jurisprudence Determined” (1832). Austin’s concept of sovereignty is foundational to modern political theory and jurisprudence, providing a framework for understanding the nature and authority of political power within a legal system. Elaborating on…
Explain the Marxist concept of Citizenship.
The Marxist concept of citizenship differs significantly from liberal interpretations, as it is grounded in Marxist theory, which views society through the lens of class struggle and the material conditions of production. In Marxism, citizenship is seen as a reflection of the underlying economic relations within capitalist society, with rights and privileges being contingent upon…
Discuss the concept of Autonomy.
Autonomy, derived from the Greek words “auto” (self) and “nomos” (law), refers to the capacity for self-governance, self-determination, and independent decision-making. It is a fundamental concept in moral and political philosophy, emphasizing individuals’ ability to act according to their own values, beliefs, and preferences, free from external coercion or undue influence. Elaborating on the concept…
Elaborate upon John Rawls’ theory of justice.
John Rawls’ theory of justice, outlined in his seminal work “A Theory of Justice” (1971), revolutionized political philosophy and became one of the most influential frameworks for understanding distributive justice and the principles of fairness within society. Rawls’ theory aims to establish a just social order based on principles that individuals would choose behind a…
Political Equality
Political equality is a foundational principle in democratic theory, emphasizing the equal participation and representation of all citizens in the political process. It asserts that each individual should have an equal voice, influence, and opportunity to shape the decisions that affect their lives and the future of their society. Political equality serves as a cornerstone…
Equality vs. Inequality
Equality and inequality are fundamental concepts in political theory and social philosophy, shaping debates about justice, rights, and the distribution of resources within societies. While equality emphasizes fairness, inclusivity, and social cohesion, inequality highlights disparities, injustices, and power imbalances that can undermine individual dignity and collective well-being. Elaborating on the dynamics between equality and inequality…
Elaborate upon either positive or negative liberty.
Let’s delve into the concept of positive liberty, which represents a distinct approach to understanding freedom within political philosophy. Positive liberty, as articulated by thinkers such as Isaiah Berlin and John Stuart Mill, emphasizes not only the absence of external constraints but also the presence of conditions that enable individuals to achieve self-realization, autonomy, and…