International Relations MCQ Quiz in मल्याळम - Objective Question with Answer for International Relations - സൗജന്യ PDF ഡൗൺലോഡ് ചെയ്യുക

The correct answer is It provided a platform for India to address concerns regarding cross-border terrorism and Pakistan's role in supporting terrorist activities.

Explanation:

The Sharm El Sheikh summit, held in 2009, holds significant importance in Indian foreign policy, particularly concerning regional security dynamics, as it provided a crucial platform for India to address concerns regarding cross-border terrorism and Pakistan's role in supporting terrorist activities.

In the aftermath of the horrific Mumbai terrorist attacks in November 2008, which were carried out by Pakistan-based militants, India faced heightened security challenges and sought to address the issue of terrorism emanating from across its borders. The Sharm El Sheikh summit offered an opportune moment for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to raise these concerns on an international platform.

During the summit, Prime Minister Singh emphasized the urgent need for collective action to combat terrorism and its root causes. He specifically highlighted Pakistan's failure to take effective action against terrorist groups operating on its soil and called for stronger international cooperation to address this pressing security threat.

By bringing the issue of cross-border terrorism to the forefront of discussions at the Sharm El Sheikh summit, India aimed to garner international support and pressure Pakistan to take concrete steps to dismantle terrorist infrastructure, prevent cross-border infiltration, and bring the perpetrators of terrorist attacks to justice.

While the summit did not lead to immediate breakthroughs in Indo-Pakistani relations, it served as a crucial diplomatic opportunity for India to articulate its concerns regarding terrorism and to rally international support for its efforts to combat this global menace.

The correct answer is Only Statement 1 is true.

Explanation: Absolute poverty is indeed defined by the World Bank as living on less than $1.90 per day. However, relative poverty considers the income distribution within a specific society, and poverty is a complex issue involving social, political, and economic factors beyond just financial assistance programs.

 Key PointsAbsolute poverty and relative poverty are two distinct concepts used to measure and understand poverty, each focusing on different aspects.

• Absolute Poverty: Absolute poverty, as defined by the World Bank, refers to living on less than $1.90 per day. This threshold is based on the minimum income needed to meet basic physical needs such as food, shelter, and clothing.
• Global Standard: The $1.90 threshold is used as a global standard to compare poverty across different countries. It's adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP) to account for differences in the cost of living in different countries.
• Focus on Basic Needs: It emphasizes the ability to meet basic survival needs, without considering broader social and economic factors.
• Criticism: A limitation of this measure is that it doesn’t consider the relative aspects of poverty, such as social exclusion or access to education and health services, which can also impact an individual's ability to improve their life conditions.

Relative Poverty: Relative poverty, in contrast, is defined in the context of the economic status of other members of the society in which an individual lives. It is usually defined as living with an income below a certain percentage (often 50% or 60%) of the median income of that society.

• Social Context: This measure considers how an individual's income compares to the rest of their society, focusing on inequality and social exclusion.
• Changes Over Time and Place: Unlike absolute poverty, relative poverty can change over time and vary between countries, as it is linked to the economic conditions and societal norms of a particular region.
• Broader Factors: Relative poverty takes into account broader factors such as access to education, healthcare, and social services, which are crucial for social integration and overall quality of life.
• Criticism: However, relative poverty doesn’t necessarily capture the extreme deprivation seen in absolute poverty. An individual may be above the absolute poverty line but still experience significant disadvantages compared to others in their society.

Poverty as a Complex Issue:

• Beyond Financial Assistance: Addressing poverty involves more than just financial assistance programs. It requires a comprehensive approach that includes improving access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
• Social and Political Factors: Social issues like discrimination, lack of access to social services, and political marginalization can contribute to poverty.
• Economic Factors: Economic policies, job market dynamics, and global economic trends also play a significant role in shaping poverty.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The United Nations' SDGs recognize the multifaceted nature of poverty, aiming to address its root causes and interconnected aspects.

 Additional Information

• While absolute poverty focuses on survival and minimum standards of living, relative poverty considers an individual's status in relation to their society.
• Both perspectives are essential for a comprehensive understanding of poverty, and effective poverty reduction strategies must address the complex interplay of social, political, and economic factors.

The correct answer is A, C, B, D
Explanation: Supachai Panitchpakdi served as the Director-General of the WTO from 2002 to 2005, followed by Mike Moore from 1999 to 2002, Pascal Lamy from 2005 to 2013, and Roberto Azevêdo from 2013 to 2020. Key PointsHere's a detailed explanation of the terms of office for the mentioned Director-Generals of the World Trade Organization (WTO) arranged in ascending order:

Mike Moore:

• Term: Mike Moore was the Director-General of the WTO from September 1, 1999, to August 31, 2002.
• Background: Mike Moore was a New Zealand politician who also served as the Prime Minister of New Zealand. His term at the WTO coincided with the turbulent period of the Seattle Ministerial Conference in 1999, which faced protests and disruptions.

Pascal Lamy:

• Term: Pascal Lamy held the position of Director-General from September 1, 2005, to August 31, 2013.
• Background: Pascal Lamy is a French political consultant and former civil servant. Before his role at the WTO, he served as the European Commissioner for Trade. Lamy's tenure at the WTO included efforts to revive the Doha Development Round of trade negotiations.

Supachai Panitchpakdi:

• Term: Supachai Panitchpakdi served as the Director-General of the WTO from September 1, 2002, to August 31, 2005.
• Background: Supachai Panitchpakdi is a Thai economist and diplomat. Prior to his role at the WTO, he served as the Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Roberto Azevêdo:

• Term: Roberto Azevêdo served as the Director-General of the WTO from September 1, 2013, to August 31, 2020.
• Background: Roberto Azevêdo is a Brazilian diplomat. His term saw challenges related to global trade tensions and the WTO's role in addressing them. Azevêdo announced his early resignation in 2020, and his term officially ended on August 31, 2020.

 Additional Information

• These Directors-General played crucial roles in shaping the policies and negotiations within the WTO during their respective terms in office. Each faced unique challenges and contributed to the organization's efforts to facilitate international trade.

The correct answer is Communism and capitalism.

Explanation: The Cold War, which lasted from the end of World War II in 1945 until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, was characterized by a profound ideological conflict between communism and capitalism. This period was marked not by direct military conflict between the two main powers, the United States (US) and the Soviet Union (USSR), but by a tense atmosphere of rivalry, competition, and indirect conflicts in various parts of the world.

Key Points

Communism: Communism, as practiced by the Soviet Union and its allies, was based on the principles of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, who advocated for a classless society where the means of production (factories, land, resources) would be owned communally, not by individuals or corporations. The state, in theory, would ensure equality and distribute resources according to need. In practice, however, communism in the Soviet Union was marked by a highly centralized government that controlled all aspects of the economy and society, suppressing political dissent and individual freedoms.

Capitalism: Capitalism, as championed by the United States and its allies, emphasizes private ownership of the means of production, market competition, and the pursuit of profit. In capitalist systems, the market is supposed to determine the allocation of resources and services through supply and demand, with limited government intervention. Capitalism is often associated with democracy, where citizens have the right to vote and enjoy a range of personal freedoms.

The Conflict: The ideological conflict between communism and capitalism during the Cold War manifested in various ways:

• Military Alliances: The US led the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a collective defense alliance of capitalist countries, while the Soviet Union formed the Warsaw Pact, a similar alliance of communist states.
• Arms Race: Both sides engaged in an arms race, notably developing and stockpiling nuclear weapons, leading to a state of "Mutually Assured Destruction" (MAD), where neither side could use these weapons without facing total destruction.
• Space Race: Competition extended to space exploration, symbolized by the Soviet Union's launch of Sputnik in 1957 and the US landing on the moon in 1969.
• Proxy Wars: Instead of direct conflict, the superpowers engaged in indirect conflicts by supporting opposing sides in regional conflicts, such as the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and various insurgencies in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
• Economic and Technological Competition: Both blocs sought to demonstrate the superiority of their economic systems through technological innovation and aid to third-world countries.
• Propaganda and Cultural Influence: Both sides used media and cultural exports to spread their ideologies and win global support.

 Additional Information

• The Cold War was a complex period of history, where the ideological battle between communism and capitalism shaped not only international relations but also the internal policies and the societal structures of countries around the world.
• The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of the Cold War, with many seeing this event as the triumph of capitalism and liberal democracy over communism.

The correct answer is '(A), (B), (C) and (E) Only'

Key Points

• International Realism:
  • International Realism, also known as political realism, is a theoretical approach to international relations that emphasizes the competitive and conflictual side of international relations.
  • Realists view the international system as anarchic, meaning there is no overarching authority above states.
  • States are the primary actors in international politics and they operate in a system of self-help where survival and security are paramount.
• Key Tenets of International Realism:
  • Domestic politics is characterised by hierarchy and international politics by anarchy: Within states, there is a clear hierarchy of authority, but internationally, no such hierarchy exists, leading to an anarchic system.
  • Power is both means and end: Power is crucial both as a means to achieve national interest and as an end in itself to ensure a state's survival and influence.
  • Believes in relative gain rather than absolute gain: States are more concerned with how much power and advantage they have relative to other states rather than the absolute amount of power they possess.
  • Like all politics, international politics is the struggle for power: The struggle for power is a central theme in international relations, with states constantly seeking to maximize their power and security.

Additional Information

• Anarchy is what states make of it:
  • This statement is associated with Constructivism, not Realism. Constructivists argue that the nature of anarchy is not fixed but is shaped by states' interactions and interpretations.
  • It emphasizes the role of ideas, beliefs, and identities in shaping international relations, contrasting with the Realist focus on material power and interests.
• Comparison with other theories:
  • Liberalism: Unlike Realism, Liberalism focuses on the potential for cooperation and the role of international institutions in mitigating anarchy.
  • Constructivism: As mentioned, Constructivism emphasizes the social construction of international relations, whereas Realism is more about material power and interests.

The correct answer is 'A - II, B - I, C - III, D - IV'

Key Points

• Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees:
  • Enacted in 1954.
  • Defines the term "refugee" and outlines the rights of the displaced, as well as the legal obligations of states to protect them.
• Declaration on Torture:
  • Enacted in 1975.
  • Aimed at prohibiting and preventing all forms of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment worldwide.
• Convention on the Rights of the Child:
  • Enacted in 1990.
  • Sets out the civil, political, economic, social, health, and cultural rights of children.
• Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union:
  • Enacted in 2000.
  • Enshrines the fundamental rights of EU citizens and residents, covering areas such as dignity, freedoms, equality, solidarity, citizens' rights, and justice.

The correct answer is Both statements are true.

Explanation: While religion can inspire social justice and humanitarian efforts, instances of religious extremism can pose challenges to these positive contributions. It's essential to recognize the dual role that religion can play in contemporary society.

 Key PointsReligion has long played a complex and multifaceted role in shaping societies around the world. It can be a source of inspiration for social justice and humanitarian efforts, while at the same time, in some cases, fueling extremism that opposes these very values. To understand this dual role, we need to delve into both aspects:

Positive Contributions of Religion

• Moral and Ethical Framework: Many religions provide a moral compass and ethical guidelines that encourage adherents to engage in acts of kindness, charity, and social justice. These teachings often emphasize compassion, love, and empathy towards others.
• Community and Support Networks: Religious communities can foster a sense of belonging and provide support networks. They often rally together to help those in need, whether through charitable donations, volunteering, or other forms of community service.
• Inspiration for Social Movements: Throughout history, religious beliefs have inspired social movements. For example, leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. were motivated by their spiritual beliefs to fight for civil rights and social change.
• Promotion of Peace and Reconciliation: Many religions preach peace and reconciliation. Religious leaders and organizations often play vital roles in peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts across the world.

Challenges of Religious Extremism

• Intolerance and Discrimination: Extremist interpretations of religious doctrines can lead to intolerance against those who hold different beliefs or lifestyles. This can result in discrimination, social exclusion, and even violence.
• Violent Extremism and Terrorism: In extreme cases, religious ideologies can be distorted to justify terrorism and violent extremism. Groups like ISIS have used a perverted interpretation of religion to justify heinous acts.
• Opposition to Modern Values and Scientific Progress: Some extremist religious groups oppose modern values, including gender equality, LGBTQ rights, and freedom of speech. They may also reject scientific findings that conflict with their literal interpretation of religious texts.
• Political Manipulation: Religion can be manipulated for political purposes, often to gain power or control. This manipulation can exacerbate divisions within society and lead to conflict.

Balancing the Dual Roles: Understanding and balancing these dual roles of religion requires a nuanced approach:

• Promoting Religious Literacy: Educating people about various religions can foster understanding and respect for different beliefs, reducing stereotypes and misconceptions.
• Encouraging Interfaith Dialogue: Dialogue between different religious groups can promote mutual understanding and cooperation, helping to bridge divides.
• Separation of Religion and State: Ensuring that religious beliefs do not dictate state policies can prevent the imposition of a particular religion’s doctrines on diverse populations.
• Addressing Root Causes of Extremism: Tackling issues like poverty, inequality, and political oppression can reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies.

 Additional Information

• While religion can be a powerful force for good, inspiring social justice and humanitarian efforts, it is not immune to being misused in the form of extremism.
• A balanced and informed approach is necessary to maximize the positive aspects of religion while mitigating its potential for harm.

The correct answer is A - Iv, B - III, C - I, D - II
Explanation: In chronological order, Somalia experienced civil unrest in 1991, Iraq faced challenges in 1992, Sierra Leone encountered conflict in 2000, and Darfur, Sudan witnessed turmoil in 2004. Key Points(A) Iraq - (IV) 1992:

• The intervention in Iraq in 1991 was known as the Gulf War or Operation Desert Storm. The conflict arose when Iraq, under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait in August 1990, citing territorial and economic disputes. The international community strongly condemned this act of aggression, and the United Nations Security Council passed a series of resolutions demanding Iraq's withdrawal from Kuwait.
• As Iraq refused to comply with the UN resolutions, a coalition of countries, led by the United States and including nations such as the United Kingdom, France, Saudi Arabia, and others, initiated military operations to liberate Kuwait. The military campaign, known as Operation Desert Storm, commenced on January 17, 1991, with air strikes against Iraqi targets, followed by a ground assault in February.
• The coalition forces quickly overwhelmed the Iraqi military, and by the end of February 1991, Kuwait was liberated. The conflict had a significant impact on the region, altering geopolitical dynamics and reshaping alliances. The intervention achieved its immediate goal of reversing Iraq's occupation of Kuwait but did not lead to the ousting of Saddam Hussein from power.

(B) Darfur, Sudan - (III) 2004:

• The Darfur conflict in Sudan is a complex and protracted humanitarian crisis that gained international attention in the early 2000s. The conflict began in the early 2000s when rebel groups in the Darfur region, primarily composed of non-Arab ethnicities, took up arms against the Sudanese government. The government responded by supporting Arab militias, known as the Janjaweed, which targeted non-Arab ethnic groups in a brutal campaign marked by atrocities, mass displacement, and sexual violence.
• The international community, including the United Nations, became increasingly alarmed by the human rights abuses and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Darfur. The UN Security Council passed resolutions, and efforts were made to broker peace agreements between the warring parties. In 2004, the African Union (AU) deployed a peacekeeping mission to Darfur, known as the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS), to help quell the violence and protect civilians.
• The situation in Darfur remains complex, with ongoing peacekeeping efforts, diplomatic initiatives, and humanitarian aid aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict and facilitating a lasting resolution.

(C) Somalia - (I) 1991:

• The intervention in Somalia in the early 1990s was prompted by a combination of humanitarian concerns and efforts to restore order in the country. Following the overthrow of the military regime of Siad Barre in 1991, Somalia descended into chaos, marked by factional fighting, warlordism, and a severe humanitarian crisis, including widespread famine.
• In response to the escalating humanitarian catastrophe, the United Nations Security Council authorized the creation of the United Nations Operation in Somalia (UNOSOM) in 1992. The mission aimed to provide humanitarian aid, restore stability, and facilitate political reconciliation. The United States led a multinational force as part of Operation Restore Hope, which worked alongside UNOSOM to deliver humanitarian assistance.
• However, the mission faced significant challenges, including resistance from local warlords and armed factions. The situation further deteriorated with the infamous "Black Hawk Down" incident in 1993, leading to a reassessment of international involvement. The UN eventually withdrew its forces, marking the end of a large-scale international intervention in Somalia.

(D) Sierra Leone - (II) 2000:

• The intervention in Sierra Leone involved the United Nations and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in response to a prolonged civil war that began in the early 1990s. The conflict was characterized by rebel groups, such as the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), engaging in widespread atrocities, including the use of child soldiers and amputations.
• International concern grew as reports of human rights abuses and the dire humanitarian situation emerged. In 1999, the UN Security Council authorized the establishment of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) to help restore peace and stability.
• The intervention intensified around the early 2000s, with ECOWAS forces and UNAMSIL working to disarm rebel groups, support the government, and facilitate the peace process. The Lome Peace Accord, signed in 1999, contributed to a reduction in hostilities. However, significant challenges persisted, including the need to address the root causes of the conflict and promote long-term stability.
• By 2002, the situation had improved, and UNAMSIL played a crucial role in stabilizing Sierra Leone and supporting the post-conflict reconstruction process. The intervention marked a successful international effort to bring an end to the brutal civil war in Sierra Leone.

The correct answer is: 1) E, C, B, A, D

Key Points

• E. Air India Flight-182 Bombing (1985):

  • On June 23, 1985, Air India Flight 182, a flight traveling from Toronto to Delhi, was bombed by Sikh militants, killing all 329 people aboard. This terrorist attack remains one of the deadliest in aviation history.

• C. Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack (1995):

  • On March 20, 1995, members of the Aum Shinrikyo cult released sarin gas in the Tokyo subway system, resulting in 13 deaths and over 1,000 injuries. It was one of the most notorious chemical attacks carried out in Japan.

• B. Indian Parliament Attack (2001):

  • On December 13, 2001, a group of militants stormed the Indian Parliament building in New Delhi, resulting in the deaths of 9 people, including the attackers. This attack led to heightened security measures and strained India-Pakistan relations.

• A. Moscow Theater Hostage Crisis (2002):

  • On October 23, 2002, Chechen militants took over 800 hostages in a Moscow theater. The siege ended with a controversial rescue operation by Russian authorities, resulting in over 130 deaths, most of them due to the gas used in the operation.

• D. Camp Speicher Massacre (2014):

  • On June 12, 2014, ISIS militants executed over 1,700 Iraqi soldiers at Camp Speicher, located near Tikrit. This mass killing was one of the largest atrocities carried out by ISIS during their rise to power in Iraq.

The correct answer is 'A - II, B - I, C - IV, D - III'

Key Points

• George Soros:
  • George Soros is a renowned investor and philanthropist.
  • He is the author of the book "Open Society".
  • The book discusses his philosophy of open societies, the role of democracy, and the importance of individual freedoms.
• Paul Krugman:
  • Paul Krugman is a Nobel laureate in Economics and a well-known economist.
  • He authored the book "The Conscience of a Liberal".
  • The book focuses on economic and political issues in the United States, advocating for a more equitable society.
• Herman Daly:
  • Herman Daly is a prominent ecological economist.
  • He co-authored the book "For the Common Good" with John B. Cobb Jr.
  • The book presents an argument for a more sustainable and community-focused economic system.
• Immanual Wallerstein:
  • Immanual Wallerstein was a sociologist and economic historian.
  • He authored the book "Decline of American Power".
  • The book analyzes the decline of the United States' hegemony in the global system.