MPS-002 International Relations: Theory and Problems: guess paper and solved papers
MPS-002 combines IR theory with world issues. A strong answer explains a theory and then applies it to a real event, which is what examiners look for.
Need the MPS-002 guess paper or solved papers?
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Quick facts
| Course code | MPS-002 |
|---|---|
| Course | International Relations: Theory and Problems |
| Programme | MA Political Science (MPS) |
| Exam | Term End Examination, held in June and December |
| Assignments | Must be submitted to your Learner Support Centre before you take the exam |
What this course covers
The course covers theories, concepts and contemporary problems of world politics:
| Unit / area | What you study and what the exam looks for |
|---|---|
| Theories: realism, liberalism, Marxism and newer approaches | Main theories and their view of states and conflict. |
| Power, national interest and security | Concepts used to explain foreign policy. |
| The Cold War and after | Bipolar rivalry, détente and its end. |
| Globalisation and the world economy | Trade, finance and the changing role of states. |
| International organisations and the UN | UN, regional bodies and their effectiveness. |
| Issues: environment, terrorism, human rights, nuclear politics | Global problems that need cooperation. |
How the exam paper is usually set
Long analytical questions with choice. Theory questions and issue questions are both common, so prepare both halves.
| Question type | Suggested length in the exam | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Long answer (about 20 marks) | 3 to 4 pages | 35 to 40 minutes |
| Medium answer (about 10 to 12 marks) | 2 pages | 18 to 20 minutes |
| Short note (about 5 to 6 marks) | Half to one page | 8 to 10 minutes |
Marks per question vary by paper; read the marks printed against each question and divide your 3 hours in that ratio.
Where to spend your preparation time
| Area | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Realism vs liberalism | The most common theory comparison. |
| End of the Cold War | A reliable long answer topic. |
| Globalisation | Easy to support with current examples. |
| Global issues | Environment and terrorism are frequent. |
Practice questions in exam style
Write answers to these without looking at notes, then compare with your study material. These are our own practice questions in the IGNOU style, not copied from any paper.
- Critically examine the realist theory of international relations.
- What were the consequences of the end of the Cold War?
- Discuss the impact of globalisation on the nation state.
- Evaluate the role of the United Nations in maintaining peace.
- Examine the politics of climate change negotiations.
- Explain neo-realism.
- Discuss the concept of national interest.
- Write a note on the non-aligned movement.
- Examine the role of the WTO in the world economy.
- Discuss human rights as an issue in international relations.
How to write a high scoring answer: worked outline
Question: Critically examine the realist theory of international relations.
Introduction (4 to 5 lines): State realism's core claim: states seek power in an anarchic system.
Main body (one short heading per point):
- Classical realism (Morgenthau): human nature and national interest.
- Neo-realism (Waltz): structure of the system.
- Strengths: explains wars and the balance of power.
- Criticisms: ignores cooperation, institutions, non-state actors.
- A current example where realism explains well or fails.
Conclusion (3 to 4 lines): Conclude that realism remains influential but incomplete.
Use this shape for any long answer in this course: define, develop four or five points with examples, conclude.
A 4 week study plan
| Week | What to do for MPS-002 |
|---|---|
| 1 | Read the blocks for: Theories: realism, liberalism, Marxism and newer approaches, Power, national interest and security, The Cold War and after. Make one page notes per unit. |
| 2 | Read the rest: Globalisation and the world economy, International organisations and the UN, Issues: environment, terrorism, human rights, nuclear politics. Add notes. |
| 3 | Solve two previous year papers under time. Compare with solved answers and note gaps. |
| 4 | Revise notes and the guess paper. Write two full answers by hand. Rest the night before. |
Mistakes that cost marks in MPS-002
- Theory without examples.
- Outdated examples only from the Cold War.
- Confusing realism with neo-realism.
Our tip for MPS-002
For each theory, prepare one current event it explains well. Linking theory to events is the difference between 50 and 65 percent.
What you get in the guess paper and solved papers
The Gullybaba guess paper for MPS-002 groups likely questions by unit, with answers written to the length the exam needs. The solved paper set has complete answers for recent June and December papers.
A guess paper is a revision tool. Nobody can promise which questions will come, so read the whole syllabus and use the guess paper to revise faster.
Official IGNOU resources
- Current assignments: IGNOU assignments portal
- Previous question papers from December 2024: IGNOU question papers page
- Older papers: IGNOU's previous question paper archive (linked from the Downloads page of ignou.ac.in)
- Official study material: eGyanKosh, IGNOU's digital repository
Frequently asked questions
Is current affairs needed for MPS-002?
Yes, recent examples improve answers. Keep a short list of 8 to 10 world events from the last few years.
Should I write about India in MPS-002?
Yes, Indian examples add value, especially in foreign policy and global issues questions.
Need the MPS-002 guess paper or solved papers?
Send your course code and medium (English or Hindi). We reply with price and a sample page.