Theme T117 · International Relations
Great-power politics: US–China rivalry, NATO, China+1, Indo-US vs Indo-Russian defence
5PYQs
5GS2
2016–20245 distinct years
1asked 2024–26
What UPSC asks
Questions ask whether China is a bigger threat to the US than the USSR was, whether NATO's expansion helps India, the West fostering India as an alternative to China, and Indo-US vs Indo-Russian defence deals.
Prepare these
- US–China rivalry: trade, tech, military
- NATO expansion and the Ukraine war's effect on India–Russia ties
- China+1, supply chain diversification, iCET
- Defence: Russian legacy systems vs US deals (foundational agreements)
- Strategic autonomy and multi-alignment
Answer writing
- Give an opinion supported by interests; avoid one-sided answers
Directive words in these PYQs: Explain (2), Discuss (1), Evaluate (1).
Linked themes
Builds on: study these first
These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.
On the map
Syllabus lines covered
- GS2-L17 — India and its neighborhood- relations.
- GS2-L18 — Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests
- GS2-L19 — Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora.
All 5 PYQs, newest first
- GS2202410 marks · 150 wordsGS2-IR-05-M2024-Q09
- GS2202315 marks · 250 wordsGS2-IR-05-M2023-Q19
- GS22021GS2-IR-05-M2021-S01
- GS22020GS2-IR-03-M2020-S01
- GS22016GS2-IR-02-M2016-S01