Section A
·
At
the international level, bilateral
relations between most nations are governed on the policy of promoting
one’s own national interest without any regard for the interest of other
nations. This leads to conflicts and tension between the nations. How can ethical consideration help resolve such
tensions? Discuss with specific examples. 2015
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·
Strength, peace
and security
are considered to be the pillars of international relations. Elucidate. 2017
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‘The
will to power exists, but it can be
tamed and be guided by rationality and
principles of moral duty.’ Examine this statement in the context of
international relations. 2020
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“Refugees should not be turned back to
the country where they would face persecution or human right violation.”
Examine the statement with reference to ethical dimension being violated by the
nation claiming to be democratic with open society. 2021
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·
International
aid is
an accepted form of helping resource-challenged nations. Comment on ethics in
contemporary international aid. Support your answer with suitable examples. 2023
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·
“It
is not enough to talk about peace, one must believe in it; and it is not enough
to believe in it, one must act upon it.” In the present context, the major
weapon industries of the developed nations are adversely influencing
continuation of number of wars for their own self-interest, all around the
world. What are the ethical
considerations of the powerful nations in today’s international arena to
stop continuation of ongoing conflicts?
2024
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·
Carl
von Clausewitz once said, "War is a
diplomacy by other means." Critically analyse the above statement in
the present context of contemporary geo-political conflict. 2025
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·
Discuss
how national security can be
balanced with concerns of human rights.
2026
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·
In
international relations, ethical
considerations are often subjugated to the strategic interests of nation-states. Discuss this from an ethical
perspective. 2026
Section B
2020 – Ethical Issues - Sell Arms to Foreign Governments
The Chairman of Bharat Missiles Ltd (BML) was
watching a program on TV wherein the Prime Minister was addressing the nation
on the necessity of developing a self-reliant India. He subconsciously nodded
in agreement and smiled to himself as he mentally reviewed BML’s journey in the
past two decades. BML had admirably progressed from producing first-generation
anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) to designing and producing state of the art
ATGM weapon systems that would be the envy of any army. He sighed in
reconciliation with his assumptions that the government would probably not
alter the status quo of a ban on the export of military weaponry.
To his surprise, the very next day he got a
telephone call from the Director-General, Ministry of Defence, asking him to
discuss the modalities of increasing BML production of ATGMs as there is a
probability of exporting the same to a friendly country. The Director-General
wanted the Chairman to discuss the details with his staff in Delhi next week.
Two days later, at a press conference, the Defence
Minister stated that he aims to double the current weapons export levels within
five years. This would give an impetus to financing the development and
manufacturing of indigenous weapons in the country. He also stated that all
indigenous arms manufacturing nations have a very good record of the
international arms trade.
As the Chairman of BML, what are your views on the
following points?
a) As
an arms exporter of a responsible nation like India, what are the ethical
issues involved in arms trade?
b) List
five ethical factors that would influence the decision to sell arms to foreign
governments.
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2022 - Infiltration of illegal migrants from the neighbouring
country
Ramesh is State Civil Services Officer who got the
opportunity of getting posted to the capital of a border State after rendering
20 years of service. Ramesh’s mother has recently been detected cancer and has
been admitted in the leading cancer hospital of the city. His two adolescent
children have also got admission in one of the best public schools of the town.
After settling down in his appointment as Director in the Home Department of
the State, Ramesh got confidential report through intelligence sources that
illegal migrants are infiltrating in the State from the neighbouring country.
He decided to personally carry out surprise check of the border posts along
with his Home Department team. To his surprise, he caught red-handed two
families of 12 members infiltrated with the connivance of the security
personnel at the border posts.
On further inquiry and investigation, it was found that after the migrants
from neighbouring country infiltrate, their documentation like Aadhaar Card,
Ration Card and Voter Card are also forged and they are made to settle down in
a particular area of the State. Ramesh prepared the detailed and comprehensive
report and submitted to the Additional Secretary of the State. However, he has
summoned by the Additional Home Secretary after a week and was instructed to
withdraw the report. The Additional Home Secretary informed Ramesh that the
report submitted by him has not been appreciated by the higher authorities. He
further cautioned him that if he fails to withdraw the confidential ort, he
will not only be posted out from the prestigious appointment from the State
capital but his further promotion which is due in near future will also get in
jeopardy.
(a) What
are the options available to Ramesh as the Director of the Home Department of
the bordering State?
(b) What
option should Ramesh adopt and why?
(c) Critically
evaluate each of the options.
(d) What
are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Ramesh?
(e) What
policy measures would you suggest to combat the menace of infiltration of
illegal migrants from the neighbouring country?
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2025 – Bleeding Civilians and Soldiers from Neighboring Country at
the Border
Ashok is Divisional Commissioner of one of the
border districts of the North East State. A few years back, Military has taken
over the neighboring country after overthrowing the elected civil government.
Civil war situation is prevailing in the country especially in last two years. However,
internal situation further deteriorated due to rebel groups taking over control
of certain populated areas near own border. Due to intense fight between
military and rebel groups, civilian casualties has increased manifold in recent
past.
In the meantime, in one night Ashok got information
from the local police guarding the border check post that there are about
200-250 people mainly women and children trying to cross over to our side of
the border. There are also about 10 soldiers with their weapons in military
uniform part of this group who wants to cross over. Women and Children are also
crying and begging for help. A few of them are injured and bleeding profusely
need immediate medical care. Ashok tried to contact Home Secretary of the State
but failed to do so due to poor connectivity mainly due to inclement weather.
(a) What
are the options available with Ashok to cope with the situation?
(b) What
are the ethical and legal dilemmas being faced by Ashok?
(c) Which
of the options, do you think would be more appropriate for Ashok to adopt and
why?
(d) In
the present situation, what are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by
the Border Guarding Police in dealing with soldiers in uniform? (250 words)
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2026 - Weapon Sales – National Interest
with Ethical Considerations
Ajit
has been recently promoted as the Head of the Department of Weapon Sales (DWS)
in the Ministry of Defence Production (MDP). His charter of duties includes
international sales of weapons produced domestically by MDP.
In two recent wars, MDP weapons have performed admirably, resulting in many countries showing interest in buying them, particularly long-range artillery and missiles. Country A and country B have asked for these weapons. However, production constraints restrict DWS to accept only one purchase order.
Country A is a developing nation with a sound technology base. MDP is planning R&D collaboration with it for the next generation of weapons. It is not part of any security alliance and needs weapons for protection from a troublesome neighbour. It seeks a large acquisition on a long-term loan.
Country B is also a developing nation. Military strength is its priority, with the military budget often ingressing into allocations for human resources and infrastructure development. It is in security alliance with a superpower who has a large military base there and periodically allots it financial grants. It is a member of an economic bloc with which the government is currently negotiating a free trade agreement. It is not a signatory of NPT but possesses smaller nuclear weapons and delivery systems. It supports some guerilla forces abroad. It has sought a smaller acquisition and is prepared to make some advance payment. It is currently negotiating arms purchases from another nation too.
Ajit discussed this case with his counterparts in the related departments. Therein, significant economic benefits, employment generation and stronger diplomatic relations arising from this sale were highlighted. It was also emphasized that refusing the deal could result in country B purchasing weapons from some other supplier.
Ajit was aware that in arms sales, due diligence at each stage was pivotal to ensure conformity to national policy and international treaties.
(a) Discuss the options available to Ajit. Which option should he select and why?
(b) How can Ajit balance nation’s economic and strategic interests with ethical considerations?
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