International Relations Books for UPSC

International Relations Books for UPSC provide aspirants with a broader global perspective. This is vital as the UPSC exam aims to select candidates who can contribute to the administration and governance of the country, considering global dynamics. International relations are inherently linked to current affairs. Questions in the Civil Services exam often involve global events, diplomatic relations, and international developments. Knowledge in this area is essential for effectively addressing questions related to international issues.

Many national issues have international dimensions. For instance, economic policies, security concerns, and environmental issues often require a comprehensive understanding of global dynamics. A strong foundation in international relations helps aspirants analyze and address such issues effectively. Here is a list of recommended books for International Relations.

International Relations Books for UPSC

Understanding International Relations for UPSC can be challenging due to the dynamic nature of questions. To tackle this, having a solid strategy and the right International Relations books is crucial. Considering the high standards of the exam, it's essential to stay updated with the latest UPSC study material. The best books on International Relations for UPSC provide comprehensive information and accurate statistics about India's bilateral relations. Before we dive into the recommended books, let's get a grasp of the topics covered in International Relations:

• Indian Foreign Policy:
  • Covers aspects like Foreign Policy Architecture, Nuclear Doctrine, Soft Power, and the Dynamics of Foreign Policy.
• Multilateral Agreements:
  • Explores agreements such as BRICS, RCEP, ASEAN, SAARC, SCO, and others.
• Global Issues:
  • Examines critical issues like the South China Sea, Russia-Ukraine conflict, Crisis in Sri Lanka, World Trade Patterns, Japan’s Pacifism, and more.
• India’s Bilateral Relations:
  • Delves into relations with specific countries like India-Australia, India-China, India-Pakistan, and India-USA. Topics include AUSINDEX, One Belt One Road, Confidence Building Measures, Nuclear India-Pak-US, and more.

These topics are thoroughly covered in International Relations books for UPSC, providing detailed insights. It's crucial for UPSC preparation that candidates read these books along with staying updated on current affairs. This dual approach ensures a well-rounded understanding of International Relations for the exam.

International Relations Books for UPSC Prelims

If you're preparing for UPSC and want to understand International Relations better, check out these recommended books:

• "International Relations" by Vinay Kumar Malhotra
• "Global Politics" by Andrew Heywood
• "Challenge and Strategy: Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy" by Rajiv Sikri
• "International Relations: The Key Concepts" by Terry O’Callaghan, Martin Griffiths, Steven C. Roach
• "The Oxford Handbook of Indian Foreign Policy" by David M. Malone, C Raja Mohan, Srinath Raghavan
• "International Relations in the 21st Century" by Pant
• "The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations" by John Baylis, Steve Smith, Patricia Owens
• "Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches" by Georg Sorenson and Robert Jackso

Additionally, it's important to keep an eye on newspaper editorials written by experts like Suhasini Haidar, C Raja Mohan, Krishan Chander Singh, and others. Their insights can provide valuable perspectives on current international affairs.

International Relations Books for UPSC Optional Subject

If you're preparing for UPSC, you get to choose one optional subject from a list of 48. Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) is one of those options. To cover the International Relations section in the PSIR syllabus, here are some recommended books for both Paper 1 and Paper 2:

International Relations Books for Paper 1

• Global Politics by Andrew Heywood.
• The Search for a Paradigm Reconsidered by Ronald H. Chilcote.
• An Introduction to International Relations by John Baylis, Steve Smith, and Patricia Owens.
• India’s Foreign Policy by Shashi Tharoor.
• IGNOU notes on Comparative Politics.

Additional essential readings for a deeper understanding:

• Understanding International Relations by Chris Brown and Kirsten Ainley.
• Theories of International Relations by Palgrave Publications.
• The Oxford Handbook of International Relations by Christian Reus-Smit and Duncan Snidal.
• Introduction to International Relations: Theories and Approaches by Georg Sorenson and Robert Jackson.

Books for Paper 2 (India and the World)

• International Relations by Pavneet Singh.
• Indian Foreign Policy: An Overview by Harsh Pant.
• Editorials from The Hindu and The Indian Express.
• IDSA website (The Manohar Parrikar- Institute for Defense Studies and Analyses) and MEA (Ministry of External Affairs of India) website.

These resources will help you navigate the International Relations section effectively.

How to prepare with International Relations Books for UPSC?

International relations is an important topic for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, as it covers India’s foreign policy, bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and global issues. To prepare well for this topic, you need to have a good understanding of the concepts, theories, and current affairs related to international relations. Here are some tips and resources to help you with your preparation:

• First, you should familiarize yourself with the syllabus and previous year questions of international relations for UPSC Mains GS Paper II. This will give you an idea of the type and level of questions asked in the exam.
• Second, you should read the newspapers and magazines regularly to keep yourself updated with the latest developments and issues in the world. You should focus on India’s relations with its neighbours, major powers, and multilateral organizations. You should also note down the important facts, figures, and opinions related to international relations. Some of the recommended sources are The Hindu, The Indian Express, The Diplomat, Foreign Affairs, etc.
• Third, you should refer to some standard books and online materials to strengthen your conceptual and theoretical knowledge of international relations. You should also practice answer writing and test your understanding by solving mock tests and quizzes. Some of the recommended books and online materials are:
  • International Relations (4th Rev. & Enl. Edn.) by Vinay Kumar Malhotra: This book covers the basic concepts, theories, and issues of international relations in a simple and lucid manner. It also provides a comprehensive overview of India’s foreign policy and its role in the world.
  • The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations by John Baylis, Steve Smith, and Patricia Owens: This book provides an excellent introduction to the field of international relations. It covers the historical, theoretical, and contemporary aspects of global politics, with a special focus on globalization and its impact. It also includes case studies and examples from various regions and countries.
  • Indian Foreign Policy: An Overview by Harsh Pant: This book provides a concise and critical analysis of India’s foreign policy since independence. It examines the key challenges, opportunities, and objectives of India’s engagement with the world. It also discusses the emerging trends and issues in India’s foreign policy in the 21st century.
  • International Relations by Mcgraw Hill Education: This is an online course that covers the syllabus of international relations for UPSC Mains GS Paper II. It includes video lectures, notes, quizzes, and mock tests. It also provides current affairs updates and answer writing tips.

FAQs

What is the best International Relations Book for UPSC?

Some highly recommended books include "International Relations" by Vinay Kumar Malhotra, "Global Politics" by Andrew Heywood, and "Challenge and Strategy: Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy" by Rajiv Sikri. It's advisable to use a combination of these books and other relevant resources for a comprehensive understanding.

How to prepare with International Relations Books for UPSC?

To prepare with International Relations books for UPSC, start by understanding the syllabus and identifying key topics. Choose recommended books like "International Relations" by Vinay Kumar Malhotra and "Global Politics" by Andrew Heywood. Complement your reading with newspapers and editorials, particularly from The Hindu, and explore additional resources such as IDSA and MEA websites. Take concise notes while reading and practice answer writing to enhance analytical skills. Enroll in a reputable test series to practice time management and assess your preparation. Stay consistent with your study routine, review and revise regularly, and seek guidance from mentors or coaching institutes if possible. Stay updated with current affairs and international news to ensure a comprehensive preparation for the UPSC examination.