International Relations CSS Syllabus 2025 PDF

Are you opting for International Relations in your CSS exam? You can view the IR updated syllabus to go through all topics in both paper one and paper two.

IR CSS Syllabus 2025 Paper—1 (Marks-100)

I. Introduction

• The Definition and Scope of International Relations
• The Nation-State System
• Evolution of International Society

II. Theories and Approaches

• The Classical Approaches: Realism and Idealism
• The Scientific Revolution: Behavioral Approach, System Approach
• Neo-Realism, Neo-Liberalism
• Post-Modernism, Critical Theory, Feminism, Constructivism

III. International Political Security

• Conceptualization of security in the twenty-first century
• Power and Elements of National Power
• Balance of Power
• Foreign Policy: Determinants, Decision Making, and Analysis
• Sovereignty
• National Interest

IV. Strategic Approach to International Relations

• War: Causation of War, Total War, Limited War, Asymmetric Warfare, Civil War, Guerrilla War
• Strategic Culture: Determinants of Pakistani Strategic Culture
• Deterrence: Theory and Practice with Special Reference to Nuclear India and Pakistan

V. International Political Economy

• Theories in IPE: Mercantilism, Economic Liberalism, and Neo-Marxism
• Theories of Imperialism, Dependence, and Interdependence

VI. International Political Community

• Nationalism
• Internationalism
• Globalization

VII. Approaches to Peace

• Diplomacy
• International Law
• Arms Control/Disarmament and Nuclear Non-Proliferation Regime

VIII. International Political Institutions

• United Nations
• International Monetary Fund (IMF)
• World Bank
• International Court of Justice

IR CSS Syllabus 2025 Paper- II (Marks-100)

I. International Relations Between Two Wars

• Russian Revolution, Fascism, League of Nations, Second World War

II. Cold War

• Decolonization in Asia and Africa
• Rise of the United States and Soviet Union
• Era of Tight Bipolarity, Détente and Loose Bipolarity, Revival of the Cold War

III. Post-Cold War

• End of History, Clash of Civilizations, Terrorism, Globalization, Unipolarity, New World Order

IV. International and Regional Organizations

• League of Nations, United Nations, Regional Organizations (EU, ASEAN, NAFTA, SAARC, SCO, OIC, ECO, WTO)
• Reforms in the United Nations, World Bank, and IMF

V. Foreign Policy of Selected Countries

• USA, Russia, China, UK, India, Pakistan, and EU

VI. South Asia

• Peace-Making and Peace-Building in South Asia: Analytical Overview of Peace Processes Between/Among the States of South Asia, Especially Between India and Pakistan
• India and Pakistan: Overview of Agreements and Accords, Indus Water Treaty, Composite Dialogue, Sir Creek & Siachen Border, Visa and People-to-People Contact, Trade, and Role of Civil Society
• Afghanistan: Cold War Theatre, Soviet Invasion, Mujahedeen, Geneva Accord, Post-Cold War Situation—Rise of Taliban, Al-Qaeda & 9/11, Operation Enduring Freedom, The Bonn Process, Withdrawal

VII. Weapons of Mass Destruction

• Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
• Nuclear Weapon States: Programs and Postures (Indian-Pakistan Nuclear Doctrines)
• Nuclear Non-Proliferation Regime: International Atomic Energy Agency, Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Nuclear Supplier Group, Partial Test Ban Treaty, Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty
• Challenges of Non-Proliferation, Nuclear Civil Deal Regime
• The Missile Defense Systems and Their Impact on the Global Strategic Environment
• Militarization and Weaponization of Space

VIII. Contemporary Issues

• Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean: Great Powers’ Moves and Hegemony
• Kashmir Issue
• Palestine Issue

IR Books for CSS / Recommended Read by FPSC