Emergence of two power blocs after the second world war. Arenas of the cold war. Challenges to Bipolarity: Non Aligned Movement, quest for new international economic order. India and the cold war.
The End of BipolarityNew entities in world politics: Russia, Balkan states and Central Asian states, Introduction of democratic politics and capitalism in post-communist regimes. India's relations with Russia and other post-communist countries.
US Hegemony in World PoliticsGrowth of unilateralism: Afghanistan, first Gulf War, response to 9/11 and attack on Iraq. Dominance and challenge to the US in economy and ideology. India's renegotiation of its relationship with the USA.
Alternative Centres of PowerRise of China as an economic power in post-Maoera, creation and expansion of European Union, ASEAN. India's changing relations with China.
Contemporary South Asia in the Post-Cold War EraDemocratisation and its reversals in Pakistan and Nepal. Ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, Impact of economic globalization on the region. Conflicts and efforts for peace in South Asia. India's relations with its neighbours.
International OrganizationsRestructuring and the future of the UN. India's position in the restructured UN. Rise of new international actors: new international economic organisations, NGOs. How democratic and accountable are the new institutions of global governance?
Security in Contemporary WorldTraditional concerns of security and politics of disarmament. Non-traditional or human security: global poverty, health and education. Issues of human rights and migration.
Environment and Natural ResourcesEnvironment movement and evolution of global environmental norms. Conflicts over traditional and common property resources. Rights of indigenous people. India's stand in global environmental debates.
GlobalisationEconomic, cultural and political manifestations. Debates on the nature of consequences of globalisation. Anti-globalisation movements. India as an arena of globalization and struggle against it.
Nehru's approach to nation-building: Legacy of partition: challenge of 'refugee' resettlement, the Kashmir problem. Organisation and reorganization of states; Political conflicts over language.
Era of One-Party DominanceFive year plans, expansion of state sector and the rise of new economic interests. Famine and suspension of five year plans. Green revolution and its political fallouts.
India's External RelationsNehru's foreign policy. Sino-Indian war of 1962, Indo-Pak war of 1965 and 1971. India's nuclear programme and shifting alliances in world politics.
Challenges to the Congress SystemPolitical succession after Nehru. Non-Congressism and electoral upset of 1967, Congress split and reconstitution, Congress' victory in 1971 elections, politics of 'garibi hatao'.
Crisis of the Democratic OrderSearch for 'committed' bureaucracy and judiciary. Navnirman movement in Gujarat and the Bihar movement. Emergency: context, constitutional and extra-constitutional dimensions, resistance to emergency. 1977 elections and the formation of Janata Party. Rise of civil liberties organisations.
Popular Movements in IndiaNations and Nationalism, National Self-determination, Nationalism and Pluralism
SecularismFarmers' movements, Women's movement, Environment and Development-affected people's movements. Implementation of Mandal Commission report and its aftermath.
Regional AspirationsRise of regional parties. Punjab crisis and the anti Sikh riots of 1984. The Kashmir situation. Challenges and responses in the North East.
Recent Developments in Indian politicsParticipatory upsurge in1990s. Rise of the JD and the BJP. Increasing role of regional parties and coalition politics. NDA, UPA-I and UPA-II government.