CSS International Relations Past Papers (2000-2025): Complete Paper I & II Analysis, FPSC Trends & Strategy

Master the complex world of CSS International Relations with the definitive resource for aspirants. This page provides the complete archive of FPSC CSS IR Paper I and Paper II descriptive past papers from 2000 to 2025, combined with an expert topic-wise analysis of the most repeated questions. Our data-driven breakdown deciphers FPSC’s evolving demand for conceptual synthesis and current affairs application, highlighting critical areas like US-China rivalry, IR theory, Pakistan’s strategic dilemmas, and non-traditional security. Stop memorizing history; start thinking like a strategist with our evidence-based roadmap to conquer both IR papers.

After mastering these papers, ensure complete preparation by exploring our full libraries of solved CSS Past Papers MCQs for objective practice and CSS Past Papers Descriptive Questions for writing excellence across all subjects.

The recent FPSC papers (2024, 2025) reveal a critical shift. Success no longer depends on factual recall but on your ability to function as a theoretician and policy analyst. The examiner demands conceptual synthesis—applying IR theory to real-world crises and providing critical, prescriptive answers.

Key Shifts in FPSC Demand:

• From History to Theory: You must use theories (Realism, Liberalism) to explain events, like using the Realist school to analyze Pakistan-Iran relations.
• From Description to Prescription: Answers must conclude with actionable “policy suggestions” or “thoughtful measures,” especially in security and climate questions.
• Current Affairs as Context: All foundational topics are now framed through contemporary crises (e.g., Ukraine/Palestine for IR’s scope, Gaza for UN’s credibility).

High Priority vs. Low Priority:

• HIGH PRIORITY: IR Theory Comparison, International Political Economy (IPE)/IMF Debt-Trap Debate, Changing Dimensions of Security (Digital/Climate), Great Power Rivalry (US-China), Pakistan-India Nuclear Dynamics.
• LOW PRIORITY: Isolated historical treaties, outdated conflicts without modern relevance, purely descriptive accounts.

Part I: International Relations Paper I – Foundational Concepts

Topic-Wise Analysis & Most Repeated Questions

Most Repeated Questions in Paper I:

1. Core IR Theories (9 appearances)
   • (2006) “Explain, with examples, the main principles of the NEO-REALIST SCHOOL OF THOUGHT in International Relations. How does Neo-Realism differ from Classical Realism?”
   • (2006) “Explain, with examples, the main principles of the NEO-LIBERAL SCHOOL OF THOUGHT in International Relations. How does Neo-Liberalism differ from Classical Liberalism/Idealism?”
   • (2011) “Identify the main arguments of the Realism and Liberalism in IR. Which approach appeals to you as a better explaining IR and why? Discuss with empirical evidence.”
   • (2017) “What are the essential differences between the liberal internationalist and realist theories? In your opinion, why is realism the most dominant theory in the discipline of International Relations?”
   • (2024) “How do the thoughts of Woodrow Wilson, Norman Angell, and Alfred Zimmern contribute to the development of Liberal Internationalism? Analyze and discuss various aspects of Liberal Internationalism…”
2. IPE & IMF (9 appearances)
   • (2010) ““After the downfall of Colonialism. The Western Powers have embarked upon a new policy of “Economic Imperialism” through IMF, World Bank, Multi-Nationals and WTO”. Do you agree? Substantiate.”
   • (2022) “Evaluate the impact of the IMF loans on the economy of Pakistan.”
   • (2023) “Role of IMF in developing countries is a contested issue in academic research. What are some positive and negative implications on low income countries?”
   • (2024) “Is the financial support provided by the IMF truly a “debt trap,” as some argue, or does it serve as a supportive mechanism for the economic recovery of impoverished nations? Through a comprehensive analysis, evaluate the impacts of IMF assistance on the financial health of recipient countries…”
3. Evolution of IR (8 appearances)
   • (2000) “Define International Relations. Discuss its scope and importance of the study of International Relations.”
   • (2012) “Discuss the development of the study of “International Relations” and define its core influential factors and explain its role in the post Cold War era.”
   • (2021) “Define International Relations. Discuss it’s changing/ evolving scope.”
   • (2024) “How does the definition and scope of international relations evolve in light of the ongoing war situations in Ukraine and Palestine? What insights do these conflicts my, into the complexities of global diplomatic, political, and socio-economic interactions?”
4. Changing Security Dimensions (8 appearances)
   • (2018) “What are the changing dimensions of security and how they vary from the classical concept of international security?”
   • (2020) “What are the multidimensional and multifaceted impacts of climate change on multiple dimensions of security? Identify each, discuss and analyze under the theoretical framework of Security and International Relations.”
   • (2023) “What are the best policy options to deal with asymmetrical warfare?”
   • (2025) “How has the digitalization of international system reshaped traditional warfare, sparking strategic clashes in the post-information era? Explore its theoretical implications for modern conflict.”

Part II: International Relations Paper II – Geopolitics & Strategy

Topic-Wise Analysis & Most Repeated Questions

Most Repeated Questions in Paper II:

1. US-China Rivalry (7 appearances)
   • (2022) “What are the key features of the US new Indo-Pacific strategy under Joe Biden’s administration? How does it treat China?”
   • (2023) “Do you think global power structure is passing through transition? What are the contours of big powers strategic realignment?”
   • (2024) “Recent relationship between the US and China seems to be prey to Thucydides’s trap. Can America and China escape it? Analyze it keeping in view the recent trends in international politics.”
   • (2025) “How does the competition between the United States and China shape global dynamics in the economic, IT, and military sectors, and what implications does this rivalry have for the emerging world order?”
2. Pakistan-India Nuclear Dynamics (7 appearances)
   • (2006) “Explain the impact of India-Pakistan nuclearisation on strategic stability in South Asia.”
   • (2008) “Since South Asia has been dominated by the antagonism between India and Pakistan, what impact do nuclear weapons have on the balance of power in the region.”
   • (2017) “Critically evaluate the strategically competitive dynamics of Pakistan-India relations in the context of Pakistan’s growing ties with China and India’s increased alignment with the United States.”
   • (2024) “Pakistan and India are nuclear-armed neighbours. The normalization of the bilateral relationship between them has not become possible… Is sustained peace possible between them?”
3. Afghanistan Dynamics (5 appearances)
   • (2016) “Critically discuss main political, socio-economic and strategic hurdles between “Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations” and how can both countries come out from the Cold War scenario?”
   • (2022) “What are China’s interests in Afghanistan? Discuss its role and options in the country following the US exit.”
   • (2024) “With the evolving situation in Afghanistan, how does China engage with Pakistan to ensure stability in the region, and what are the shared strategic interests and potential divergences between the two countries in the context of post-withdrawal Afghanistan?”
4. Foreign Policy Models (5 appearances)
   • (2024) “Graham Allison has devised different models for making choices in foreign policy decisions. Compare and contrast the Rational Actor Model and the Bureaucratic Politics Model to illustrate foreign policy decisions. Which model better explains Pakistan’s decision in 2015 to decline Saudi Arabia’s call for armed support in the Yemen war?”
   • (2024) “Compare and contrast Fukuyama’s ‘End of History’ and Huntington’s ‘Clash of Civilization’ in the backdrop of the interpretation of the post-Cold War era. Which interpretation seems more attractive in explaining international politics in the post-Cold War era?”

Suggested Study Plan: A Strategic Roadmap

For Paper I (Conceptual Mastery):

• Theoretical Mastery (30% Time): Don’t just memorize theories. Practice applying Realism and Liberalism to explain Pakistan’s foreign policy choices and global events.
• IPE & Security Synthesis (40% Time): Link the IMF debt-trap debate to concepts of neo-imperialism. For security, always conclude climate change and digital warfare answers with specific policy recommendations.
• Institutions in Crisis (30% Time): Analyze the UN and disarmament treaties through the lens of their failure or success in managing contemporary conflicts like Gaza.

For Paper II (Geopolitical Application):

• Great Power Analysis (35% Time): Focus on the multi-sectoral US-China competition (economic, tech, military) and its implications for the global order.
• Regional Conflict Expertise (35% Time): Prepare deep, policy-oriented analyses on Pakistan-India relations, the Afghanistan quagmire, and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
• Policy & Model Integration (30% Time): Be ready to use foreign policy models (like Allison’s) to deconstruct a specific Pakistani decision, and understand the strategic importance of the SCO over SAARC.

This structured approach, based on 25 years of data, ensures your preparation is targeted, efficient, and aligned with what the FPSC examiners are actively seeking.

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