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