Federal Public Service Commission
Repeating Questions (International Relations)
Competitive Examination-2016-2025
The International Relations paper (2016–2025) reveals a strong pattern of recurring core themes, especially Pakistan’s foreign policy, regional conflicts, and global power dynamics. The examiner has clearly shifted towards analytical, application-based, and solution-oriented questions rather than simple theoretical explanations.
SUBJECTIVE
1. Pakistan Foreign Policy (MOST REPEATED)
Appeared in: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025
Examiner’s Focus:
• Determinants (geography, ideology, economy, military)
• Relations with USA, China, India, Afghanistan
• Shift from security-driven → geo-economics
Insight:
This is the core topic of the paper. Always link with CPEC, War on Terror, and US-China rivalry.
2. India–Pakistan Relations / Kashmir / Water Issues
Appeared in: 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Examiner’s Focus:
• Strategic rivalry (nuclear deterrence)
• Kashmir dispute (legal + political)
• Water conflict (Indus Waters Treaty)
Insight:
Focus on analytical answers with conflict resolution models and CBMs.
3. Security Concept (Traditional vs Modern)
Appeared in: 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022
Examiner’s Focus:
• Post-Cold War security
• Terrorism, climate change, cyber warfare
Insight:
Always compare traditional vs modern security with current examples.
4. International Relations Theories
Appeared in: 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023
Key Theories:
• Realism vs Liberalism
• Constructivism, Feminism, Neo-realism
Insight:
Don’t just define — apply theories to real-world and Pakistan context.
5. Globalization & International Political Economy (IPE)
Appeared in: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022
Examiner’s Focus:
• Dependency theory, neo-imperialism
• IMF & World Bank role
Insight:
Include Pakistan’s debt and IMF programs with balanced analysis.
6. China / US–China Rivalry (Rising Trend)
Appeared in: 2017, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
Examiner’s Focus:
• Rise of China, Indo-Pacific strategy
• Balance of power, CPEC / BRI
Insight:
Future exams will focus more here — link with Pakistan’s strategic role.
7. Nuclear Politics / NPT / Deterrence
Appeared in: 2016, 2019, 2022, 2025
Examiner’s Focus:
• Nuclear deterrence (India vs Pakistan)
• NPT limitations
Insight:
Combine theory with South Asian examples.
8. International Organizations
Appeared in: 2016, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2025
Examiner’s Focus:
• Effectiveness and bias
• Role in developing states
Insight:
Critically evaluate — “tool of powerful states” argument.
9. Afghanistan & Regional Stability
Appeared in: 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024
Examiner’s Focus:
• Taliban issue
• Pak-Afghan relations
Insight:
Link with security, refugees, and border issues.
FINAL SMART PREPARATION STRATEGY
High Priority:
• Pakistan Foreign Policy
• India-Pak Relations
• US-China Rivalry
• Modern Security
Medium Priority:
• IR Theories
• Globalization / IMF
Supporting Topics:
• Nuclear politics
• International organizations
• Afghanistan
Golden Insight:
CSS papers are shifting from simple definitions to:
• Analysis
• Critical evaluation
• Solution-based answers