International Relations and Diplomacy rewards students who can move between theory and Nepal’s actual practice — a theory question that ends with Nepal, and a Nepal question that opens with a theory, both score well. Here is the unit-wise list of the most important questions for the B.A.LL.B. 3rd Semester (New Course) paper International Relations and Diplomacy (IRD5203), arranged in the order of the official 2025 syllabus.
Who is this for? B.A.LL.B. 3rd Semester (new 2025 course) students preparing for the IRD5203 board examination. Full marks 100 (40% internal + 60% board), pass marks 50%. Non-law students of IR and diplomacy will also find the list useful.
Unit-wise important questions
Unit 1: Introduction to International Relations
- Define International Relations. Explain its nature, scope and development since 1945. (15)
- Explain the concept of national power and its elements. Distinguish between hard power, soft power and smart power with examples. (15)
- Explain the concept and techniques of balance of power in contemporary world politics. (15)
- Discuss the recent trends in contemporary international relations. (10)
- Write short notes on: (a) the Cold War; (b) the War on Terror. (2×5)
Unit 2: Theories of International Relations
- Explain realism and neo-realism as theories of International Relations. (15)
- Explain liberalism and neo-liberalism as theories of International Relations. (15)
- Write short notes on: (a) Marxism; (b) Constructivism; (c) Feminism in International Relations. (3×5)
Unit 3: Major Issues of International Relations
- “War and peace remain the central concern of International Relations.” Discuss. (15)
- Discuss four major contemporary issues of international relations: globalization, climate change, terrorism and migration. (15)
- Explain humanitarian intervention in world politics with reference to the responsibility to protect. (15)
- What is human security? Distinguish it from state security. (10)
- Write short notes on: (a) nationalism; (b) human rights as an issue of international relations. (2×5)
Unit 4: Foreign Policy
- Define foreign policy and national interest. Explain the determinants of Nepal’s foreign policy. (15)
- Explain the directive principles of state policy and the guiding principles of Nepal’s foreign policy under the Constitution of Nepal, 2072. (15)
- Describe the salient features of Nepal’s Foreign Policy, 2077. (15)
- Trace the evolution of Nepal’s foreign policy from the time of Prithvi Narayan Shah to the present. (15)
- Explain Nepal’s relations with India, China and the United States. (15)
- Explain Nepal’s role in the United Nations, SAARC and BIMSTEC. (15)
Unit 5: Introduction to Diplomacy
- Define diplomacy. Explain its concept, definition and techniques. (15)
- Explain bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. What is the importance of economic diplomacy for Nepal? (15)
- Write short notes on: (a) old and new diplomacy; (b) public diplomacy; (c) military diplomacy. (3×5)
Unit 6: Law and Diplomacy
- Explain the appointment, functions and classes of diplomatic agents under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961. (15)
- Explain the privileges and immunities of diplomatic missions and diplomatic agents. (15)
- Explain the functions of consular missions and the privileges and immunities of consular officials under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963. (15)
- Explain the rights and challenges of landlocked developing countries with special reference to Nepal. (15)
- Describe diplomatic negotiation as a technique of diplomacy. (10)
- Write short notes on the distinction between diplomatic and consular functions. (10)
Unit 7: Nepal’s Bilateral Treaties with India and China
- Explain the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Nepal and India, 1950 and the controversies surrounding it. (15)
- Explain the Treaty of Trade and Transit between Nepal and India, 1960 with its periodic revisions. (15)
- Explain the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Nepal and China, 1960. (10)
- Discuss the recent developments in Nepal’s bilateral treaty relations with India and China. (15)
How to answer IRD questions well
- Open with the definition, close with Nepal: for every theory question, add a short Nepali application in the conclusion — it is the fastest way to separate yourself from students who only reproduce the textbook.
- Use dated markers: IR answers gain credibility with precise references — “since 1945”, “post-Cold War”, “the 2015 constitution”, “Foreign Policy 2077”. Vague chronology loses marks.
- Know your instruments: the Vienna Conventions of 1961 and 1963, the Nepal–India Treaties of 1950 and 1960, the Nepal–China Treaty of 1960 — quote the instrument’s name and year exactly.
- Balance is a technique, not just a concept: in balance-of-power answers, explain the techniques (alliances, countervailing power, buffer states) with examples, since Nepal’s own position invites this analysis.
Free resources
Start with the free Unit 1: International Relations and Diplomacy Unit 1 (free). Unit 1 of every subject is free to read on this site.