Specialized Paper Sample Questions
Discipline: Political Affairs (P2)

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A. Describe the political implications of the implementation of the new international economic order requested by developing countries.

B. It has been said that a nuclear conflict has been avoided so far because of the balance of nuclear armament. Discuss this statement. What other options exist to achieve the maintenance of peace and security?

C. One of the responsibilities of the "good offices of the Secretary-General” is to enhance the peace-making capabilities of the UN. Discuss in the light of recent developments how successful the UN has been in this area.

1. Discuss briefly how the gathering of objective facts and timely information can contribute to the implementation of the highest United Nations goal, the maintenance of international peace and security, and how the Organisation could and should seek to strengthen its fact-finding capacity.

2. Briefly discuss why there is a current debate on the restructuring of the composition of the Security Council

3. Explain the terms "vertical proliferation" and "horizontal proliferation" which often appear in discussions on disarmament.

4. Using any example, briefly discuss the relevance of peacekeeping operations within the context of the Charter mandate for the settlement of disputes, and show in what ways, if any, peacekeeping contributes to peacemaking.

5. Several nations are thought to be attempting to develop nuclear weapons. What measures can the United Nations take to forestall such a development?

6. Explain briefly the importance of the "non-aligned movement" in today's international relations.

7. Define and compare the following types of international instruments:

   a) Declarations;

   b) Conventions;

   c) Pacts;

   d) Resolutions of United Nations' organs.

8. The United Nations has monitored several elections. Describe and discuss recent examples.

9. What is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations? Describe its role in the Organisation.

10. Identify four major responsibilities and/or functions of the Security Council. Give an example of actions taken by the Security Council for each responsibility or function mentioned.

Suggested reading list: basic textbooks and periodicals in the field of political affairs and related work The following topics should be covered:

• United Nations work in general; resolutions and decisions adopted by Security Council and General Assembly
• Refugees
• Human rights questions
• Racial discrimination and the debate around genocide
• Environment/energy/natural resources
• Outer space questions
• Laws of the Sea
• World economic development
• Disarmament
• Nuclear arms/power
• Peacekeeping/peacemaking
• Technological development
• Hunger, malnutrition, and population questions
• Academic journals on political subject matters (e.g. Foreign Affairs)
• Transnational corporations
• Human settlements
• Immigration
• AIDS
• Role of international organisations and civil society in development

The Economist, Jeune Afrique, Newsweek, Far Eastern Economic Review, L'Express, Le Monde, etc.

Examination Sample: General Paper (P2)

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