How to Approach International Law in PSIR Optional: A Complete Guide
For those choosing Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) as their optional subject in UPSC, international law forms an integral part of the syllabus. It is a topic that, if mastered well, can significantly enhance your chances of scoring high marks. However, aspirants often find it difficult to approach international law in PSIR because it requires not just memorization but a deep understanding of concepts, precedents, and international treaties.
In this blog, we will break down how to effectively prepare international law in PSIR, provide sources to study, and offer some tips on how to present it in your answers to maximize marks in the UPSC Mains exam.
Why Is International Law Important in PSIR?
International law plays a crucial role in understanding global diplomacy, conflict resolution, and the legal framework that governs the conduct of nations. In the PSIR optional, this topic helps aspirants develop a comprehensive understanding of how countries interact on legal grounds in areas such as human rights, environmental treaties, and international disputes. For aspirants of civil services, international law in PSIR provides the foundation for understanding the legal aspects of global governance.
Key Topics in International Law for PSIR
Here are the primary areas of focus in international law in PSIR that are part of the syllabus and need thorough preparation:
- Sources of International Law: Understand the primary and secondary sources of international law, including treaties, customs, general principles, and judicial decisions from international courts like the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
- Subjects of International Law: Nations are the principal subjects, but international organizations, individuals, and non-state actors also play a role. The distinction between these is crucial for framing your answers.
- International Humanitarian Law: This includes the laws of war and how international legal norms regulate armed conflict. Pay attention to key treaties such as the Geneva Conventions.
- Recognition of States and Governments: Understand the principles guiding the recognition of new states and governments under international law.
- Jurisdiction and Extradition: Learn about the principles of jurisdiction, the basis of extradition treaties, and how disputes over jurisdiction between countries are resolved.
- Law of the Sea and Air: Study the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the legal regime governing international airspace.
- International Dispute Resolution: Focus on methods like arbitration, negotiation, and the role of international courts in resolving disputes.
- Diplomatic Immunities and Consular Relations: Diplomatic norms and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations form key aspects of international law in PSIR.
- Environmental Law: The role of international treaties like the Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol in shaping global environmental governance.
How to Approach International Law in PSIR
1. Start with Conceptual Clarity
Before diving into specifics, it’s crucial to understand the basic concepts of international law in PSIR. Begin with foundational sources like the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties and familiarize yourself with the principles of international law. Knowing the basic definitions and principles will help you as you advance to more complex topics.
Source to Study:
- NCERT Political Science (Class 12)
- Oppenheim’s International Law: A detailed but essential resource for those looking to delve deeper into the principles of international law.
2. Link with Current Affairs
International law is dynamic and evolves with time, which means you must connect theoretical aspects with current events. For instance, issues like climate change, cyber laws, and refugee crises are increasingly governed by international treaties and laws. Relating current events to theoretical frameworks will enrich your answers and make them more relevant.
Source to Study:
- The Hindu and Indian Express (International pages)
- Yojana and Kurukshetra magazines: They often have articles linking international treaties with global events.
3. Focus on Key Judgments
International law is often shaped by landmark decisions from courts like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and International Criminal Court (ICC). Familiarize yourself with key judgments, such as the Nicaragua v. United States (1986) case, which discusses the prohibition of the use of force.
Source to Study:
- Sleepy Classes PSIR Lectures: Their detailed notes often cover landmark judgments in international law.
- International Court of Justice website: Read the summaries of key cases and how international law has evolved through these decisions.
4. Use Diagrams and Flowcharts
When explaining complex legal principles, it’s useful to break down the information using diagrams or flowcharts. This approach helps the examiner quickly grasp how you are connecting different aspects of international law in PSIR.
Pro Tip: Practice drafting diagrams that explain concepts like the hierarchy of international law or the jurisdiction of international courts.
5. Enrich Answers with Scholarly Opinions
Including scholarly opinions from jurists and international law experts such as Hugo Grotius, Hans Kelsen, or Antonio Cassese adds depth to your answers. This not only showcases your reading but also demonstrates a deeper understanding of the subject.
Source to Study:
- Books by Malcolm Shaw: Shaw’s writings on international law are globally respected and provide a thorough analysis of international legal principles.
- Sleepy Classes Online Resources: Sleepy Classes often provides study materials that include juristic perspectives on international law.
6. Master the Language of Law
When writing answers related to international law in PSIR, it is important to use the correct legal terminology. Words like “jurisdiction,” “sovereignty,” “state responsibility,” “extradition,” and “diplomatic immunity” must be used accurately to convey your understanding of the topic.
Pro Tip: Make a list of common legal terms and their definitions, and practice incorporating them into your answers.
Answer Writing Tips for International Law in PSIR
- Introduction: Start your answer with a brief definition or historical context of the topic. If the question is about the Law of the Sea, for example, begin by mentioning the role of UNCLOS.
- Body: Use subheadings to break down your answer logically. Focus on explaining the concept, its significance, and relevant international treaties or laws. Use examples from real-world situations or landmark cases.
- Conclusion: End your answer by summarizing the importance of international law in maintaining global order or suggesting reforms for existing international laws.
Resources for International Law in PSIR
- Oppenheim’s International Law: A must-read for aspirants who want a deep understanding of the subject.
- Malcolm Shaw’s International Law: Another comprehensive source that deals with both the theoretical and practical aspects of international law.
- Sleepy Classes PSIR Course: This course offers detailed video lectures on international law, complete with notes and current examples.
- United Nations Website: For treaties and conventions like UNCLOS, Geneva Conventions, and others.
Conclusion
Mastering international law in PSIR is crucial for aspirants aiming to score high in the optional paper. By focusing on conceptual clarity, integrating current affairs, and enhancing your answer with case laws and scholarly opinions, you can excel in this subject. Utilizing resources from Sleepy Classes and combining them with standard texts will ensure comprehensive preparation. Remember, presenting your knowledge clearly and logically in the exam is key to securing top marks.
