CSS International Relations MCQs

This comprehensive collection of MCQs on International Relations for the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination is designed to provide candidates with a thorough understanding of global political dynamics, international law, and diplomatic practices. Covering a wide range of topics, including foreign policy analysis, international organizations, security studies, and global issues, these questions aim to enhance candidates’ analytical skills and critical thinking essential for success in the CSS exams.

Who Should Practice International Relations MCQs?

CSS aspirants: Ideal for candidates preparing for the CSS examination who seek to improve their performance in the International Relations section.
Students of political science and international studies: Beneficial for individuals pursuing academic paths in political science, international relations, and related fields, providing a solid foundation in key concepts.
Job seekers in public service: Perfect for those aiming for government positions where a strong understanding of international affairs is crucial for effective policy-making and diplomacy.
Professionals interested in global issues: Suitable for anyone looking to broaden their knowledge of international relations and their implications on national and global levels.

1. What is the primary focus of the study of International Relations?

A) Domestic politics
B) Global interactions between states
C) Economic policies
D) Cultural exchanges

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2. Which of the following best describes the nation-state system?

A) A system of multiple governments
B) A global community without borders
C) A political entity with a defined territory and sovereignty
D) A theoretical construct without real-world application

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3. The evolution of international society primarily refers to which of the following?

A) Changes in international law
B) Development of state sovereignty
C) Historical transformations in global political structures
D) Economic growth patterns

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4. Realism in International Relations emphasizes which of the following concepts?

A) Cooperation and collaboration
B) The importance of ethical considerations
C) The anarchic nature of international politics
D) The role of international organizations

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5. Which theory focuses on the importance of ethical norms in global politics?

A) Realism
B) Idealism
C) Neorealism
D) Constructivism

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6. The behavioral approach in International Relations is influenced by which discipline?

A) Sociology
B) Psychology
C) Economics
D) Political Science

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7. Neo-realism is most closely associated with which theorist?

A) Kenneth Waltz
B) Hans Morgenthau
C) Robert Keohane
D) John Mearsheimer

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8. Feminist theory in International Relations seeks to:

A) Emphasize the role of women in global politics
B) Advocate for military solutions to conflicts
C) Promote economic equality among states
D) Support traditional power structures

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9. In the context of international security, what does sovereignty imply?

A) The ability to exert influence over others
B) Complete autonomy of a state over its territory
C) The capacity to form alliances
D) The obligation to intervene in other states

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10. The concept of national interest primarily serves to:

A) Justify humanitarian interventions
B) Guide a country’s foreign policy decisions
C) Enhance global cooperation
D) Support international trade agreements

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11. Which of the following is a key characteristic of total war?

A) Limited objectives
B) Engagement of entire societies
C) Exclusive use of conventional weapons
D) Short duration

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12. Asymmetric warfare typically involves:

A) Equal capabilities of opposing forces
B) Non-traditional methods of conflict
C) Direct confrontation between state armies
D) Peacekeeping operations

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13. Deterrence theory primarily aims to:

A) Promote peace through negotiation
B) Prevent aggression by establishing credible threats
C) Encourage arms races
D) Support humanitarian missions

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14. Mercantilism as an economic theory emphasizes:

A) Free trade and open markets
B) The accumulation of wealth through trade surplus
C) The importance of individual entrepreneurship
D) The value of technological innovation

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15. Which theory asserts that global capitalists exploit developing nations?

A) Economic Liberalism
B) Mercantilism
C) Neo-Marxism
D) Liberal Institutionalism

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16. Nationalism can be defined as:

A) The desire for global cooperation
B) A strong identification with one’s nation
C) The promotion of international law
D) A focus on cultural exchanges

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17. Globalization can best be described as:

A) The isolation of nations
B) The increasing interconnectedness of economies and cultures
C) A process that benefits only developed nations
D) The end of national sovereignty

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18. The principle of arms control seeks to:

A) Increase the number of weapons
B) Promote global military dominance
C) Regulate and limit the proliferation of arms
D) Eliminate all forms of military presence

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19. The United Nations was established primarily to:

A) Promote trade
B) Facilitate international diplomacy and peacekeeping
C) Enforce military actions
D) Control global economic policies

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20. The IMF primarily focuses on:

A) Promoting peace
B) Economic stability and financial assistance
C) Environmental sustainability
D) Human rights advocacy

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21. What is the main function of the World Bank?

A) Provide military aid
B) Support long-term economic development and reduce poverty
C) Enforce international law
D) Facilitate trade agreements

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22. The International Court of Justice primarily handles:

A) Criminal cases
B) Disputes between states
C) Trade negotiations
D) Humanitarian issues

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23. Which event marked a significant turning point in international relations after World War I?

A) The founding of the League of Nations
B) The start of World War II
C) The Cold War
D) The signing of the Treaty of Versailles

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24. The Cold War is characterized by:

A) Direct military conflict between superpowers
B) A state of political tension without large-scale fighting
C) The rise of multipolarity
D) Economic cooperation between East and West

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25. Decolonization in Asia and Africa primarily occurred during which period?

A) 1900-1920
B) 1945-1960
C) 1960-1980
D) 1980-2000

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26. The term “Détente” refers to:

A) A period of increased tensions
B) A relaxation of strained relations between the superpowers
C) The beginning of the Cold War
D) An era of military alliances

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27. The concept of ‘End of History’ suggests that:

A) History will continue to unfold in complex ways
B) Liberal democracy is the final form of government
C) Economic disparities will lead to conflict
D) Nations will no longer interact

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28. The Clash of Civilizations theory was proposed by which scholar?

A) Francis Fukuyama
B) Samuel Huntington
C) John Mearsheimer
D) Kenneth Waltz

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29. The rise of terrorism in the post-Cold War era is often linked to:

A) Globalization
B) Nationalism
C) Economic inequality
D) All of the above

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30. Which organization is primarily focused on regional cooperation in Southeast Asia?

A) EU
B) NATO
C) ASEAN
D) OIC

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31. The main goal of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is to:

A) Promote the use of nuclear weapons
B) Prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament
C) Establish nuclear power as a global standard
D) Facilitate nuclear energy cooperation

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32. The Indus Water Treaty primarily concerns the water distribution of which rivers?

A) Ganges and Brahmaputra
B) Nile and Congo
C) Indus and its tributaries
D) Amazon and Mississippi

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33. What does the term ‘militarization of space’ refer to?

A) The exploration of space
B) The use of space for military purposes
C) The establishment of peace treaties in space
D) The regulation of satellite communication

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34. The Kashmir issue primarily involves which two countries?

A) India and Bangladesh
B) India and Pakistan
C) India and China
D) Pakistan and Afghanistan

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35. The European Union (EU) was established to:

A) Promote military cooperation
B) Foster economic and political integration among European countries
C) Control immigration
D) Establish a single currency only

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36. The role of civil society in international relations is often associated with:

A) Political lobbying
B) Human rights advocacy
C) Economic competition
D) Military alliances

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37. The term ‘globalization’ is often critiqued for:

A) Promoting cultural homogeneity
B) Increasing economic inequality
C) Weakening state sovereignty
D) All of the above

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38. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a multipolar world?

A) Multiple centers of power
B) Cooperation among major powers
C) Dominance by a single superpower
D) A variety of international alliances

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39. The concept of ‘Soft Power’ was popularized by which political scientist?

A) Joseph Nye
B) Hans Morgenthau
C) Robert Keohane
D) Samuel Huntington

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40. What is the primary purpose of the World Trade Organization (WTO)?

A) To manage international relations
B) To promote free trade and resolve trade disputes
C) To establish military alliances
D) To provide humanitarian aid

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41. The term ‘national interest’ encompasses:

A) Economic prosperity and security
B) Cultural identity
C) Military power
D) All of the above

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42. In the context of international law, ‘jus ad bellum’ refers to:

A) The rights of civilians in war
B) The justification for going to war
C) The laws governing war conduct
D) The process of peace treaties

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43. Which of the following is considered a non-state actor in international relations?

A) United Nations
B) Amnesty International
C) United States
D) NATO

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44. The concept of ‘collective security’ is best illustrated by which organization?

A) NATO
B) ASEAN
C) UN Security Council
D) African Union

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45. The primary aim of arms control agreements is to:

A) Increase military spending
B) Limit the proliferation of weapons
C) Promote military alliances
D) Establish global military superiority

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46. The rise of China as a global power is often associated with:

A) Its economic growth
B) Increased military presence
C) Both A and B
D) Decreased global influence

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47. Which term refers to the systematic pursuit of peace through dialogue and negotiation?

A) Militarization
B) Diplomacy
C) Coercion
D) Isolationism

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48. The principle of self-determination is central to which of the following concepts?

A) Nationalism
B) Globalization
C) Imperialism
D) Multilateralism

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49. What is a key characteristic of ‘total war’?

A) Limited military engagement
B) Mobilization of national resources
C) Strict adherence to international law
D) Peace negotiations

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50. Which of the following best describes ‘soft power’?

A) Military strength
B) The ability to influence through attraction and persuasion
C) Economic sanctions
D) Coercive diplomacy

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51. The Security Council of the United Nations is responsible for:

A) Economic development
B) Maintaining international peace and security
C) Environmental protection
D) Humanitarian aid

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52. Which of the following is a challenge to state sovereignty in the 21st century?

A) Globalization
B) Nationalism
C) International law
D) All of the above

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53. The concept of ‘balance of power’ is primarily associated with which political theory?

A) Liberalism
B) Realism
C) Constructivism
D) Feminism

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54. The term ‘human security’ emphasizes:

A) Military defense
B) Economic growth
C) The protection of individuals rather than states
D) National sovereignty

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55. Which of the following is a major international organization focused on economic issues?

A) United Nations
B) World Trade Organization
C) NATO
D) International Court of Justice

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56. The concept of ‘just war’ is primarily concerned with:

A) The moral justification for warfare
B) The legal framework for military engagement
C) The economic implications of war
D) The historical context of conflicts

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57. In the context of international relations, ‘realpolitik’ refers to:

A) Idealistic approaches to diplomacy
B) Practical and pragmatic politics
C) Ethical considerations in policy-making
D) The pursuit of global governance

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58. The term ‘proxy war’ describes a conflict where:

A) Nations fight on behalf of other nations
B) Civilian populations are primarily involved
C) There is no military engagement
D) Both parties directly engage in combat

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59. Which theory argues that global capitalism leads to exploitation?

A) Liberalism
B) Mercantilism
C) Neo-Marxism
D) Constructivism

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60. What does ‘R2P’ stand for in international relations?

A) Right to Peace
B) Responsibility to Protect
C) Regional to Policy
D) Reform to Peace

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61. The primary aim of the League of Nations was to:

A) Promote military alliances
B) Ensure collective security and prevent wars
C) Facilitate economic cooperation
D) Control colonial territories

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62. Which of the following best defines ‘interdependence’ in international relations?

A) The isolation of states
B) Mutual reliance between states and non-state actors
C) Total independence among nations
D) Economic dominance by one state

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63. What is the main purpose of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT)?

A) To regulate the use of nuclear energy
B) To prohibit all nuclear explosions
C) To promote the spread of nuclear technology
D) To enhance military capabilities

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64. The rise of non-state actors in international relations has led to:

A) Decreased importance of state sovereignty
B) Increased military conflicts
C) Greater emphasis on traditional diplomacy
D) Enhanced global governance

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65. The term ‘hegemony’ refers to:

A) Equal power among states
B) Dominance of one state over others
C) The failure of international organizations
D) The balance of power among multiple states

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66. Which of the following is a key principle of international law?

A) State sovereignty
B) Military superiority
C) Economic competition
D) Cultural hegemony

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67. The term ‘soft balancing’ refers to:

A) Military alliances
B) Diplomatic strategies to counter a more powerful state
C) Economic sanctions
D) Complete disarmament

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68. The United Nations Peacekeeping Forces are primarily aimed at:

A) Enforcing military actions
B) Maintaining peace and security in conflict areas
C) Supporting economic development
D) Promoting trade agreements

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69. The ‘Nuclear Supplier Group’ is primarily concerned with:

A) Disarmament of nuclear weapons
B) Regulating the export of nuclear-related technology
C) Promoting nuclear energy
D) Establishing military alliances

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70. Which theory emphasizes the role of international institutions in promoting cooperation?

A) Realism
B) Liberalism
C) Constructivism
D) Marxism

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71. The Cold War primarily involved which two superpowers?

A) USA and China
B) USA and Soviet Union
C) USA and UK
D) China and India

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72. Which of the following is a consequence of globalization?

A) Increased cultural exchange
B) Diminished state sovereignty
C) Economic interdependence
D) All of the above

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73. The term ‘failed state’ typically refers to a nation that:

A) Has a strong military presence
B) Cannot provide basic services to its citizens
C) Has a stable government
D) Is economically prosperous

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74. The term ‘statecraft’ refers to:

A) The art of conducting state affairs
B) Economic planning
C) Military strategy
D) Diplomatic negotiations

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75. The principle of ‘non-refoulement’ is associated with which area of international law?

A) Trade
B) Refugee protection
C) Military engagement
D) Environmental law

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76. The term ‘multilateralism’ implies:

A) Cooperation among multiple countries
B) Bilateral agreements only
C) Isolationist policies
D) Economic competition

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77. Which of the following is NOT a member of the Security Council?

A) United States
B) China
C) India
D) Russia

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78. The concept of ‘peacekeeping’ is associated with which UN body?

A) World Health Organization
B) United Nations Security Council
C) International Monetary Fund
D) World Bank

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79. The ‘Sovereign Debt Crisis’ primarily affected which region?

A) Asia
B) Africa
C) Europe
D) North America

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80. The ‘Brussels NATO Summit’ is associated with:

A) Military expansion
B) Economic cooperation
C) Political dialogue
D) Environmental protection

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81. What is the main goal of the African Union?

A) Economic integration
B) Political stability and cooperation
C) Military alliances
D) Environmental sustainability

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82. The ‘Geneva Conventions’ primarily deal with:

A) Trade regulations
B) Humanitarian treatment during war
C) Environmental issues
D) Economic cooperation

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83. The term ‘hybrid warfare’ refers to:

A) The use of conventional and unconventional methods in conflict
B) Purely diplomatic solutions
C) Economic sanctions
D) Total military engagement

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84. The term ‘realpolitik’ emphasizes:

A) Ideological considerations
B) Practical and pragmatic politics
C) Global cooperation
D) Economic theories

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85. The ‘Bonn Process’ refers to:

A) A peace agreement in the Middle East
B) The reconstruction of Afghanistan post-9/11
C) Economic cooperation among European nations
D) Environmental treaties

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86. The ‘Paris Agreement’ primarily addresses:

A) Nuclear disarmament
B) Climate change
C) International trade
D) Military alliances

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87. The term ‘sanctions’ refers to:

A) Diplomatic negotiations
B) Economic penalties imposed on countries
C) Military alliances
D) Humanitarian aid

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88. The concept of ‘norms’ in Constructivism refers to:

A) Military strategies
B) Shared expectations and rules governing behavior
C) Economic policies
D) National interests

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89. Which of the following is a significant consequence of the rise of populism in international relations?

A) Increased global cooperation
B) Challenges to multilateralism
C) Strengthening of international institutions
D) Enhanced global governance

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90. The term ‘collective defense’ is best illustrated by:

A) NATO’s Article 5
B) Economic partnerships
C) Diplomatic negotiations
D) Humanitarian efforts

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91. The term ‘proxy state’ describes a country that:

A) Operates independently
B) Is heavily influenced or controlled by another state
C) Has no military power
D) Focuses solely on trade

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92. Which of the following statements about globalization is TRUE?

A) It eliminates national borders
B) It leads to cultural homogeneity
C) It fosters economic interdependence
D) It promotes isolationism

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93. Which of the following best defines ‘global governance’?

A) National policies
B) International rules and norms governing relations between states
C) Local community management
D) Economic competition

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94. The ‘Rio Declaration’ primarily focuses on:

A) Military alliances
B) Environmental issues
C) Economic development
D) Trade regulations

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95. Which term describes the use of military force to promote democracy?

A) Humanitarian intervention
B) Regime change
C) Peacekeeping
D) Collective security

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96. The ‘Korean War’ was a significant conflict during which period?

A) World War I
B) The Cold War
C) The post-Cold War era
D) The War on Terror

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97. The term ‘ethnic conflict’ refers to:

A) Disputes based solely on economic issues
B) Conflicts primarily driven by ethnic differences
C) Military engagements between nations
D) Cultural exchanges

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98. The ‘Comprehensive Peace Agreement’ refers to a significant accord in which country?

A) South Sudan
B) Afghanistan
C) Iraq
D) Bosnia

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99. Which organization focuses on improving global public health?

A) NATO
B) WHO
C) WTO
D) IMF

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100. The ‘Doha Development Round’ primarily addresses:

A) Climate change
B) Trade negotiations
C) Military alliances
D) Humanitarian aid

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