CSS International Law Paper 2025

The paper on International Law is optional in the CSS competitive examination 2025. Here, you will find the CSS International Law past Paper 2025. To give you a proper understanding of the paper I will also provide you a critical evaluation of this paper.

CSS International Law Past Paper 2025

Q1. From a theoretical standpoint, the provision for applying the general principles sounds like the death knell of positivism. Discuss.

Q2. Explain the term subjects of international law. Whether states continue to be the principal subject of internal legal relations? Also, justify individuals as subjects of International Law by giving appropriate examples.

Q3. To what extent, if at all, are the powers of the Security Council confined to the contents of chapters VI and VII of the United Nations Charter?

Q4. Discuss in detail recognition in international law and its various kinds, Argue with particular reference to the constitutive theory of recognition and the consequences of non-recognition of government.

Q5. Explain the structure and powers of the International Court of Justice and assess the importance of the principles laid down in judicial decisions of leading cases as precedents for states.

Q6. Frequent interventions have challenged the validity of some of the fundamental principles of international law. Discuss those principles in light of recent interventions.

Q7. Write short notes on any two of the following:

• Nature of the relationship of a state with an individual
• Territorial and Extra-Territorial asylum
• The Nottebohm case

In-Depth Evaluation of the Paper

This International Law essay is concerned with the principles, foundations, and modern challenges of international legal relations. It demands a firm understanding of legal theories, case law, and institutional roles.

The first issue is philosophical, asking whether positivism—law as it is, not as it should be—is eroded by the application of general principles. A good answer should compare positivism with natural law theory and explain how general principles, as identified in Article 38(1)(c) of the ICJ Statute, introduce moral and customary considerations into law, countering strict positivist interpretations. Candidates must explain how the Martens Clause and evolving human rights norms further undermine positivism. The second question analyzes the objects of international law, historically states, but increasingly today individuals, corporations, and international organizations. A good response should explain why states continue to be prime subjects but acknowledge individual responsibility (e.g., Nuremberg Trials, ICC jurisdiction, and human rights treaties). Examples should be Pinochet’s case (universal jurisdiction) and the ICC’s prosecution of war crimes.

The third question examines critically the powers of the UN Security Council. The candidates should analyze whether its authority is limited to Chapters VI (peaceful settlement of disputes) and VII (coercive measures) or whether there are implied wider powers. They can refer to examples such as the intervention in Kosovo, UNSC resolutions concerning Libya, and negotiations regarding Palestine’s status. The functioning of Article 24 of the UN Charter (which allocates broad security mandates) should be examined.

The fourth question involves an explanation of recognition in international law, which involves declaratory and constitutive theories. Candidates need to consider whether recognition is political or legal and write about the implications of non-recognition (e.g., the status of Taiwan, recognition of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, and the Palestinian bid for statehood). Case law like the Tinoco Arbitration needs to be mentioned.

The fifth question addresses the powers and structure of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Answers should address compulsory and voluntary jurisdiction, advisory opinions, and contentious cases. Discussion of landmark cases (e.g., Nicaragua v. USA, Barcelona Traction, and the Chagos Archipelago case) should note how ICJ decisions influence international law despite limitations in enforcement.

The sixth question addresses how interventions (military, economic, humanitarian) undermine basic principles such as sovereignty, non-intervention, and self-determination. Case studies must be Kosovo (1999), Iraq (2003), Libya (2011), and Russia-Ukraine (2022). Candidates must examine whether humanitarian interventions and R2P (Responsibility to Protect) legitimize violations of sovereignty.

The seventh question asks for short notes on any two of the following:

• State-Individual Relationship – Addresses nationality, diplomatic protection, and human rights obligations (e.g., statelessness, ICC jurisdiction over individuals).
• Territorial and Extra-Territorial Asylum – Addresses political asylum (e.g., Julian Assange), diplomatic asylum (e.g., Haya de la Torre case), and non-refoulement.
• The Nottebohm Case (1955) – Emphasizes issues of nationality, wherein the ICJ held that Liechtenstein’s diplomatic protection claim for Nottebohm against Guatemala was untenable as his connections with Liechtenstein were tenuous.

Final Assessment

The paper calls for a sound theoretical background, references to case law, and critical analysis of legal issues in current affairs. Applicants are required to integrate legal doctrines with actual applications and still keep a precise and well-structured argument.

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