The CSS International Relations (IR) Paper-I 2026 is an optional paper that tests a candidate’s understanding of core theories of international relations, global political systems, and evolving international dynamics. Here you will find the CSS IR Paper-I past paper 2026, along with an overall overview of the paper. Before moving on to the questions, this introduction highlights the nature of the topics, the paper’s conceptual and analytical level, and the approach FPSC expects from candidates, helping aspirants understand the paper’s trend and prepare more strategically for future attempts.
CSS IR Past Paper-I 2026
Q. No. 2. Critically discuss the concept of Balance of Power in light of Hans Morgenthau’s thought.
Q. No. 3. Evaluate the relevance of the nation-state system in the context of global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and supranational organizations.
Q. No. 4. Critically evaluate the Theory of Deterrence in the Indo-Pakistan context with special reference to the May 2025 conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Q. No. 5. Analyse how the scope of International Relations has expanded with the rise of non-state actors in global politics.
Q. No. 6. Evaluate the effectiveness of international law in managing conflicts where there is asymmetry in power dynamics with special reference to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Q. No. 7. Is bipolarity inherently more stable than multipolarity? Discuss with reference to classical and contemporary IR scholarship.
Q. No. 8. Comment and contextualize the following statements:
- Fighting terrorism is like being a goalkeeper; you can make a hundred brilliant saves, but the only shot that people remember is the one that gets past you.
- State terrorism is the new threat to Global Security.
View the International Relations (IR) Paper-I 2026:
Nature and Trend of Questions
The paper reflected a mature and evolving IR trend, marked by:
- Strong linkage between classical IR theories and contemporary conflicts
- Focus on non-traditional security issues
- Application of theory to South Asian and Middle Eastern case studies
- Emphasis on critical evaluation, not blind acceptance of theories
Almost every question required:
- Clear theoretical grounding
- Real-world examples
- Balanced arguments
- Contemporary relevance
Difficulty Level
- Theoretical understanding: Moderate
- Application & analysis: High
- Rote learning value: Very low
Candidates with a purely bookish approach found the paper challenging, while those who prepared with theory-plus-current-affairs integration had a clear advantage.
How to Score High in IR Paper-I
- Always anchor answers in theory
- Support arguments with current examples
- Maintain a neutral and analytical tone
- Use clear headings
- Avoid emotional or activist language
The CSS IR Paper-I 2026 was intellectually demanding but fair. It rewarded candidates who understood IR as a living discipline, not a static subject. With the right balance of theory and current affairs, this paper offered excellent scoring potential.
