UPSC Notes

Role of Major Powers in Global Security

PYQs

Articles

Momentum

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

UPSC frequently assesses the influence and responsibilities of major global powers in maintaining international peace and security, shaping global governance, and responding to crises, including their impact on India's strategic interests.

Major powers, characterized by their significant economic, military, and diplomatic capabilities, play a crucial role in shaping the international system and addressing global security challenges. Their actions, whether cooperative or confrontational, have profound implications for regional stability, the balance of power, and the effectiveness of international institutions.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Influence on International Norms

Major powers often set or challenge global norms and rules.

Security Council Veto Power

Permanent members of the UN Security Council (P5) hold veto power, influencing global security decisions.

Military Interventions & Alliances

Capacity to project power globally and form strategic alliances.

Economic Leverage

Use of economic aid, sanctions, and trade agreements to influence other states.

Evolution of Power

Historically, power dynamics have evolved from unipolar to multipolar or non-polar configurations.

Influence of Major Powers

Major powers (e.g., US, Russia, China, EU) exert significant influence on international norms and institutions.

Impact of Deals

Deals between major powers can reshape regional security architectures and economic relationships.

Role of Emerging Powers

Emerging powers like India navigate these dynamics to safeguard national interests and promote a rules-based order.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

Type	Reference
Conceptual area	International Relations

Reference table

Institutions & roles

Body	Role
United Nations Security Council	Forum for major powers to address global security issues
G7/G20	Platforms for economic and political coordination among major economies

Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

Major powers possess significant economic, military, and diplomatic strength.
Influence global security, international norms, and institutions.
Actions impact regional stability and balance of power.
Examples: P5 in UNSC, G7/G20.
Their role is critical in conflict resolution and crisis management.

High-confidence PYQs

2026Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

Consider the following UN organisations/agencies : 1. World Food Programme 2. United Nations Children's Fund 3. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee...

International RelationsOpen question

2025Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS: I. 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan. II. Indonesia has become a ful...

International RelationsOpen question

India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect

International RelationsOpen question

2025Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS: I. 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan. II. Indonesia has become a ful...

International RelationsOpen question

India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect

International RelationsOpen question

2024Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Recently, Venezuela has achieved a rapid recovery from its economic crisis and succeeded in preventing its p...

International RelationsOpen question

The longest border between any two countries in the world is between :

GeographyOpen question

International RelationsOpen question

2024Statement-based questions, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Recently, Venezuela has achieved a rapid recovery from its economic crisis and succeeded in preventing its p...

International RelationsOpen question

The longest border between any two countries in the world is between :

GeographyOpen question

International RelationsOpen question

2024Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Recently, Venezuela has achieved a rapid recovery from its economic crisis and succeeded in preventing its p...

International RelationsOpen question

The longest border between any two countries in the world is between :

GeographyOpen question

International RelationsOpen question

2023Statement-based questions, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: Statement-I :Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States. Statement-II :The 'Arab Peace Initiative...

International RelationsOpen question

2022Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements: 1. The UN General Assembly can grant observer status to the non-mem...

International RelationsOpen question

2016Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’?

International RelationsOpen question

Topic timeline

International Relations

Prelims 2016· Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’?

Role of Major Powers in Global Security

Overview

Key facts

Reference table

Reference table

Overview

Quick revision

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Role of Major Powers in Global Security

Editorial & Review Process