Tawakkul: Trust in Allah 1 What is the general meaning of Tawakkul? (a) Accumulation of wealth (b) Avoidance of every responsibility (c) Dependence on other people alone (d) Trust and reliance upon Allah 2 Which statement best describes Tawakkul in Islam? (a) Trusting Allah while taking appropriate and lawful action (b) Refusing to make any…
Shukr: Gratitude and Thankfulness 1 What is the general meaning of Shukr? (a) Pride (b) Envy (c) Gratitude and thankfulness (d) None of these 2 To whom is gratitude ultimately directed in Islamic teaching for blessings? (a) Allah (b) Wealth alone (c) Social status (d) None of these 3 Which term is commonly used for…
Sabr: Patience and Perseverance 1 What is the general meaning of Sabr? (a) Wealth (b) Social status (c) Competition (d) Patience and perseverance 2 Which statement best describes Sabr in Islam? (a) Remaining steadfast in doing what is right (b) Giving up every responsibility (c) Accepting injustice without seeking lawful remedies (d) None of these…
Taqwa: God-Consciousness and Piety 1 What is the general meaning of Taqwa? (a) Accumulation of wealth (b) Public recognition (c) God-consciousness and mindful piety (d) None of these 2 Which concept is closely associated with Taqwa? (a) Awareness of Allah and accountability before Him (b) Seeking fame (c) Ignoring moral duties (d) None of these…
Akhlaq: Islamic Ethics and Character 1 What is the general meaning of Akhlaq in Islam? (a) Islamic ethics and moral character (b) Rules of inheritance (c) Ritual purification (d) None of these 2 Which Arabic term refers to good moral character? (a) Tijarah (b) Husn al-Akhlaq (c) Miqat (d) None of these 3 Which source…
Colonialism, Imperialism and Decolonization Introduction Colonialism, imperialism, and decolonization are central concepts in world history and international relations. They explain how powerful states extended control over other territories, how unequal political and economic relationships developed, and how colonized societies struggled for independence. Colonialism generally involves the establishment and maintenance of control over a territory and…
Westphalia and the Modern State System Introduction The modern state system is the international arrangement in which sovereign states are the principal political units. States exercise authority over defined territories and populations, maintain governments, and interact through diplomacy, trade, treaties, conflict, and international institutions. The Peace of Westphalia, a series of agreements concluded in 1648,…
Autonomous Weapons and Future Warfare Introduction Autonomous weapons and emerging military technologies are changing how armed forces gather information, make decisions, and conduct operations. Artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced sensors, unmanned vehicles, and automated command systems may improve speed, precision, and operational efficiency. They also create concerns about civilian protection, accountability, escalation, and human control over…
Space Politics and Space Security Introduction Space politics concerns the political, economic, legal, and strategic relationships associated with the exploration and use of outer space. Space security refers to the protection and sustainable use of space systems, infrastructure, and activities against threats that could disrupt their operation or undermine peaceful access to space. Outer space…
Biotechnology and Emerging Technologies Introduction Biotechnology involves the use of living organisms, biological systems, or biological processes to develop products, improve services, and solve practical problems. It has applications in medicine, agriculture, food production, industry, environmental management, and scientific research. Emerging technologies are new or rapidly developing technologies that may significantly transform economies, societies, and…
Marxist Political Economy 1. Introduction Marxist Political Economy is an approach to the study of economic and political relations based on the ideas of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It examines how the ownership and control of productive resources, class relations, labour, and capital accumulation shape societies and political institutions. In International Political Economy, Marxist…
Economic Nationalism 1. Introduction Economic nationalism is an approach to economic policy that places national economic interests, domestic productive capacity, strategic autonomy, and economic security at the centre of government decision-making. It emphasizes the role of the state in protecting or developing industries considered important for national prosperity and independence. Economic nationalists argue that economic…
Economic Liberalism 1. Introduction Economic liberalism is a school of economic thought that emphasizes individual economic freedom, private property, market competition, voluntary exchange, and the potential benefits of international trade. It holds that markets can coordinate economic activity efficiently when individuals and firms are able to make decisions within a stable legal and institutional framework….
Mercantilism 1. Introduction Mercantilism is one of the earliest major approaches to understanding the relationship between economic activity and state power. It emerged in Europe during the sixteenth century and remained influential through the eighteenth century, when expanding trade, colonial competition, and the consolidation of centralized states shaped international relations. Mercantilist thinkers and policymakers believed…
International Political Economy: Meaning and Scope 1. Introduction International Political Economy (IPE) is a major field of study that examines the relationship between politics and economics at the international level. It explores how states, markets, international institutions, businesses, and social groups influence the production, distribution, and use of wealth across borders. International politics and economics…
Global Governance and the Future of Multilateralism 1. Introduction Global governance refers to the rules, institutions, processes, and cooperative arrangements through which states and non-state actors address problems that cross national borders. It includes formal international organizations, treaties, diplomatic negotiations, regional institutions, public-private partnerships, and informal networks. Global governance is not the same as world…
Reform of Global Institutions 1. Introduction Global institutions are organizations and institutional frameworks that facilitate cooperation among states on issues affecting the international community. They include the United Nations, international financial institutions, the World Trade Organization, regional organizations, and specialized agencies. These institutions were developed to manage collective problems, establish rules, coordinate policies, and reduce…
International Sanctions 1. Introduction International sanctions are restrictive measures imposed by states or international organizations to influence the behaviour of governments, entities, or individuals. They may respond to threats to international peace and security, serious violations of international law, human rights abuses, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, or other policy concerns. Sanctions can restrict financial transactions, trade,…
International Environmental Law 1. Introduction International environmental law is the body of international rules, principles, treaties, and institutions that addresses environmental protection and the management of shared natural resources. It seeks to prevent environmental harm, promote cooperation among states, conserve biodiversity, control pollution, and support sustainable development. Environmental problems frequently cross national borders. Air pollution…
International Refugee Law 1. Introduction International refugee law is the body of international rules that protects people who are forced to leave their countries because of persecution and other circumstances recognized by applicable legal instruments. It establishes standards for refugee status, protection against return to serious danger, access to basic rights, and cooperation between states….