First-Use and No-First-Use Policies 1. Introduction One of the most important questions in nuclear strategy is whether a state would use nuclear weapons first in a conflict or would use them only after an adversary had used nuclear weapons. This distinction is central to debates about deterrence, escalation, military planning, and nuclear risk reduction. A…
Nuclear Doctrines 1. Introduction Nuclear weapons influence international relations not only through their destructive power but also through the strategies governments adopt concerning their possession, deployment, and possible use. A nuclear doctrine explains how a state understands the role of nuclear weapons in its national security policy. Nuclear doctrines affect military planning, diplomatic signalling, alliance…
Nuclear Non-Proliferation 1. Introduction Nuclear weapons are among the most destructive technologies developed by humanity. Their enormous explosive power, radiation effects, long-term environmental consequences, and potential to cause mass civilian casualties make their spread a central concern of international security. Nuclear non-proliferation refers to efforts to prevent additional states and non-state actors from acquiring nuclear…
Nature, Nurture and Social Development Introduction Human development is shaped by the interaction of biological characteristics, social environments and individual experiences. Individuals inherit genetic characteristics from their biological parents, but they also grow up within families, communities and cultures that influence their behaviour, abilities, identities and opportunities. The debate between nature and nurture concerns the…
Role-Taking, Role-Making and the Development of Self Introduction Social life is organized around social positions and the expectations associated with them. Individuals occupy roles such as student, parent, teacher, employee, citizen and community leader. They must learn how to interpret these roles, understand other people’s expectations and respond appropriately to different situations. Sociologists use the…
Self, Identity, Personality and Social Identity Introduction The concepts of self, identity, personality and social identity are central to sociology because they explain how individuals understand themselves, develop distinctive characteristics and establish relationships with wider society. Although these concepts are closely related, they refer to different dimensions of human experience. The self concerns an individual’s…
Resocialization, Desocialization and Social Reintegration Introduction Socialization is a lifelong process through which individuals learn cultural values, norms, roles and patterns of behaviour. However, people do not always retain the same social identities, habits and expectations throughout their lives. Major life transitions, institutional experiences, migration, changes in occupation and disruptions in social relationships may require…
Samandar Khan Samandar: Poet, Researcher and Pioneer of Pashto Broadcasting Introduction Samandar Khan Samandar (1901–1990) was a prolific Pashto poet, prose writer, translator and literary figure whose work contributed to the development of modern Pashto literature. He is remembered for the extraordinary range of his writing, his efforts to promote Pashto through broadcasting, and his…
Classical and Modern Pashto Poetry Introduction Pashto poetry is one of the most enduring expressions of Pashtun cultural, intellectual, and emotional life. It brings together oral traditions, spiritual reflection, love, ethical teaching, political consciousness, social criticism, and the experience of ordinary people. Across generations, poets have used Pashto to express personal feelings, preserve collective memory,…
Women in Pashto Literature: Voices, Creativity and Cultural Change Introduction Women have made important contributions to Pashto literature through oral poetry, written verse, storytelling, novels, drama, journalism, research and literary criticism. Their contributions are especially significant because women’s experiences have often been preserved through oral traditions even when social restrictions limited their access to formal…
Contemporary Pashto Poets and Writers: A Living and Changing Literary Tradition Introduction Contemporary Pashto literature is a diverse and evolving field that reflects the experiences of Pashto-speaking communities in Afghanistan, Pakistan and the wider diaspora. Its writers work in poetry, novels, short stories, drama, journalism, memoir, literary criticism and digital media. They explore both enduring…
Mian Syed Rasool Rasa: Novelist, Poet and Pioneer of Modern Pashto Fiction Introduction Mian Syed Rasool Rasa, also known as Sayed Rasul Rasa, was an important twentieth-century Pashto poet, novelist and writer. He helped develop Pashto fiction at a time when the novel was becoming an increasingly important literary form. His work is associated with…
State of Madinah Multiple-Choice Questions 1 In which year did Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) migrate from Makkah to Madinah? (a) 610 CE (b) 622 CE (c) 630 CE (d) None of these 2 What is the migration of the Prophet from Makkah to Madinah called? (a) Hijrah (b) Isra (c) Mi’raj (d) None…
Governance in the Quran and Sunnah Multiple-Choice Questions 1 Which two sources are foundational for Islamic guidance on governance? (a) The Quran and Sunnah (b) Poetry and folklore alone (c) Tribal customs alone (d) None of these 2 Which Quranic chapter instructs believers to render trusts to their rightful owners and judge with justice? (a)…
Islamic Concept of Sovereignty Multiple-Choice Questions 1 In Islamic political thought, ultimate sovereignty belongs to: (a) A monarch absolutely (b) Allah (c) A tribal chief (d) None of these 2 Which Quranic chapter states that sovereignty and dominion belong to Allah? (a) Surah Al-Mulk (b) Surah Al-Kawthar (c) Surah Al-Fil (d) None of these 3…
Gender Socialization and Identity Formation Introduction Gender socialization is the process through which individuals learn the cultural expectations, norms, values and behaviours associated with gender in their society. From early childhood, families, schools, peer groups, religious institutions, media and other social environments communicate ideas about masculinity, femininity, gender roles and appropriate conduct. Gender socialization influences…
Arms Control 1. Introduction Arms control is an important instrument of international security. It refers to agreements and policies through which states seek to regulate, limit, reduce, or make more predictable their military capabilities and activities. In the nuclear field, arms control has been used to constrain strategic competition, improve transparency, reduce the risk of…
Rights and Duties of Citizens in Islam Multiple-Choice Questions 1 Which principle is central to human dignity in Islam? (a) Wealth determines worth (b) All people possess human dignity (c) Only rulers deserve respect (d) None of these 2 Which Quranic verse states that humanity was created from a male and a female? (a) Quran…
Rule of Law in Islam Multiple-Choice Questions 1 What does the rule of law primarily mean? (a) Everyone is subject to law (b) Rulers may act without limits (c) Only citizens must obey law (d) None of these 2 Which source provides the principal foundation for Islamic law? (a) Tribal custom alone (b) The Quran…
Islamic Concept of Governance: 50 MCQs 1 Which principle is central to Islamic governance? (a) Justice (b) Hereditary privilege alone (c) Rule without accountability (d) None of these 2 Which Arabic term commonly means justice? (a) Riba (b) Adl (c) Gharar (d) None of these 3 Which Qur’anic verse commands believers to return trusts to…