Political Philosophies — Communism, Socialism, Liberalism & their Global Spread

What should you study in Political Philosophies?

• Communism — Marx, Lenin, Soviet model, Mao's China
• Socialism — democratic socialism, welfare state models
• Liberalism — classical vs modern liberalism, Washington Consensus
• Global spread & failures — impact on development models

How often is Political Philosophies asked in UPSC Mains?

Asked in 2 of 10 years, including 1 of the last 5. Highlighted years below are the ones it appeared in.

1. 2016: not asked
2. 2017: not asked
3. 2018: asked
4. 2019: not asked
5. 2020: not asked
6. 2021: not asked
7. 2022: asked
8. 2023: not asked
9. 2024: not asked
10. 2025: not asked

About the Mains GS Paper I paper

GS Paper I is a 250-mark descriptive Mains paper covering Indian heritage and culture, history and geography of the world, and society. See all 41 Mains GS Paper I topics.

Related topics to study next

• American & French Revolutions — Ideology, Rights, Global ImpactHigh-yieldasked 4/10 yrs
• Industrial Revolution — Causes, Social Consequences, Spread & LatecomersHigh-yieldasked 4/10 yrs
• Imperialism, Colonialism & Scramble for Africa/Asia (19th–20th c.)High-yieldasked 3/10 yrs
• Great Depression, Inter-war Period & Rise of Fascism/NazismHigh-yieldasked 4/10 yrs
• World Wars I & II — Causes, Course, Consequences & Post-war OrderHigh-yieldasked 3/10 yrs
• Decolonization & National Liberation Movements (Africa, Asia, Latin America)High-yieldasked 3/10 yrs
• Cold War — Ideology, Proxy Wars, Arms Race, Détente & Collapse of USSRasked 2/10 yrs
• Heritage Governance — UNESCO WH/Intangible Lists, ASI, GI Tags, PRASAD, HRIDAYHigh-yieldasked 6/10 yrs