UPSC Mains 2020 GS4 Q3 — Moral Thinkers and IR
3. (a) What teachings of Buddha are most relevant today and why? Discuss. (150 words) 10 (b) 'The will to power exists, but it can be tamed and be guided by rationality and principles of moral duty.' Examine this statement in the context of international relations. (150 words) 10
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Build factual foundation — these MCQs cover facts/concepts you'll need for this Mains question.
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IAS 2019 Buddhist doctrine and sects
Consider the following : 1. Deification of the Buddha 2. Treading the path of Bodhisattvas 3. Image worship and rituals Which of the above is/are the feature/features of Mahayana Buddhism?
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IAS 2018 Buddhist doctrine and sects
With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world ?
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IAS 2016 Buddhist doctrine and sects
With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements : 1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism. 2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment. 3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Source Map — where to read
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How this topic is evolving
The UPSC focus has evolved from a purely philosophical examination of 'will to power' to a practical critique of how institutional sovereignty and 'International Governance Indices' serve as modern moral frameworks. In light of the 2024-2025 shift toward domestic-led democratic metrics (IIAS) versus global assessments (RSF), the 'rationality' of state behavior is now evaluated through the lens of institutional resilience and data sovereignty.
'The quest for institutional sovereignty in a multipolar world often conflicts with global democratic indices.' Critically examine how India can balance its 'will to power' with the moral duty of maintaining international transparency and domestic accountability through bodies like the Lokpal. (Answer in 150 words)
Why this framing: India's proposal of an 'International Governance Index' to counter global democratic rankings like the RSF Index.
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- DiscussExamine
- Scope keywords
- teachings of Buddhamost relevant todaywill to powertamed and be guided by rationalityprinciples of moral dutyinternational relations
- Implicit sub-parts
- Identification of specific Buddhist doctrines applicable to contemporary crises (climate, conflict, inequality).
- The 'why' aspect—linking ancient philosophy to modern psychological or systemic problems.
- Analysis of 'Will to Power' as Realpolitik (National Interest) in global politics.
- Mechanisms of 'Rationality' (International Law/Treaties) and 'Moral Duty' (Global Commons/Humanitarianism) as taming forces.
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a general biography of Buddha or listing the Eightfold Path without linking them to modern-day examples like AI ethics or climate change.
- Treating 'Will to Power' only as a personal psychological trait instead of applying it to Hegemony and State behavior in IR.
- Failing to balance the realism of 'power' with the idealism of 'moral duty', leading to a one-sided cynical or overly utopian answer.
- Ignoring the 'Examine' directive by failing to provide examples of where power was successfully (or unsuccessfully) tamed by moral duty.
- Dimensions required
- Ethical/Moral PhilosophyGeopolitical/Realist school of thoughtSociological (Contemporary relevance)Legal/Institutional (International frameworks)Psychological (Human desire vs. Self-control)
- Marks allocation hint
For 3(a), spend 40 words identifying 2-3 specific teachings and 35 words on their modern justification. For 3(b), allocate 30 words to define 'will to power' in IR, and 45 words to demonstrate how rationality and ethics (like Panchsheel or UN mandates) act as constraints.
How examiners have framed this topic over the years
A shift from governance frameworks to a recurring template testing the contemporary relevance of religious and moral reformers.
Initially, the UPSC framing in 2016 and 2017 centered on specific frameworks like Gandhi's 'Seven Sins' or the foundational role of moral values in governance and market economies. The 2020 question on Buddha marked a shift toward testing the contemporary relevance of ancient religious figures, which was subsequently repeated with Guru Nanak in 2023 and Mahavir in 2025. In 2022, the examiner extended this lens by using contemporary philosophical quotes from figures like A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and the Dalai Lama to test personal moral judgment rather than just institutional ethics.
PYQs this pattern was synthesized from
Answer Skeleton — fill this in
Part (a): Relevance of Buddha's Teachings
Introduction
Lord Buddha’s teachings, centered on the elimination of Dukkha (suffering), provide a pragmatic ethical framework for modern existential and societal crises [NCERT Class 6 History, Ch.6].
Body
The Middle Path (Madhyama Pratipada)
- Economic Balance: Avoiding the extremes of mindless consumerism and absolute deprivation to ensure sustainable development.
- Conflict Resolution: Applying Ahimsa (non-violence) to contemporary geopolitical tensions and radicalization [Yojana, Ethics and Values].
Paticca-samuppada (Dependent Origination)
- Ecological Ethics: Recognizing that human survival depends on nature, addressing climate change through lifestyle changes.
- Social Harmony: Understanding that individual well-being is tied to collective societal health.
Right Livelihood (Samma Ajiva)
- Corporate Ethics: Promoting businesses that do not harm others or the environment [NCERT Class 12 History, Ch.4].
- Ethical Technology: Ensuring AI and automation serve human dignity rather than exploitation.
Conclusion
Buddha’s philosophy serves as a moral compass for the 21st century, transitioning from a "logic of power" to a "logic of compassion" (Karuna) for global peace.
Part (b): Will to Power in International Relations
Introduction
The "will to power" reflects the Realist school of IR (Morgenthau), which can be moderated by "Rationality" and "Deontological Ethics" (Kant) to prevent global anarchy.
Body
Institutional Restraint and Rationality
- Multilateralism: The UN Charter and WTO serve as rational constraints on unilateral power projection [Laxmikant, International Organisations].
- Nuclear Deterrence: Rational self-interest leads to "Mutually Assured Destruction" (MAD), preventing direct conflict between superpowers.
Moral Duty and Global Commons
- Responsibility to Protect: The duty to intervene against genocide over-rules state sovereignty in extreme cases.
- Environmental Justice: Principles like "Common But Differentiated Responsibilities" (CBDR) reflect moral duty toward the Global South [Economic Survey, Climate Change].
Soft Power and Ethics
- Vaccine Maitri: India’s pursuit of influence (power) guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam [Spectrum, India's Foreign Policy].
- Humanitarian Aid: Rationalizing state power to provide disaster relief as a "Global Good."
Conclusion
While the pursuit of power is innate to nation-states, a rules-based international order ensures that power is exercised within the guardrails of ethics and collective reason.
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