Ashok Kumar Behuria replies: The term 'neoliberalism' has an economic refrain. It advocates a free market, laissez-faire economy. In international relations, neoliberal institutionalism has a slightly modified tenor that lays emphasis on economic interdependence which has been a marked feature of international politics in the post-Cold War period. Such interdependence leads to inter-connectedness and linkage that ensures peace and reduces the probability of conflict between states.

Kishore Kumar Khera replies: Defence is a term used for actions or set of actions undertaken by an individual, system, entity, organisation or a state to mitigate damage from an attack or a possible attack. It normally but not necessarily relates to actions against physical aggression. Nowadays virtual dimension too is added in the overarching definition of defence.

Arpita Anant replies: There is no conceptual difference between international affairs and international relations as both are ‘international’. The two are often used interchangeably. But there is a slight difference in their scope. International relations refers to a field of study comprising political, social and economic relations among nations.

Rajeesh Kumar replies: Western powers, particularly the United States (US), predominate the two major post-World War international financial institutions, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. The US is the only country with sufficient voting power to have a de facto veto right in both these institutions over certain decisions.

Ashok K. Behuria replies:  The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was conceived at a time when bipolarity was emerging as a marked feature in international politics. The world was divided between two polar ideologies, i.e., liberal democracy and communism. The United States (US) emerged as the leader of the so-called free world and the erstwhile Soviet Union as the leader of communist countries.

Ashok K. Behuria replies: Despite the revolution in communication technology and resultant shrinking of the 'global' realm, regional geopolitics has always remained an important subset of global/international politics, partly because of geo-cultural contiguities and close and shared historical experiences. Therefore, to say that regionalisation of world politics is more visible now than before would be a misnomer.

Kishore Kumar Khera replies: Physically, there are just three ways to connect - land, water and air. And these three mediums are also used to perceive and project power. Mahan and Mackinder based their theories on the centrality of seas and landmass respectively. And now airpower has come into play in a major way.

Md. Muddassir Quamar replies: International aid is a well-established tool of foreign policy. Many identify the beginning of the phenomenon to the US Marshal Plan (1948) for the economic reconstruction of Europe after the Second World War. However, others dispute this claim underlining the historical nature of foreign aid and donations, thus denying it being a 20th century phenomenon. Traditionally, rich developed countries were the leading international donors.