Realist Perspective in International Relations:
The realist perspective in international relations is a theoretical framework that seeks to understand global politics based on power dynamics and the pursuit of national interests. Realists argue that the international system is anarchic, meaning that there is no higher authority governing states' actions. Key features of the realist perspective include:
1. State-centric view: Realists believe that states are the primary actors in international politics and that the pursuit of power and security drives their behavior.
2. Self-interest and survival: States prioritize their own interests and survival above all else. They engage in strategies such as balancing power, forming alliances, and employing military force to protect their national security.
3. Competition and conflict: Realists emphasize the competitive nature of international relations, with states constantly seeking to gain power and maintain a favorable balance of power vis-à-vis other states. Conflict and war are seen as natural outcomes of this competition.

Neorealist Perspective in International Relations:
Neorealism, also known as structural realism, builds upon the realist perspective and seeks to explain international politics through the structure of the international system. Neorealists argue that the distribution of power among states is the primary determinant of their behavior. Key features of the neorealist perspective include:
1. Structure over agency: Neorealists focus on the impact of the international system's structure on state behavior. They argue that states are constrained by the distribution of power and the balance of power in the system.
2. Anarchy and self-help: Like realists, neorealists view the international system as anarchic, with no central authority. States engage in self-help strategies to ensure their security and survival.
3. Balancing and bandwagoning: Neorealists posit that states will either balance against a rising power to maintain the balance of power or bandwagon with a dominant power to secure their interests. This behavior depends on the perceived threat posed by other states.

Relation to Global Politics in Paper II of the PSIR Exam:
The realist and neorealist perspectives are crucial for understanding global politics and are often examined in Paper II of the PSIR (Political Science and International Relations) exam. These perspectives help analyze various aspects of international relations, such as:
1. Power dynamics: Both perspectives emphasize the importance of power and its impact on state behavior. Questions related to the distribution of power, balance of power, and power transitions are common in this paper.
2. Conflict and war: Realism and neorealism provide insights into the causes and dynamics of conflict and war in international relations. Paper II may include questions on the role of power, security dilemmas, and the impact of anarchy on state behavior.
3. Alliances and cooperation: Realist perspectives shed light on the formation of alliances and patterns of cooperation among states. Neorealism further explores the motivations behind balancing or bandwagoning behavior.
4. State-centric analysis: Understanding the state as the primary actor in international politics is essential for analyzing global political issues. Paper II may feature questions on state behavior, foreign policy, and the impact of domestic politics on international relations.

Overall, a comprehensive understanding of the realist and neorealist perspectives in international relations is essential for analyzing and explaining global politics, making it a significant topic of study in Paper II of the PSIR exam.