Contemporary Centres of PowerClass 12 Contemporary World Politics NCERT Solutions
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Q1Exercises
Arrange the following in chronological order. a. China's accession to WTO b. Establishment of the EEC c. Establishment of the EU d. Birth of ARF
Solution
The correct chronological order of the events is as follows:
- b. Establishment of the EEC (1957): The six founding countries signed the Treaties of Rome, establishing the European Economic Community (EEC).
- c. Establishment of the EU (1992): The Treaty of Maastricht was signed, establishing the European Union (EU).
- d. Birth of ARF (1994): The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) was established to carry out coordination of security and foreign policy.
- a. China's accession to WTO (2001): China's accession to the World Trade Organisation was a major step in its integration with the global economy.
Therefore, the correct sequence is b, c, d, a.
Q2Exercises
The 'ASEAN Way' a. Reflects the life style of ASEAN members b. A form of interaction among ASEAN members that is informal and cooperative c. The defence policy followed by the ASEAN members d. The road that connects all the ASEAN members
Solution
b. A form of interaction among ASEAN members that is informal and cooperative
The 'ASEAN Way' is a specific diplomatic approach celebrated by the member countries of the Association of South East Asian Nations. As described in the chapter, it is a form of interaction that is characterized by being informal, non-confrontationist, and cooperative. This approach places a critical emphasis on respecting the national sovereignty of each member state.
Q3Exercises
Which of the following nations adopted an 'open door' policy? a. China b. South Korea c. Japan d. USA
Solution
a. China
In 1978, the leader of China, Deng Xiaoping, announced the 'open door' policy and a series of economic reforms. The objective of this policy was to generate higher productivity and economic growth by attracting investments of capital and technology from abroad, marking a significant shift from China's previous economic isolation.
Q4Exercises
Fill in the blanks: a. The border conflict between China and India in 1962 was principally over ______ and ______ region. b. ARF was established in the year ______ . c. China entered into bilateral relations with ______ (a major country) in 1972. d. ______ Plan influenced the establishment of the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation in 1948. e. ______ is the organisation of ASEAN that deals with security.
Solution
a. The border conflict between China and India in 1962 was principally over Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin region of Ladakh.
b. ARF was established in the year 1994.
c. China entered into bilateral relations with the United States (a major country) in 1972.
d. Marshall Plan influenced the establishment of the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation in 1948.
e. The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) is the organisation of ASEAN that deals with security.
Q5Exercises
What are the objectives of establishing regional organisations?
Solution
The primary objectives of establishing regional organisations, as highlighted in the chapter, are multifaceted:
- To Serve as Alternative Power Centres: In a world that was becoming unipolar after the Cold War, regional organisations like the EU and ASEAN emerged to limit the dominance of a single superpower like the United States.
- To Promote Peace and Cooperation: A key objective is to resolve historical enmities and weaknesses among neighbouring countries. By creating institutions and conventions for cooperation, they help build a more peaceful and stable regional order.
- To Accelerate Economic Growth: Regional organisations aim to transform the economies of their member states. They work towards creating common markets, free trade areas, and production bases to accelerate economic growth and social progress for all members.
- To Enhance Regional Influence: By acting as a collective bloc, member countries can increase their influence in international economic organisations like the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and have a greater say in global affairs.
Q6Exercises
How does geographical proximity influence the formation of regional organisations?
Solution
Geographical proximity is a significant factor that influences the formation of regional organisations. Countries located in the same region often share:
- Common History and Culture: Nations in a particular region, such as Southeast Asia or Europe, often have a shared history of interactions, conflicts, and cultural exchanges. This shared past can create a desire to manage relationships more constructively.
- Similar Problems and Challenges: Neighbouring countries frequently face similar challenges, such as economic backwardness, poverty, or the consequences of past colonialism. For instance, the countries of Southeast Asia confronted problems of nation-building and economic recovery after the Second World War, which pushed them towards cooperation.
- Interlinked Economies and Security Concerns: Proximity naturally leads to economic interdependence through trade and shared resources. Similarly, a conflict in one country can easily affect its neighbours. This creates a strong incentive to cooperate on economic policies and maintain regional peace and stability.
Thus, geographical proximity creates a natural foundation of shared interests and challenges, making it logical for neighbouring countries to form organisations to address these issues collectively.
Q7Exercises
What are the components of the ASEAN Vision 2020?
Solution
The ASEAN Vision 2020 defines an outward-looking role for ASEAN in the international community. While the chapter does not detail all components, it highlights the core principle of this vision. It builds upon the existing ASEAN policy of encouraging negotiation and dialogue to resolve conflicts within the region. The vision aims to project ASEAN as a significant and responsible player in global affairs, mediating in regional crises and promoting cooperation beyond its member states. Examples of this policy in action include ASEAN's role in mediating the end of the Cambodian conflict and the East Timor crisis.
Q8Exercises
Name the pillars and the objectives of the ASEAN Community.
Solution
In 2003, ASEAN agreed to establish an ASEAN Community comprising three pillars. The pillars and their objectives are as follows:
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The ASEAN Security Community:
- Objective: This pillar is based on the conviction that territorial disputes among member states should not escalate into armed conflict. Its main goal is to uphold peace, neutrality, cooperation, and non-interference. It aims to promote respect for national differences and sovereign rights among its members. The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) is the primary body for coordinating security and foreign policy under this pillar.
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The ASEAN Economic Community:
- Objective: The primary objectives are to create a common market and a unified production base within the ASEAN states. This is intended to aid social and economic development in the entire region. It also aims to improve the existing ASEAN Dispute Settlement Mechanism to resolve economic disputes and has focused on creating a Free Trade Area (FTA) for investment, labour, and services.
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The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community:
- Objective: While the chapter focuses more on the other two pillars, the objective of this community is implicitly linked to the founding goals of ASEAN, which include accelerating 'social progress and cultural development' among its member nations.
Q9Exercises
In what ways does the present Chinese economy differs from its command economy?
Solution
The present Chinese economy differs significantly from its earlier command economy model. The key differences are as follows:
| Feature | Command Economy (pre-1978) | Present Market Economy |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Model | Based on the Soviet model; state-controlled and centrally planned. | A 'market economy' introduced step-by-step; state plays a central role but market forces are dominant. |
| Global Integration | Economically isolated from the capitalist world. International trade was minimal. | Highly integrated into the world economy. Joined the WTO in 2001 and is a major global trading partner. |
| Ownership | State-owned heavy industries sector built with capital from agriculture. | Privatisation of agriculture (1982) and industry (1998). Allows for foreign investment and private enterprise. |
| Trade Policy | Policy of substituting imports with domestic goods due to a shortage of foreign exchange. | 'Open door' policy to attract foreign capital and technology. Trade barriers were eliminated in Special Economic Zones (SEZs). |
| Source of Growth | Relied on its own resources and limited Soviet aid. Growth was slow (5-6%). | Growth is driven by foreign direct investment (FDI), massive foreign trade, and high domestic savings. Growth has been much faster. |
Q10Exercises
How did the European countries resolve their post-Second Word War problem? Briefly outline the attempts that led to the formation of the European Union.
Solution
After the Second World War, European states were confronted with the ruin of their economies and the destruction of the structures on which Europe had been founded. They resolved this problem through a gradual process of economic and political integration, moving away from their old rivalries.
The key attempts that led to the formation of the European Union are:
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The Marshall Plan: After the war, America provided massive financial aid for reviving Europe's economy under the Marshall Plan. This aid was channelled through the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC), established in 1948, which became a forum for West European states to cooperate on economic issues.
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Political Cooperation: The Council of Europe, established in 1949, was an early step towards political cooperation.
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Economic Integration: The process of economic integration proceeded step-by-step. A major milestone was the signing of the Treaty of Rome in 1957, which established the European Economic Community (EEC).
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Political Dimension: The process acquired a political dimension with the creation of the European Parliament, which had its first direct elections in 1979.
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Establishment of the EU: The collapse of the Soviet bloc accelerated the process of integration. This culminated in the signing of the Treaty of Maastricht in 1992, which formally established the European Union (EU). This laid the foundation for a common foreign and security policy, cooperation on justice and home affairs, and the creation of a single currency, the Euro.
Q11Exercises
What makes the European Union a highly influential regional organisation?
Solution
The European Union is a highly influential regional organisation due to its combined strength in economic, political, and military domains.
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Economic Influence: The EU has one of the world's largest economies, with a GDP projected to be approximately $19.35 trillion in 2024. Its currency, the euro, can pose a threat to the dominance of the US dollar. The EU's share of world trade is larger than that of the United States, giving it significant leverage in trade disputes with the US and China. This economic power allows it to influence its neighbours and function as a crucial bloc in international economic organisations like the WTO.
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Political and Diplomatic Influence: The EU possesses significant political clout. One of its members, France, holds a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, and several other EU members are non-permanent members. This enables the EU to influence global policies, such as the US position on Iran's nuclear programme. It often relies on diplomacy, economic investments, and negotiations rather than coercion, which has proven effective in dialogues with countries like China on issues of human rights and the environment.
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Military Influence: Militarily, the EU's combined armed forces are the second largest in the world, and its total defence spending is second only to the US. Furthermore, member state France possesses a significant nuclear arsenal. The EU is also the world's second most important source of space and communications technology.
As a supranational organisation, the EU's ability to intervene in economic, political, and social areas across its member states gives it a unique and powerful influence on the world stage.
Q12Exercises
The emerging economies of China and India have great potential to challenge the unipolar world. Do you agree with the statement? Substantiate your arguments.
Solution
Yes, I agree with the statement that the emerging economies of China and India have great potential to challenge the unipolar world, which has been dominated by the US since the end of the Cold War.
Arguments to substantiate this view are:
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China's Economic Rise: China's economic success since its reforms in 1978 has been dramatic. It has been the fastest-growing major economy and is projected to overtake the US as the world's largest economy by 2040. Its economic integration makes it the driver of East Asian growth, giving it enormous regional influence. Its large foreign exchange reserves allow it to make significant investments in other countries, particularly in Africa and Latin America, projecting it as a global player.
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India's Growing Economy and Influence: India's economy is also growing rapidly. Its 'Look East' and 'Act East' policies have led to greater economic interaction with ASEAN and other East Asian nations. India-China bilateral trade has increased significantly, from 84 billion in 2017. India is also increasing its engagement with other powers and in global forums.
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Shared Role in Global Politics: Both India and China view themselves as rising powers in global politics. They have adopted similar policies in international economic institutions like the World Trade Organisation (WTO), often representing the interests of developing countries. Their large populations, growing military capabilities, and increasing roles in Asian politics further add to their collective weight.
Together, the economic and political rise of these two Asian giants creates alternative centres of power that can limit American dominance and contribute to a more multi-polar world order.
Q13Exercises
The Peace and prosperity of countries lay in the establishment and strengthening of regional economic organisations. Justify this statement.
Solution
The statement that the peace and prosperity of countries lie in the establishment and strengthening of regional economic organisations can be justified by examining the experiences of the European Union (EU) and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
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Promotion of Peace and Stability: Regional organisations provide a platform for member states to resolve historical rivalries and territorial disputes through dialogue and negotiation rather than conflict. The EU was founded on the principle of preventing a return to the devastating wars that plagued Europe. It created institutions that bound European states together, making war between them virtually unthinkable. Similarly, ASEAN was established to promote regional peace and stability. The 'ASEAN Way' of informal, non-confrontationist interaction has helped manage tensions, and the organisation has played a key role in mediating conflicts such as the Cambodian crisis.
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Fostering Economic Prosperity: By creating common markets and free trade areas, these organisations stimulate economic growth. The EU's single market has transformed its member countries into prosperous economies. ASEAN's focus on creating a Free Trade Area (FTA) has made it one of the fastest-growing economic regions in the world, attracting investment from global powers like the US and China. This collective economic development leads to higher standards of living and greater prosperity for the citizens of member countries.
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Increased Global Influence: By acting as a unified bloc, regional organisations give smaller countries a stronger voice on the global stage. Both the EU and ASEAN are able to negotiate more effectively in international bodies like the WTO than their individual members could. This allows them to shape the global economic and political order to better suit their collective interests.
Therefore, by promoting peaceful cooperation and driving economic growth, regional organisations are crucial for ensuring the long-term peace and prosperity of their member states.
Q14Exercises
Identify the contentious issues between China and India. How could these be resolved for greater cooperation? Give your suggestions.
Solution
Based on the chapter, the contentious issues between China and India are multifaceted and have historical and contemporary dimensions.
Contentious Issues:
- Border Dispute: The most significant issue is the long-standing border conflict, which led to a war in 1962. The dispute is principally over competing territorial claims in Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin region of Ladakh.
- Tibet: The Chinese takeover of Tibet in 1950 and the subsequent asylum granted to the Dalai Lama in India remains a point of friction.
- Strategic Alliances: China's military relations with India's neighbours, such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, are viewed as potentially hostile to Indian interests. China's contribution to Pakistan's nuclear programme and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are major concerns for India.
- International Forums: China has at times blocked India's moves in the UN to counter terrorism, particularly those aimed at Pakistan-based groups.
Suggestions for Resolution and Greater Cooperation:
Drawing from the positive developments mentioned in the chapter, the following steps could resolve these issues and foster cooperation:
- Sustained Dialogue on Borders: Both countries must continue the series of talks initiated in 1981 to resolve the boundary question. Maintaining 'peace and tranquility' on the border through confidence-building measures is essential while a final settlement is negotiated.
- Enhance Economic Interdependence: The chapter notes that growing trade has created a more positive perspective. Bilateral trade should be further encouraged. Cooperation in areas of mutual economic interest, such as jointly bidding for energy deals abroad, can help temper strategic competition.
- Increase People-to-People Contact: Strengthening transportation and communication links, as well as cultural exchanges and cooperation in science and technology, can help both sides become more familiar with each other, reducing mistrust.
- Cooperation on Global Issues: India and China should continue to adopt similar policies in international institutions like the WTO. Working together on global challenges like climate change and economic governance can build trust and highlight common interests.
- Military-to-Military Cooperation: Increasing the frequency of high-level visits between military leaders and officials can help prevent misunderstandings and manage border tensions effectively.