PPT: Contemporary Centres of Power | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

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Contemporary 
Centres of Power
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Contemporary 
Centres of Power
I n t r o d u c t i o n
Historical Context
After WWII, global power 
was dominated by 
superpowers like the USA 
and USSR.
New Centres Emerge
T oday, new alternative 
centres of power have 
emerged, shifting the 
global landscape.
Key Examples
These include regional 
organisations like the EU 
and ASEAN, and powerful 
economies such as China.
Global Influence
These new centres 
significantly influence 
global politics, economy, 
and diplomacy.
Page 3


Contemporary 
Centres of Power
I n t r o d u c t i o n
Historical Context
After WWII, global power 
was dominated by 
superpowers like the USA 
and USSR.
New Centres Emerge
T oday, new alternative 
centres of power have 
emerged, shifting the 
global landscape.
Key Examples
These include regional 
organisations like the EU 
and ASEAN, and powerful 
economies such as China.
Global Influence
These new centres 
significantly influence 
global politics, economy, 
and diplomacy.
The European Union
Post-War Integration
European integration began after WWII, aided by the Marshall Plan and NATO's security structure, starting with economic cooperation 
through the OEEC in 1948.
Economic to Political Union
Economic integration led to the European Economic Community in 1957, gaining political dimension with the European Parliament, 
and culminating in the EU's formation in 1992.
Global Influence
With a GDP projected at $19.35 trillion by 2024, the EU wields significant economic, political, and military influence, though 
internal divisions sometimes limit its unified action.
The EU has evolved from an economic union to a political one, with its own symbols. Despite some skepticism, it's an influential global player.
Page 4


Contemporary 
Centres of Power
I n t r o d u c t i o n
Historical Context
After WWII, global power 
was dominated by 
superpowers like the USA 
and USSR.
New Centres Emerge
T oday, new alternative 
centres of power have 
emerged, shifting the 
global landscape.
Key Examples
These include regional 
organisations like the EU 
and ASEAN, and powerful 
economies such as China.
Global Influence
These new centres 
significantly influence 
global politics, economy, 
and diplomacy.
The European Union
Post-War Integration
European integration began after WWII, aided by the Marshall Plan and NATO's security structure, starting with economic cooperation 
through the OEEC in 1948.
Economic to Political Union
Economic integration led to the European Economic Community in 1957, gaining political dimension with the European Parliament, 
and culminating in the EU's formation in 1992.
Global Influence
With a GDP projected at $19.35 trillion by 2024, the EU wields significant economic, political, and military influence, though 
internal divisions sometimes limit its unified action.
The EU has evolved from an economic union to a political one, with its own symbols. Despite some skepticism, it's an influential global player.
Association of South East Asian 
Nations (ASEAN)
1
Establishment & Growth
Established in 1967 by five nations via the Bangkok Declaration, ASEAN 
has grown to ten member states.
2
The "ASEAN Way"
Unlike the EU, ASEAN prioritizes informal cooperation, respecting 
national sovereignty over supranational structures.
3
Economic Cooperation
Rapid economic growth has bolstered ASEAN's regional influence, with 
a focus on establishing a Free Trade Area.
By 2003, ASEAN established three pillars: Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural 
Communities, serving as a key forum for regional dialogue and conflict mediation.
Page 5


Contemporary 
Centres of Power
I n t r o d u c t i o n
Historical Context
After WWII, global power 
was dominated by 
superpowers like the USA 
and USSR.
New Centres Emerge
T oday, new alternative 
centres of power have 
emerged, shifting the 
global landscape.
Key Examples
These include regional 
organisations like the EU 
and ASEAN, and powerful 
economies such as China.
Global Influence
These new centres 
significantly influence 
global politics, economy, 
and diplomacy.
The European Union
Post-War Integration
European integration began after WWII, aided by the Marshall Plan and NATO's security structure, starting with economic cooperation 
through the OEEC in 1948.
Economic to Political Union
Economic integration led to the European Economic Community in 1957, gaining political dimension with the European Parliament, 
and culminating in the EU's formation in 1992.
Global Influence
With a GDP projected at $19.35 trillion by 2024, the EU wields significant economic, political, and military influence, though 
internal divisions sometimes limit its unified action.
The EU has evolved from an economic union to a political one, with its own symbols. Despite some skepticism, it's an influential global player.
Association of South East Asian 
Nations (ASEAN)
1
Establishment & Growth
Established in 1967 by five nations via the Bangkok Declaration, ASEAN 
has grown to ten member states.
2
The "ASEAN Way"
Unlike the EU, ASEAN prioritizes informal cooperation, respecting 
national sovereignty over supranational structures.
3
Economic Cooperation
Rapid economic growth has bolstered ASEAN's regional influence, with 
a focus on establishing a Free Trade Area.
By 2003, ASEAN established three pillars: Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural 
Communities, serving as a key forum for regional dialogue and conflict mediation.
The Rise of the Chinese Economy
Communist Foundation (1949-1970s)
Post-1949, China adopted a Soviet-style economy, focusing on state-owned heavy industries funded by agriculture, achieving 5-6% 
growth despite limitations.
Opening & Reform (1970s-1990s)
Deng Xiaoping's 1978 "open door" policy initiated gradual market reforms, including agricultural privatization (1982), industrial 
privatization (1998), and Special Economic Zones.
Global Economic Power (2000s-Present)
Joining the WTO in 2001, China became a global hub for foreign direct investment, accumulating vast foreign exchange 
reserves and projected to surpass the US economy by 2040.
Despite uneven benefits, rising unemployment, and environmental concerns, China has emerged as a major economic power, significantly 
influencing regional and global affairs.
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