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

Passage - 1

(i) Which organization is depicted as walking on a tightrope in the cartoon?
Ans: ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is walking on the tightrope.

(ii) Why is it challenging to maintain balance in the current global scenario?
Ans: Due to the clash of interests among powerful nations like China and the USA, maintaining balance in the contemporary world becomes difficult. The risk of offending these nations’ interests is always present.

(iii) Mention any two challenges that this organization is facing.
Ans: (i) One of the challenges ASEAN has long faced is the absence of a custodian to keep the association functioning effectively.
(ii) ASEAN also lacks strong institutions to ensure the successful implementation of its collective decisions.

(iv) Identify the countries that are causing instability for this organization and explain why.
Ans: China and the USA seem to be creating problems for ASEAN. Recently, the two countries have not been enjoying good relations with each other, leading to instability for ASEAN.

Passage - 2

Direction: Study the cartoon given below carefully and answer the following questions:

(i) Why are bicycles significant in a large country like China?
Ans: Although China is a large country, it is also home to the world’s largest population. Due to economic restrictions, poor air quality, and significant traffic issues, bicycles play a crucial role in China.

(ii) Explain the message conveyed by the symbols on the two wheels of the bicycle.
Ans: The symbol on the front wheel is the hammer and sickle, representing the Chinese Communist Party, while the symbol on the rear wheel is the dollar, representing the capitalist world. The first symbol signifies the Socialist or Communist ideology, and the second represents the Capitalist ideology. The cartoon illustrates China's shift in orientation, showing how its economy is becoming one of the fastest-growing in the world. It also reflects the duality in China—Communist government and Capitalist economy.

(iii) Provide two examples of how China has opened its economy to other countries.
Ans:
(a) Deng Xiaoping announced the ‘open door’ policy and economic reforms in China.
(b) Trade barriers were removed in Special Economic Zones, where foreign investors could set up enterprises.

Passage - 3

(i) Which country is depicted in this cartoon?
Ans: The country depicted in this cartoon is China. 

(ii) Discuss any two changes in the economic policies of this country from 'then' to 'now'.
Ans:
(a) The new policies helped to break the stagnation in the Chinese economy.
(b) The newly introduced trading laws led to a rise in foreign trade. 

(iii) Evaluate any two outcomes of the recent changes in this country.
Ans:
(a) Due to the rise in foreign trade, China achieved economic growth of over 10 percent.
(b) FDI in China increased from 70 billion U.S. dollars in 2000-01 to 115 billion U.S. dollars by 2010-11. 

Passage - 4

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

European integration after 1945 was aided by the Cold War. America extended massive financial help for reviving Europe’s economy under what was called the ‘Marshall Plan’. The US also created a new collective security structure under NATO. Under the Marshall Plan, the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation  (OEEC) was established in 1948 to channel aid to the west European states. It became a forum where the western European states began to cooperate on trade and economic issues. The Council of Europe, established in 1949, was another step forward in political cooperation.

Q1: What role did the United States play in aiding European integration after World War II, and how did they provide assistance?
Ans:

• The United States played a crucial role in aiding European integration.
• They extended massive financial assistance through the Marshall Plan to revive Europe's economy.
• The Marshall Plan was a significant financial aid program designed to support the post-war recovery of European nations.

Q2: What organization was established in 1948 to channel aid to Western European states under the Marshall Plan, and what was its primary purpose?
Ans:

• The Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) was established in 1948.
• Its primary purpose was to channel aid and promote economic cooperation among Western European states that were recipients of Marshall Plan assistance.

Q3: What was the significance of the Council of Europe, established in 1949, in the context of European integration after World War II?
Ans:

• The Council of Europe, established in 1949, represented a significant step forward in political cooperation.
• It provided a forum for European states to engage in political cooperation and dialogue.
• The Council of Europe aimed to foster greater political integration and collaboration among its member states.

Passage - 5

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

The European Union has evolved over time from an economic union to an increasingly political one. The EU has started to act more as a nation state. While the attempts to have a Constitution for the EU have failed, it has its own flag, anthem, founding date, and currency. It also has some form of a common foreign and security policy in its dealings with other nations.

Q1: How has the European Union evolved from its original economic focus to a more political role?
Ans:

• The European Union (EU) has transitioned from primarily being an economic union to assuming a greater political role.
• It now acts more like a nation-state with its own flag, anthem, founding date, and currency.
• This transformation signifies a shift towards greater political integration and identity within the EU.

Q2: What are some examples of the European Union's symbolic elements and features that resemble those of a nation-state?
Ans:

• The EU has its own flag, representing its identity and unity.
• It adopted an official anthem and founding date, further emphasizing its shared cultural and political identity.
• The euro, a common currency used by many EU member states, promotes economic integration and cooperation.

Q3: In what area has the European Union made strides in its role as a political entity concerning international affairs?
Ans:

• The EU has developed a form of common foreign and security policy.
• It engages in collective decision-making and diplomacy in its dealings with other nations.
• This demonstrates the EU's aspiration to act as a unified political actor in the international arena, particularly in foreign and security matters.

Passage - 6

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Militarily, the EU’s combined armed forces are the second largest in the world. Its total spending on defence is second after the US. One EU member state, France, also has nuclear arsenals of approximately 335 nuclear warheads. It is also the world’s second most important source of space and communications technology.

Q1: What is the global ranking of the European Union's combined armed forces in terms of size, and how does its defense spending compare to other nations?
Ans:

• The European Union's combined armed forces are the second-largest in the world in terms of size.
• In terms of defense spending, the EU collectively ranks second, following the United States.

Q2: Which EU member state possesses a significant nuclear arsenal, and what is the approximate number of nuclear warheads it holds?
Ans:

• France, one of the EU member states, possesses a nuclear arsenal.
• France is estimated to have approximately 335 nuclear warheads, making it a notable nuclear-armed nation.

Q3: In addition to its military capabilities, what other significant technological role does the European Union play on the global stage?
Ans:

• The European Union is the world's second most important source of space and communications technology.
• This role highlights the EU's influence and expertise in cutting-edge technology and innovation, particularly in the fields of space exploration and communication.

Passage - 7

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

At the end of the war, it confronted problems of nation building, the ravages of poverty and economic backwardness and the pressure to align with one great power or another during the Cold War. This was a recipe for conflict, which the countries of Southeast Asia could ill afford. Efforts at Asian and Third World unity, such as the Bandung Conference and the Non-Aligned Movement, were ineffective in establishing the conventions for informal cooperation and interaction.

Q1: What challenges did the countries of Southeast Asia face at the end of World War II?
Ans:

• Challenges included the need for nation building in the aftermath of the war.
• Economic difficulties, including poverty and underdevelopment, were prevalent in the region.
• The countries were under pressure to align with one of the superpowers during the Cold War, which could potentially lead to conflicts.

Q2: What were the challenges in establishing effective cooperation and interaction in Southeast Asia during the post-World War II period?
Ans:

• Efforts for Asian and Third World unity, such as the Bandung Conference and the Non-Aligned Movement, were made.
• However, these initiatives were ineffective in establishing the conventions for informal cooperation and interaction in the region.
• The region struggled to find a common ground for addressing the complex geopolitical and economic issues it faced.

Q3: How did the challenges faced by Southeast Asian countries at the end of World War II create a potential recipe for conflict in the region?
Ans:

• The challenges of poverty, nation building, and Cold War pressures created a volatile environment.
• These challenges could potentially lead to conflicts in a region that could ill afford them.
• The absence of effective cooperative mechanisms further exacerbated the potential for conflicts in Southeast Asia.

Passage - 8

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

ASEAN was established in 1967 by five countries of this region — Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand — by signing the Bangkok Declaration. The objectives of ASEAN were primarily to accelerate economic growth and through that ‘social progress and cultural development’. A secondary objective was to promote regional peace and stability based on the rule of law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Q1: When and by which countries was ASEAN established, and what was the key document that formalized its establishment?
Ans:

• ASEAN was established in 1967.
• It was founded by five countries in Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
• The Bangkok Declaration was the key document that formalized the establishment of ASEAN.

Q2: What were the primary objectives of ASEAN when it was established in 1967?
Ans:

• The primary objectives of ASEAN were to accelerate economic growth.
• Economic growth was seen as a means to achieve "social progress and cultural development" in the region.

Q3: Besides economic objectives, what additional goals were outlined for ASEAN's establishment?
Ans:

• A secondary objective was to promote regional peace and stability.
• This was to be achieved through adherence to the rule of law and the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter.
• Thus, ASEAN aimed to not only enhance economic cooperation but also foster regional peace and stability in Southeast Asia.

Passage - 9

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

The current economic strength of ASEAN, especially its economic relevance as a trading and investment partner to the growing Asian economies such as India and China, makes this an attractive proposition. During the Cold War years Indian foreign policy did not pay adequate attention to ASEAN. But in recent years, India has tried to make amends. It signed trade agreements with three ASEAN members, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The ASEAN-India FTA came into effect in 2010. ASEAN’s strength, however, lies in its policies of interaction and consultation with member states, with dialogue partners, and with other non-regional organisations.

Q1: What factors contribute to ASEAN's attractiveness as a trading and investment partner for growing Asian economies like India and China?
Ans:

• ASEAN's current economic strength and relevance as a trading and investment partner are key factors.
• It offers opportunities for economic cooperation and growth with the rapidly expanding economies of India and China.

Q2: How did Indian foreign policy towards ASEAN change in recent years compared to the Cold War era?
Ans:

• During the Cold War, Indian foreign policy did not give adequate attention to ASEAN.
• In recent years, India has made efforts to improve its relations with ASEAN by signing trade agreements and strengthening economic ties.

Q3: What is a key strength of ASEAN in its approach to international relations and cooperation?
Ans:

• ASEAN's strength lies in its policies of interaction and consultation.
• It engages in dialogue with member states, dialogue partners, and non-regional organizations to foster cooperation and promote regional stability and economic growth.

Passage - 10

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

China decided to substitute imports by domestic goods. This model allowed China to use its resources to establish the foundations of an industrial economy on a scale that did not exist before. Employment and social welfare was assured to all citizens, and China moved ahead of most developing countries in educating its citizens and ensuring better health for them. The economy also grew at a respectable rate of 5-6 per cent. But an annual growth of 2-3 per cent in population meant that economic growth was insufficient to meet the needs of a growing population.

Q1: What economic model did China adopt to lay the foundations for its industrial economy, and what were the key results of this approach?
Ans:

• China adopted a model of substituting imports with domestic goods.
• This model allowed China to build the foundations of a large-scale industrial economy.
• It resulted in employment and social welfare for citizens, advancements in education, improved healthcare, and respectable economic growth at a rate of 5-6 percent.

Q2: How did China manage to assure employment and social welfare for its citizens under this economic model?
Ans:

• By substituting imports with domestic production, China created jobs and social welfare for its citizens.
• The model focused on ensuring employment and improving the living standards of the population, setting it apart from many other developing countries.

Q3: Despite economic growth, why was China still faced with challenges in meeting the needs of its growing population?
Ans:

• China's annual population growth remained at 2-3 percent.
• While the economy grew at a respectable rate, this population growth posed challenges in terms of providing sufficient resources and opportunities to meet the needs of a growing population.

Passage - 11

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

The Chinese leadership took major policy decisions in the 1970s. China ended its political and economic isolation with the establishment of relations with the United States in 1972. Premier Zhou Enlai proposed the ‘four modernisations’ (agriculture, industry, science and technology and military) in 1973. By 1978, the then leader Deng Xiaoping announced the ‘open door’ policy and economic reforms in China. The policy was to generate higher productivity by investments of capital and technology from abroad.

Q1: What were some of the major policy decisions taken by the Chinese leadership in the 1970s?
Ans:

• China ended its political and economic isolation by establishing relations with the United States in 1972.
• Premier Zhou Enlai introduced the 'four modernisations' in 1973, targeting agriculture, industry, science and technology, and the military for development.
• In 1978, leader Deng Xiaoping announced the 'open door' policy and economic reforms, focusing on increasing productivity through foreign capital and technology investments.

Q2: What was the objective of the 'four modernisations' proposed by Premier Zhou Enlai in 1973?
Ans:

• The 'four modernisations' aimed to modernize key sectors in China, including agriculture, industry, science and technology, and the military.
• The goal was to bring about significant economic and technological advancements in these areas to enhance China's overall development.

Q3: What was the core principle of the 'open door' policy and economic reforms introduced by Deng Xiaoping in 1978?
Ans:

• The 'open door' policy and economic reforms were designed to boost productivity by encouraging foreign investments of capital and technology in China.
• The policy aimed to integrate China into the global economy, increase economic growth, and modernize the nation's industries.

Passage - 12

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

While the Chinese economy has improved dramatically, not everyone in China has received the benefits of the reforms. Unemployment has risen in China with nearly 100 million people looking for jobs. Female employment and conditions of work are as bad as in Europe of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Environmental degradation and corruption have increased besides a rise in economic inequality between rural and urban residents and coastal and inland provinces.

Q1: What are some of the adverse consequences of China's economic reforms on its society and workforce?
Ans:

• Unemployment in China has surged, with nearly 100 million people seeking jobs.
• Female employment and working conditions have deteriorated, resembling those seen in Europe during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
• Environmental degradation and corruption have increased as a result of economic reforms, contributing to negative societal impacts.

Q2: What are the key areas of economic inequality highlighted in the passage?
Ans:

• Economic inequality has risen between rural and urban residents in China.
• There is also an economic disparity between coastal and inland provinces, indicating disparities in development and living standards across the country.

Q3: In addition to social and employment issues, what other challenges have emerged in China due to its economic reforms?
Ans:

• Environmental degradation has become a pressing concern in China, with the rapid pace of economic growth taking a toll on the environment.
• Corruption is another problem that has increased, potentially undermining the effectiveness and fairness of governance and economic development in the country.

Passage - 13

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

India and China were great powers in Asia before the advent of Western imperialism. China had considerable influence and control on the periphery of its borders based on its unique tributary system. At different times in China’s long history of dynastic rule, Mongolia, Korea, parts of Indo-China, and Tibet accepted China’s authority. Various kingdoms and empires in India also extended their influence beyond their borders. In both cases this influence was political, economic and cultural. However, the regions where India and China exercised influence rarely ever overlapped. 

Q1: What system did China use to exert influence and control on the periphery of its borders, and which regions accepted China's authority under this system?
Ans:

• China employed a unique tributary system to exert influence on its border regions.
• Under this system, Mongolia, Korea, parts of Indo-China, and Tibet accepted China's authority at various points in its dynastic history.

Q2: How did India and China exert their influence in regions beyond their borders, and what aspects of influence did they share in common?
Ans:

• Both India and China exerted influence through political, economic, and cultural means in regions beyond their borders.
• They shared common methods of influence, with a focus on these three dimensions.

Q3: What was the key difference between the regions influenced by India and China in terms of their geographical overlap?
Ans:

• The regions influenced by India and China rarely ever overlapped.
• This meant that each had its own distinct sphere of influence in different parts of Asia, without significant territorial overlap.

Passage - 14

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

India’s nuclear tests in 1998, sometimes justified on the grounds of a threat from China, did not stop greater interaction. It is true that China was seen as contributing to the build up of Pakistan’s nuclear programme. China’s military relations with Bangladesh and Myanmar were viewed as hostile to Indian interests in South Asia. However, none of these issues is likely to lead to conflict between the two. 

Q1: What were the reasons behind India's nuclear tests in 1998, and what concerns were raised regarding China in this context?
Ans:

• India conducted nuclear tests in 1998, partly citing a perceived threat from China as a justification.
• Concerns were raised about China's alleged support for Pakistan's nuclear program, which contributed to India's decision to conduct the tests.

Q2: How did China's military relations with Bangladesh and Myanmar affect Indian interests in South Asia, according to the passage?
Ans:

• China's military relations with Bangladesh and Myanmar were viewed as being potentially hostile to Indian interests in South Asia.
• These relations raised concerns about China's expanding influence in the region, which some saw as conflicting with Indian interests.

Q3: Despite these concerns and issues, what is the likely outcome regarding conflict between India and China, as suggested in the passage?
Ans:

• The passage suggests that none of these concerns and issues are likely to lead to a conflict between India and China.
• Despite tensions and differences, the passage implies that both countries are unlikely to engage in direct conflict.