Important Questions: Security in the Contemporary World | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Short Answer Type Questions

Advantages:

1. Increased Military Strength – Combining resources enhances military capabilities.
2. Deterrence – Alliances help deter potential aggressors.
3. Flexibility – Alliances provide adaptability to changing national interests.

Historically, alliances have played a crucial role in maintaining the balance of power in international relations

Q24. State the various components of India’s security strategy
Ans: India's security strategy comprises several key components:

• Military Strength: India has enhanced its military capabilities to address conflicts with neighbouring countries, including Pakistan and China.
• International Cooperation: Strengthening international norms and institutions is crucial for protecting India's security interests. This includes participation in global forums and advocating for non-proliferation.
• Internal Security: India has adopted firm policies to tackle militant groups and separatist movements in regions like Mizoram and Nagaland.
• Socioeconomic Development: Promoting economic growth aims to alleviate poverty and reduce inequalities, contributing to overall national stability.

Q25. Examine four important components of the traditional notion of security.
Ans:  Traditional security focuses on protecting a state's sovereignty through military and strategic measures. The key components include:

1. Balance of Power – It helps maintain stability among states by ensuring no single state becomes too powerful. This is often achieved through military build-up.

2. Alliance Building – States form alliances for collective security, such as NATO by the USA and the Warsaw Pact by the USSR. Morgenthau emphasized alliances as essential for maintaining the balance of power.

3. Security Policy – It aims to prevent war through deterrence, ensuring that potential aggressors are discouraged from attacking.

4. War and Defense – If war breaks out, the state mobilizes its forces to protect national interests and defend against threats.

Q26. How do per capita income and population growth affect the economic disparity in the world? Suggest two ways to reduce economic disparity between the poor and the rich at the global level.
Ans: Per capita income and population growth significantly influence economic disparity worldwide. In poorer countries, high population growth often leads to increased poverty, while wealthier nations with stable populations tend to become richer. This disparity contributes to global insecurity, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where armed conflicts are prevalent. To reduce economic disparity globally, the following measures can be implemented:

• Encourage equal development across all nations.
• Ensure employment opportunities are available for everyone.

Q27. Explain the importance of cooperation in the field of ‘Traditional Security’.
Ans: Cooperation is essential in the field of Traditional Security for several reasons:

• It is widely accepted that war should be avoided, with violence only justified for self-defence.
• Traditional security promotes disarmament and arms control, encouraging states to relinquish certain types of weapons.
• Key agreements, such as the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), have led to over 155 states banning these weapons.
• Cooperation fosters confidence-building measures, where countries share military intentions and capabilities to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to conflict.
• This collaborative approach helps ensure that nations do not resort to war due to misperceptions or lack of communication.

Q28. Explain any four components of India’s security strategy.
Ans: India's security strategy comprises four key components that address both traditional and non-traditional threats.

• Strengthening military capabilities: India has faced conflicts with neighbours, including Pakistan (1947-48, 1965, 1971, 1999) and China (1962). Surrounded by nuclear-armed countries, India conducted nuclear tests in 1998 to enhance its national security.
• Promoting international norms: India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, advocated for Asian solidarity, disarmament, and the UN as a platform for resolving conflicts. India supports a universal non-proliferation regime and has joined global efforts like the Kyoto Protocol to combat climate change.
• Addressing internal security challenges: Various militant groups from regions like Nagaland, Mizoram, Punjab, and Kashmir have sought independence. India aims to maintain national unity through a democratic system that allows diverse voices to be heard.
• Economic development: India strives to reduce poverty and economic inequality. The government focuses on inclusive growth that benefits all citizens, ensuring that democratic processes allow for the representation of the poor.

Q29. Identify and explain any four new sources of threats to security.
Ans: Four new sources of threats to security can be identified as follows:

• Terrorism: This involves political violence aimed at civilians, intended to instil fear and influence government actions. It has become a global issue, affecting even the most powerful nations.
• Human Rights Violations: Basic human rights, such as freedom of speech and the right to live with dignity, are often under threat. Violations can lead to unrest and instability within societies.
• Global Poverty: Low economic growth and poor living standards in developing countries can lead to social unrest and conflict, posing a significant threat to global security.
• Health Epidemics: Diseases like SARS, HIV/AIDS, and bird flu can spread rapidly across borders, threatening public health and national security through migration and travel.

Q30. How is global poverty a source of insecurity? Explain.
Ans: Global poverty refers to low economic growth, low national income, and a poor standard of living in developing or least developed countries. It is a source of insecurity for several reasons:

• Half of the world's population growth occurs in just six countries: India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. These are all considered developing nations.
• In the poorest countries, the population is expected to triple in the next 50 years, exacerbating existing issues.
• This disparity contributes to the widening gap between the Northern and Southern countries.
• Poverty in the South has led to significant migration towards the North, seeking better economic opportunities.
• This migration creates international political friction, as laws differentiate between migrants and refugees, complicating acceptance and support for those moving.

Q31. Which third weapon both the superpowers did not want to give up under the concept of disarmament?
Ans: Nuclear weapons were the third type of weapons of mass destruction that both the US and the Soviet Union were unwilling to relinquish during disarmament discussions.

• Disarmament involves states giving up certain weapons.
• The 1972 Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and 1992 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) banned the production and possession of biological and chemical weapons.
• Despite these treaties, both superpowers sought to maintain their nuclear arsenals.
• This led to arms control efforts instead of complete disarmament.

Q32. “The secure states do not imply the secure people in itself’. Examine the statement.
Ans: The concept of secure states does not automatically mean that the people within those states are secure. Here are some key points to consider:

• Secure states should protect their citizens from various threats, not just from foreign attacks.
• Protection includes safeguarding against issues like hunger, diseases, and natural disasters.
• These threats can harm individuals more significantly than warfare.

Thus, the responsibility of secure states extends beyond military defence to encompass overall human security.

Q33: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions:
The US and Soviet’Union signed a number of other arms control treaties including the Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty II (SALT II) and the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). The Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) of 1968 was an arms control treaty in the sense that it regulated the acquisition of nuclear weapons, those countries that had tested and manufactured nuclear weapons before 1967 were allowed to keep their weapons and those that had not done so were to give up the right to acquire them. The NPT did not abolish nuclear weapons; rather, it limited the number of countries that could have them.
1. What is arms control treaty?
2. Was NPT an arms control treaty? Why?
3. What was the intention behind regulation of NPT?
Ans:
1. To regulate the acquisition or development of wTeapons among countries.
2. Yes, because it regulated the acquisition of nuclear weapons to protect world from large seat destruction.
3. It did not abolish nuclear weapons rather it limited the number of countries that could have them.

Long Answer Type Questions

1. New Security Challenges – Modern security threats include terrorism, human rights violations, global poverty, migration, and epidemics, expanding beyond traditional military concerns.

2. Terrorism – It involves unlawful violence against civilians, including bombings, hijackings, and suicide attacks, posing a major threat to human security.

3. Human Rights Violations – Denial of basic human rights, such as freedom of speech and equality, threatens human security, as many countries still fail to ensure these rights.

4. Global Poverty – Economic disparities are increasing, with poorer nations struggling while wealthier countries prosper, leading to conflicts, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa.

5. Migration Issues – Large-scale migration, often due to economic hardship or conflict, creates security challenges for both migrants and host nations, affecting social stability.

Q35. What is Global Poverty? Suggest any two ways to reduce the disparity between the poor and the rich at the global level.
Ans:  Global poverty is a major challenge that threatens human security and economic stability. It is more prevalent in developing nations, while wealthier countries continue to prosper, creating economic disparity. This gap leads to instability, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, which remains the poorest area globally and has experienced frequent armed conflicts. To bridge the gap between the rich and the poor at the global level, the following steps can be taken:

1. Equal Economic Development – Ensuring fair opportunities for all nations by providing financial aid, technology transfer, and investment in underdeveloped regions.

2. Employment Generation – Creating job opportunities for all, regardless of gender or social status, to improve income levels and living conditions.

3. Access to Quality Education – Expanding educational facilities in poorer regions to equip people with skills necessary for better employment and economic growth.

4. Fair Trade Policies – Promoting trade policies that benefit developing countries by reducing trade barriers and ensuring fair market access.

5. Social Welfare Programs – Strengthening global initiatives such as healthcare, food security, and affordable housing to uplift marginalized communities.

6. Global Cooperation and Aid – Encouraging international organizations and developed countries to support poverty alleviation programs through sustainable development efforts.

Q36. Describe any three international challenging issues that can only be dealt with when all the countries work together.
Ans:  Some global challenges are too complex for any single nation to solve and require international cooperation. Three major issues that demand collective efforts are:

1. Terrorism – Terrorism poses a serious threat to global peace and security. It involves violent activities such as bombings, hijackings, and targeted killings to achieve political, ideological, or religious objectives. Terrorist networks often operate across borders, making it essential for nations to share intelligence, strengthen counterterrorism laws, and work together to eliminate terror financing and radicalization.

2. Human Rights Violations – Protecting human rights is crucial for ensuring dignity, equality, and justice worldwide. Violations, such as political oppression, discrimination, and denial of basic freedoms, persist in many regions. Countries must collaborate through international organizations like the United Nations to uphold human rights, provide humanitarian aid, and enforce laws against violations.

3. Environmental Degradation – Climate change, deforestation, pollution, and rising sea levels threaten the survival of many communities. For example, a sea-level rise of 1.5 to 2 meters could submerge low-lying nations like the Maldives and Bangladesh. Addressing these issues requires global cooperation in reducing carbon emissions, enforcing environmental policies, and promoting sustainable development through agreements like the Paris Climate Accord.

Q37. Describe the security challenges faced by the newly independent countries of Asia and Africa after the Second World War.
Ans: After gaining independence from colonial rule, many Asian and African nations faced serious security challenges that threatened their stability and development. These challenges were both external and internal, requiring careful management to ensure national security.

1. Military Threats – Newly independent nations often faced external threats from neighboring states due to unresolved border disputes and territorial claims. The lack of well-established defense forces made them vulnerable to aggression.

2. Internal Conflicts – Ethnic, religious, and linguistic diversity led to internal divisions, causing communal violence and political instability. Many countries struggled with:

   • Border and territorial disputes among ethnic groups.
   • The challenge of uniting diverse populations under a single national identity.
   • Separatist movements demanding independence, leading to civil unrest.

3. Superpower Rivalry and Cold War Influence – The USA and USSR sought to expand their influence in these newly independent nations, often interfering in their political and military affairs. Many countries were pressured to align with one of the two superpowers, which sometimes led to proxy wars and internal instability.

4. Economic Challenges and Resource Conflicts – Weak economies, dependence on former colonial powers, and competition over scarce resources contributed to instability. Struggles over control of natural resources like oil, minerals, and fertile land led to further security concerns.

5. Weak Political Institutions – Many newly independent nations lacked strong governance structures, leading to political instability, military coups, and authoritarian rule. Corruption and lack of effective law enforcement further weakened national security.

Thus, the security challenges faced by newly independent nations were complex and required strong leadership, effective governance, and international cooperation to overcome.

Q38. What is meant by Security? Mention any four components of Indian security strategy.
Ans: Security refers to the state of being free from threats. It encompasses the protection of essential values that, if compromised, could lead to significant harm. In the context of India, the security strategy comprises four main components:

• Military Strengthening: India has focused on enhancing its military capabilities due to conflicts with neighbouring countries, notably with Pakistan (1947-48, 1965, 1971, 1999) and China (1962). The decision to conduct nuclear tests in 1998 was aimed at safeguarding national security amidst the presence of nuclear-armed neighbours.
• International Norms: Strengthening international norms and institutions is crucial for protecting India's security interests. This includes supporting causes like Asian solidarity, decolonisation, and disarmament.
• Internal Security: Addressing internal security challenges is vital. Various militant groups from regions such as Nagaland, Mizoram, Punjab, and Kashmir have sought independence. India aims to maintain national unity through a democratic political system that allows diverse voices to be heard.
• Economic Development: Efforts to improve the economy are essential to lift citizens out of poverty and reduce economic inequalities, thereby contributing to overall security.

Q39. Give a comparative analysis of Indian expenditure on traditional and non-traditional security.
Ans: India allocates a larger portion of its budget to traditional security, driven by its history of conflicts and strategic defense needs.

1. Traditional Security – India’s defense spending remains high due to its history of wars with Pakistan (1947-48, 1965, 1971, 1999) and China (1962). The presence of nuclear-armed neighbors has led to India conducting nuclear tests in 1974 and 1998, emphasizing the importance of military readiness. A significant portion of the budget goes to military modernization, nuclear defense, and border security.

2. Non-Traditional Security – While efforts are made to address issues like poverty, climate change, health, and cyber threats, non-traditional security gets comparatively lower funding. India faces challenges like economic inequality, environmental degradation, and health crises that require increasing attention and resources.

Therefore, traditional security dominates India’s budget, but there is growing acknowledgment of the need to address non-traditional security challenges to ensure overall national stability and development.

Q40. Mention and explain the components and India’s security strategy.
Ans: India's security strategy addresses both traditional military threats and non-traditional challenges, arising from within and beyond its borders. The strategy comprises four main components:

• Strengthening Military Capabilities:
  • India has faced conflicts with its neighbours, including Pakistan (1947-48, 1965, 1971, 1999) and China (1962).
  • Surrounded by nuclear-armed nations, India's decision to conduct nuclear tests in 1998 was aimed at ensuring national security.
  • The first nuclear test occurred in 1974.
• Strengthening International Norms:
  • India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, advocated for Asian solidarity, disarmament, and the use of the UN to resolve conflicts.
  • India promotes a universal non-proliferation regime, ensuring equal rights and obligations regarding weapons of mass destruction.
  • It has championed a new international economic order and utilised non-alignment to maintain peace outside superpower blocs.
  • India ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 to combat global warming.
• Addressing Domestic Security Challenges:
  • Various militant groups from regions like Nagaland, Mizoram, Punjab, and Kashmir have sought independence.
  • India aims to preserve national unity through a democratic system that allows freedom of speech and political participation.
• Economic Development:
  • Efforts are made to alleviate poverty and reduce economic inequality.
  • A democratically elected government focuses on combining economic growth with human development.

Q41. Explain the areas of operation of non-traditional notion of security.
Ans: The non-traditional concept of security encompasses human and global security, addressing various threats that impact human existence:

• It focuses not only on states but also on individuals and communities.
• It highlights the nature of threats and the appropriate responses to them.

Key sources of these threats include:

• Terrorism: Political violence aimed at civilians to instil fear and challenge national governments.
• Human Rights: The fundamental rights individuals should enjoy, including political rights, freedom of speech, and economic and social rights, to live with dignity.
• Global Poverty: Low economic growth and living standards in developing or least developed countries.
• Health Epidemics: Serious threats like SARS, HIV/AIDS, and bird flu, which can spread internationally through migration and travel.

Q42. Write a note on Arms control.
Ans: Arms control involves regulating the acquisition and development of weapons through various treaties and agreements. Key measures include:

• The Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty (1992) aimed to prevent the US and Soviet Union from using ballistic missiles, limiting large-scale production.
• Other significant treaties include the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT), and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
• The NPT, established in 1968, regulated the acquisition of nuclear weapons, allowing existing nuclear states to keep their weapons while preventing others from obtaining them.
• Importantly, the NPT did not abolish nuclear weapons but restricted the number of countries permitted to possess them.

Q 43. What is the non-traditional notion of security? How does the narrow concept of human security differ from the broad concept?
Ans. The non-traditional approach to security includes a broad range of threats that impact human existence beyond military concerns. Unlike traditional security, which focuses on the protection of a state's territory and institutions, non-traditional security prioritizes the well-being of individuals and communities. This perspective is often referred to as human security or global security, addressing issues such as poverty, health crises, and environmental threats.

Difference Between Narrow and Broad Concepts of Human Security

• The narrow concept of human security primarily focuses on violent threats to individuals. As per Kofi Annan, it involves protecting individuals and communities from internal conflicts and violence.
• The broad concept extends beyond violence and includes threats like hunger, disease, and natural disasters, which cause more deaths than war or terrorism. Supporters argue that human security policies should address these non-violent dangers in addition to physical security.

Q44. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

1. What does the cartoon represent?
2. What does the pigeon and man with goods symbolise?
3. What message does the cartoon convey?
Ans:
1. The movement of Peace Keeping Force i.e. pigeon (White) a symbol of peace and an army personnel is flying it.
2. Pigeon symbolises peace and a man with goods to maintain peace at a place where threat has occurred.
3. Peace Keeping Forces are also supposed to bear arms to initiate peace.

Q45. Study the picture given below and answer the questions as that follow:

1. What does the cartoon represent?
2. Is it any different from our country?
3. What message does this cartoon convey?
Ans:
1. The US’s massive expenditure of defence and lack of money for peace related issues.
2. Our country spends a lot on peaceful initiations first as well as make efforts to find out a peaceful solution first.
3. This cartoon conveys message that the countries are ready to spend on military rather than on peaceful initiation.