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

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Introduction

The chapter "Contemporary Centres of Power" from Class 12 Political Science examines the rise of new global powers and regional organizations after the Cold War, focusing on the European Union (EU), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and China. By analyzing previous year question papers, we’ve identified recurring question types and patterns that align with CBSE’s exam framework. Based on these trends and the syllabus’s emphasis, we’ve compiled a list of high-probability questions likely to appear in the upcoming exam. These predictions are rooted in the frequency and style of past questions, ensuring focused preparation. 

Key Questions

Q1: What factors make the European Union a highly influential regional organization?
Ans: 
(i) Economic Power: The EU is the world’s largest economy with a GDP exceeding $19 trillion, and its currency, the Euro, challenges the US dollar. 
(ii) Global Trade: Its share of world trade is three times larger than the US, giving it leverage in trade disputes. 
(iii) Political Influence: France’s permanent seat on the UN Security Council and the EU’s common foreign policy amplify its global role. 
(iv) Military Strength: The EU’s combined armed forces and defense spending rank second globally, with France’s nuclear capabilities adding strategic weight.

Q2: How has ASEAN emerged as an important regional organization?
Ans: 
(i) Economic Growth: ASEAN’s economy grows faster than the US, EU, and Japan, making it a global economic hub. 
(ii) ASEAN Way: Its informal, cooperative approach fosters consensus-based decision-making. 
(iii) Regional Stability: ASEAN promotes peace through platforms like the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and resolves disputes like the Cambodian conflict. 
(iv) Free Trade Area: ASEAN’s Free Trade Area (AFTA) boosts investment, labor mobility, and trade, strengthening economic integration.

Q3: Why has not everyone in China benefited from its economic reforms?
Ans: 
(i) Unemployment: Over 100 million people face job scarcity due to the closure of state-owned enterprises. 
(ii) Economic Disparities: Rural-urban and coastal-inland inequalities limit equitable growth. 
(iii) Environmental Degradation: Rapid industrialization has caused environmental issues, impacting quality of life, especially in rural areas.

Q4: How did the European Union evolve from an economic union to a political one?
Ans: 
(i) Post-WWII Recovery: The Marshall Plan (1948) and OEEC fostered economic cooperation. 
(ii) EEC Formation (1957): The European Economic Community laid the foundation for economic integration, followed by the European Parliament for political cooperation. 
(iii) EU Establishment (1992): The EU expanded into political, security, and foreign policy domains. 
(iv) Symbols and Policies: The EU adopted a flag, anthem, currency (Euro), and common foreign policy, functioning like a nation-state.

Q5: What steps did the Chinese leadership take to grow its economy?
Ans: 
(i) Open Door Policy (1978): Deng Xiaoping’s policy encouraged foreign investment and technology transfer. 
(ii) Special Economic Zones (SEZs): SEZs removed trade barriers, attracting foreign investors. 
(iii) Privatization: Agriculture (1982) and industry (1998) were privatized, boosting productivity. 
(iv) WTO Accession (2001): Joining the WTO integrated China into the global economy, enhancing trade.

Q6: How does ASEAN’s role in the contemporary world contribute to regional stability?
Ans: 
(i) ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF): Established in 1994, it promotes security dialogue. 
(ii) Conflict Resolution: ASEAN mediated conflicts like the Cambodian crisis and East Timor issue. 
(iii) ASEAN Way: Its non-confrontational approach ensures peaceful negotiations. 
(iv) Economic Integration: The ASEAN Economic Community fosters stability through trade and investment cooperation.

Q7: What factors have contributed to India’s emergence as a new center of power?
Ans: 
(i) Economic Growth: India’s economy, targeting $5 trillion, is a major global market. 
(ii) Military Strength: Its self-reliant military and nuclear capabilities enhance strategic influence. 
(iii) Cultural Influence: India’s diaspora and cultural heritage amplify its soft power. 
(iv) Global Diplomacy: Initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and partnerships with the US, Japan, and ASEAN strengthen its global role.

Q8: How does the European Union exert economic, political, and military influence?
Ans: 
(i) Economic: The EU’s $19 trillion GDP and Euro currency challenge the US dollar; its trade share is three times larger than the US. 
(ii) Political/Diplomatic: France’s UN Security Council seat and the EU’s foreign policy shape global decisions. 
(iii) Military: The EU’s combined forces and defense spending are second only to the US, with France’s nuclear arsenal adding strength.

Q9: What are the objectives of the ASEAN Community?
Ans: 
(i) Economic Growth: Create a common market via the ASEAN Economic Community. 
(ii) Regional Peace: Promote stability through the ASEAN Security Community. 
(iii) Socio-Cultural Development: Enhance social progress via the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. 
(iv) Dispute Resolution: Strengthen mechanisms to resolve economic and territorial disputes.

Q10: What led to China’s rise as an economic superpower?
Ans: 
(i) 1978 Reforms: Deng Xiaoping’s Open Door Policy and SEZs attracted foreign investment. 
(ii) Privatization: Gradual privatization of agriculture and industry increased productivity. 
(iii) Large Market: China’s massive population and labor force fueled economic growth. 
(iv) Global Integration: WTO membership (2001) and trade expansion made China a global trade leader.

Q11: Passage-based: Read the following excerpt and answer the questions below:
Excerpt: “After World War II, European leaders debated whether to return to old rivalries or integrate Europe economically and politically…”
(i) When was the EU officially established?
Ans: 1992.
(ii) What were the key factors that led to the formation of the EU?
Ans: (a) Post-WWII economic devastation requiring US aid (Marshall Plan). (b) Formation of the EEC (1957) and later political integration via the European Parliament.
(iii) How has the EU impacted global trade?
Ans: Its large trade share and Euro currency challenge US dominance, enhancing its role in global trade disputes.

Q12: Passage-based: Read the following excerpt and answer the questions below:
Excerpt: “In 1985, the Schengen Agreement was signed, removing border controls among several European countries…”
(i) What did the Schengen Agreement achieve?
Ans: Abolished border controls among participating EU countries.
(ii) How has the Schengen Agreement benefited EU citizens?
Ans: (a) Enabled visa-free travel and trade. (b) Boosted economic cooperation by easing labor mobility.
(iii) What challenges has the Schengen Agreement faced?
Ans: Security concerns due to illegal immigration and open borders.

Q13: Passage-based: Read the following excerpt and answer the questions below:
Excerpt: “The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established in 1967 by five founding members…”
(i) When was ASEAN founded?
Ans: 1967.
(ii) What were ASEAN’s primary objectives?
Ans: (a) Accelerate economic growth. (b) Promote regional peace and stability.
(iii) How does ASEAN differ from the EU?
Ans: ASEAN lacks a supranational government or common currency, unlike the EU.

Q14: Passage-based: Read the following excerpt and answer the questions below:
Excerpt: “China’s economy has grown rapidly since it adopted economic reforms in 1978 under Deng Xiaoping’s Open Door Policy…”
(i) Which leader introduced economic reforms in China in 1978?
Ans: Deng Xiaoping.
(ii) What were the key features of China’s economic reforms?
Ans: (a) Creation of SEZs to attract foreign investment. (b) Gradual privatization of agriculture and industry.
(iii) How did China’s economic rise impact global trade?
Ans: China became a leading destination for foreign direct investment and a major global trading power.

Q15: How have India-China relations evolved since the 1962 war?
Ans: 
(i) Post-1962 Strain: The 1962 war led to downgraded relations until 1976. 
(ii) Normalization: Diplomatic ties resumed in the late 1970s, with ambassador exchanges and border talks starting in 1981. 
(iii) Economic Ties: Trade grew significantly, though imbalances persist. 
(iv) Ongoing Challenges: Border disputes (e.g., Doklam, Ladakh) and China’s ties with Pakistan create tensions, but summits like Wuhan (2018) aim for stability.

Important Topics

• European Union (EU): Formation, economic power, political influence, military strength, and symbols like the Euro, flag, and anthem.
• ASEAN: Objectives, ASEAN Way, Free Trade Area, and role in regional stability through ARF and conflict mediation.
• China’s Economic Rise: Open Door Policy, SEZs, privatization, WTO membership, and challenges like unemployment and inequality.
• India’s Emergence: Economic growth, military capabilities, cultural influence, and diplomatic initiatives like Act East Policy.
• Indo-China Relations: 1962 war, normalization efforts, trade growth, and ongoing border disputes.
• Regional Organizations’ Role: Promoting peace, economic integration, and cooperation in resolving conflicts.

Preparation Tips

• Key Facts and Figures: Memorize dates (EU: 1992, ASEAN: 1967, China’s reforms: 1978), GDP figures, and member countries.
• Comparative Analysis: Understand differences between EU (supranational) and ASEAN (sovereignty-focused), and China’s gradual reforms vs. USSR’s shock therapy.
• Focus on Leaders and Policies: Know roles of Deng Xiaoping (China), Nehru (India), and key EU milestones like the Schengen Agreement.
• Passage-Based Practice: Solve questions on excerpts about EU, ASEAN, and China to master analytical skills.
• Map Work: Prepare to locate EU members (e.g., Spain, Germany) and ASEAN countries on a world map.
• Current Relevance: Link historical developments to current events, like India’s Act East Policy or China’s Belt and Road Initiative, for deeper understanding.