Class 12 Political Science Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power NCERT Solutions

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 2 Contemporary Centres of Power (2025-26)

1. 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

Answer:

• b. Establishment of the EEC (1957)
• d. Birth of ARF (1994)
• c. Establishment of the EU (1992, but after ARF in 1993; however, Maastricht Treaty was in 1992)
• a. China’s accession to WTO (2001)

Correct chronological order: b, c, d, a.

2. 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

Answer: b. A form of interaction among ASEAN members that is informal and cooperative.

3. Which of the following nations adopted an ‘open door’ policy?
a. China
b. South Korea
c. Japan
d. USA

Answer: a. China.

4. Fill in the blanks:

• a. The border conflict between China and India in 1962 was principally over Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin region.
• b. ARF was established in the year 1994.
• c. China entered into bilateral relations with the United States (USA) (a major country) in 1972.
• d. Marshall Plan influenced the establishment of the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation in 1948.
• e. ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) is the organisation of ASEAN that deals with security.

5. What are the objectives of establishing regional organisations?

Answer: The objectives of establishing regional organisations include accelerating economic growth, ensuring social progress, promoting cultural development, fostering political cooperation, maintaining regional peace, and enhancing member countries’ security and stability by resolving conflicts and encouraging collaboration.

6. How does geographical proximity influence the formation of regional organisations?

Answer: Geographical proximity fosters closer economic ties, easier transport and communication, shared cultural and historical backgrounds, and common security concerns, making it convenient for neighbouring countries to cooperate and form regional organisations for mutual benefit.

7. What are the components of the ASEAN Vision 2020?

Answer: ASEAN Vision 2020 envisions an outward-looking, peaceful, stable, and prosperous community. The components include a Security Community, Economic Community, and Socio-Cultural Community, focusing on regional security, economic integration, and social-cultural development.

8. Name the pillars and the objectives of the ASEAN Community.

Answer: The ASEAN Community has three pillars: (i) ASEAN Security Community – for peace and security, (ii) ASEAN Economic Community – for economic integration and development, (iii) ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community – for promoting social and cultural cooperation. The main objectives are to accelerate growth and enhance regional cooperation.

9. In what ways does the present Chinese economy differs from its command economy?

Answer: The present Chinese economy allows elements of the market and privatization, such as private ownership in agriculture and industry, Special Economic Zones, and encouragement of foreign trade and investment, while the command economy had state ownership, central planning, and limited foreign engagement.

10. How did the European countries resolve their post-Second World War problem? Briefly outline the attempts that led to the formation of the European Union.

Answer: After WWII, European countries received US aid (Marshall Plan), promoted cooperation, established OEEC (1948), moved toward political cooperation via the Council of Europe (1949), formed the EEC (1957), and, following further integration, created the European Union in 1992 with common economic, political, and security objectives.

11. What makes the European Union a highly influential regional organisation?

Answer: The EU wields economic, political, and military influence. Its GDP is among the highest in the world, it has an assertive currency (Euro), strong trade ties, significant diplomatic clout (including a UNSC permanent seat), and considerable military capacities, making it a strong global force.

12. The emerging economies of China and India have great potential to challenge the unipolar world. Do you agree with the statement? Substantiate your arguments.

Answer: Yes, both China and India have rapidly expanding economies, large populations, technological advancements, and growing military strength. Their increased involvement in international forums and regional groupings offers a counterbalance to unipolar dominance, giving them the potential to challenge existing power structures.

13. The Peace and prosperity of countries lay in the establishment and strengthening of regional economic organisations. Justify this statement.

Answer: Regional economic organisations foster cooperation, remove trade barriers, resolve disputes amicably, promote socioeconomic development, and enhance collective bargaining power. Such integration brings sustainable growth, security, and enduring peace among member states.

14. Identify the contentious issues between China and India. How could these be resolved for greater cooperation? Give your suggestions.

Answer: Contentious issues include border disputes (Arunachal Pradesh, Aksai Chin), China’s support to Pakistan, and economic competition. To resolve these, both should pursue dialogue, increase trade, build trust through confidence-building measures, bilateral talks, and promote people-to-people exchanges, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.

Why Study NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 2 Contemporary Centres of Power?

Mastering Contemporary Centres of Power is crucial for understanding the changing dynamics of international politics. With NCERT Solutions Class 12 Political Science Chapter 2 (2025-26), students gain in-depth insights into global organisations like the EU, ASEAN, and China’s global influence.

Regular practice using chapter-wise solutions will improve your understanding and confidence. Focus on major events, timelines, and the significance of regional cooperation for exam-ready content and high-scoring answers in Political Science.

Remember to revise key facts on EU, ASEAN, China, and India’s global relations. This will help boost your performance and ensure you can tackle analytical and factual questions in your board exams effectively.