Class 12 Political Science Chapter 5: Security in the Contemporary World Solutions

NCERT Solutions Class 12 Political Science Chapter 5 Security In The Contemporary World (2025-26): Exercise Solutions

1. Match the terms with their meaning:

2. Which among the following would you consider as a traditional security concern / non-traditional security concern / not a threat?

• The spread of chikungunya / dengue fever: Non-traditional security concern
• Inflow of workers from a neighbouring nation: Not a threat (unless it affects security directly)
• Emergence of a group demanding nationhood for their region: Traditional security concern
• Emergence of a group demanding autonomy for their region: Traditional security concern
• A newspaper that is critical of the armed forces in the country: Not a threat

3. What is the difference between traditional and non-traditional security? Which category would the creation and sustenance of alliances belong to?

Answer: Traditional security focuses on military threats and protection of national sovereignty, usually from external aggression, while non-traditional security includes dangers like terrorism, disease, poverty, and environmental threats. Creation and sustenance of alliances belong to traditional security as a means of military cooperation and deterrence.

4. What are the differences in the threats that people in the Third World face and those living in the First World face?

Answer: People in the Third World often face challenges such as poverty, internal conflicts, civil wars, famine, and migration, while those in the First World focus more on military threats or terrorism from outside their borders. Third World threats are more related to basic human needs and societal stability.

5. Is terrorism a traditional or non-traditional threat to security?

Answer: Terrorism is considered a non-traditional threat to security because it targets civilians, disrupts societal life, and does not fit into traditional interstate conflicts or military aggression.

6. What are the choices available to a state when its security is threatened, according to the traditional security perspective?

Answer: According to the traditional security perspective, a state can choose to surrender, prevent the other side from attacking by forming alliances, or utilize military force to defend itself and deter threats. It may also enter into arms control agreements or confidence-building measures.

7. What is ‘Balance of Power’? How could a state achieve this?

Answer: ‘Balance of Power’ is a concept in which countries ensure that no single nation becomes too powerful to threaten others. A state can achieve this by building up its military and economic strength or by entering into alliances and coalitions with other countries.

8. What are the objectives of military alliances? Give an example of a functioning military alliance with its specific objectives.

Answer: The primary objectives of military alliances are to deter or defend against military attacks and ensure collective security. An example is NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), which was formed to provide collective defense to its member states against external aggression.

9. Rapid environmental degradation is causing a serious threat to security. Do you agree with the statement? Substantiate your arguments.

Answer: Yes, environmental degradation leads to new security threats, such as resource scarcity, displacement of people, health epidemics, and increased poverty. These factors can cause instability, conflicts, and threaten the survival of communities, making environmental protection a key aspect of modern security.

10. Nuclear weapons as deterrence or defence have limited usage against contemporary security threats to states. Explain the statement.

Answer: Nuclear weapons are mainly a deterrent against other nuclear or large-scale military attacks, but they are ineffective against non-traditional threats like terrorism, internal conflicts, poverty, or environmental problems. Contemporary security requires addressing both military and non-military concerns.

11. Looking at the Indian scenario, what type of security has been given priority in India, traditional or non-traditional? What examples could you cite to substantiate the argument?

Answer: India has given greater priority to traditional security through strengthening military capabilities, given its history of conflicts with neighbouring countries. Defence spending and military modernization are clear examples. However, non-traditional security issues like development, poverty reduction, and health are also increasingly prioritized.

12. Read the cartoon below and write a short note in favour or against the connection between war and terrorism depicted in this cartoon.

Answer: (Students’ answers may vary.) The cartoon suggests that wars can create conditions for terrorism by causing destruction, homelessness, anger, and resentment, fueling grievances that may lead to radicalization. Therefore, a cycle of violence can be perpetuated by both war and terrorism.

Understanding Security in the Contemporary World – Key Concepts

Mastering Security in the Contemporary World for Class 12 Political Science helps students analyze global and national security challenges from both traditional and non-traditional perspectives. Focusing on core topics in the NCERT solutions aids clear concept-building for exams.

Chapters like these highlight the significance of military, economic, and human security in India's context. Practicing chapter-wise exercises boosts your understanding and ensures you're confident in answering analytic questions in the 2025-26 exams.

Keep revising core areas like traditional and non-traditional threats, India's security strategies, and relevant examples. Consistent practice of textbook-based questions will strengthen your preparation and maximize your exam performance.