Contemporary Centres of Power Notes | Class 12 Political Chapter 2 important Notes
This article will provide you with Contemporary Centres of Power Notes. Class 12 Political Chapter 2 important Notes will help you to score good marks in your exams. Use these notes and strengthen your preparation.
Class 12 Political Science – Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power
Contemporary Centres of Power Notes | Class 12 Political Chapter 2 important Notes
✨ Introduction
- After the disintegration of USSR (1991), world politics did not remain unipolar for long.
- Alongside USA, new centres of power emerged in Europe and Asia.
- These included:
- European Union (EU)
- Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- Rise of China
- Resurgence of Japan
- Collectively, these institutions and countries represent a multipolar world order.
European Union (EU)
Background
- Originated after Second World War to prevent future conflicts.
- Initially began with European Coal and Steel Community (1951).
- Later expanded through Treaty of Rome (1957) → European Economic Community (EEC).
- Maastricht Treaty (1992) formally created the European Union (EU).
Features of EU as a Power
- Economic Power
- Largest economy in the world.
- Euro introduced (1999) – rival to the US dollar.
- EU represents a common market with free movement of goods, people, and capital.
- Political Power
- Has its own Parliament, flag, anthem, currency.
- Negotiates trade agreements as a single bloc.
- Plays important role in WTO, UN, and global climate change discussions.
- Military Dimension
- Members are also in NATO.
- EU itself is not a superpower militarily but depends on USA for defense.
- Still has influence in peacekeeping missions.
📊 Table: European Union at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Treaty | Maastricht Treaty, 1992 |
| Currency | Euro (1999) |
| Members | 27 (post-Brexit, 2020) |
| Power | Economic + Political soft power |
| Challenge | Lacks strong military integration |
🌏 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)
Background
- Established in 1967 through Bangkok Declaration.
- Founding members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines.
- Later expanded to 10 members (including Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Brunei, Cambodia).
Objectives of ASEAN
- Promote regional peace and stability.
- Accelerate economic growth and development.
- Encourage cultural cooperation.
- Maintain independence and neutrality in Cold War politics.
Key Features of ASEAN
- ASEAN Way – Informal, cooperative, consensus-based, non-confrontational style of working.
- ASEAN Vision 2020 – Peaceful, stable, integrated, and outward-looking region.
- ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) – Established 1994 to discuss regional security issues.
- Economic Growth – Rapid growth due to industrial exports, FDI, and cooperation with global markets.
Contemporary Centres of Power Important MCQ | Class 12 Political Chapter 2 MCQ
📊 Table: ASEAN at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1967, Bangkok Declaration |
| Members | 10 |
| Forum | ASEAN Regional Forum (1994) |
| Style | ASEAN Way (consensus, non-interference) |
| Vision | ASEAN Vision 2020 |
🇨🇳 Rise of China
Historical Background
- Maoist Era (1949–1976): State-controlled economy, focus on agriculture and heavy industry.
- Deng Xiaoping’s Reforms (1978 onwards): “Open Door Policy” – introduced capitalism within socialism.
Deng Xiaoping’s Reforms
- Decollectivisation of Agriculture – Farmers allowed to sell surplus in markets.
- Special Economic Zones (SEZs) – Attracted foreign investment.
- FDI and Joint Ventures – Western companies invested in China.
- Export-led Growth – Focus on manufacturing cheap goods for global markets.
- Entry into WTO (2001) – Integrated with world economy.
Achievements of China
- Fastest economic growth in the world.
- Became 2nd largest economy (after USA).
- Major influence in world trade and finance.
- Strengthened military and technological power.
- Initiated Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to expand global reach.
Challenges for China
- Widening gap between rural and urban areas.
- Human rights criticism.
- Political rigidity of Communist Party.
- Rising tensions with neighbours (India, South China Sea disputes).
China’s Rise
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Reform Year | 1978, Deng Xiaoping |
| Policy | Open Door Policy |
| Organisation | WTO (2001) |
| Strength | Manufacturing hub, exports |
| Challenge | Regional disputes, inequality |
🇯🇵 Japan
Post-War Background
- After World War II, Japan adopted a Peace Constitution (1947) under US influence.
- Article 9 renounced war and restricted military use.
Economic Growth – “Miracle on the Han River”
- Rapid industrialisation in 1950s–70s.
- Export-led growth (electronics, automobiles, steel).
- Became a global leader in technology and manufacturing.
- Member of G-7, WTO, OECD.
Political Role
- Provides large amounts of development aid to developing countries.
- Maintains Self-Defence Forces instead of regular army.
- Plays a diplomatic role in UN and international negotiations.
📊 Table: Japan’s Role
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Constitution | Peace Constitution (1947) |
| Growth | Export-led, “economic miracle” |
| Organisations | G-7, WTO, OECD |
| Limitation | Military role restricted |
Multipolar World
Meaning
- No single country dominates.
- Power is distributed among many strong countries and organisations.
Centres of Power Today
- USA – still the strongest military superpower.
- EU – economic and political influence.
- ASEAN – regional stability and economic growth.
- China – fastest growing economy, rising military strength.
- Japan – economic and technological leader.
- India – emerging power, ties with ASEAN, BRICS member.
Comparison: EU, ASEAN, China, Japan
| Feature | EU | ASEAN | China | Japan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Maastricht Treaty, 1992 | Bangkok Declaration, 1967 | Deng reforms, 1978 | Post-WWII, 1947 |
| Strength | Economy, Euro | Regional cooperation | Manufacturing, military | Technology, aid |
| Limitation | Military reliance on USA | Weak military integration | Political rigidity | Military restriction |
| Vision | Integration & soft power | Peace & shared growth | Superpower ambition | Peaceful economic power |
Timeline of Key Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1951 | European Coal and Steel Community |
| 1957 | Treaty of Rome – EEC formed |
| 1967 | ASEAN established (Bangkok Declaration) |
| 1978 | Deng Xiaoping’s reforms in China |
| 1992 | Maastricht Treaty – EU formed |
| 1994 | ASEAN Regional Forum established |
| 1999 | Euro introduced |
| 2001 | China joined WTO |
| 2010 | ASEAN-India FTA implemented |
| 2016 | Brexit referendum – UK left EU |
🌟 Conclusion
- The Cold War world of two superpowers ended in 1991.
- Since then, new centres of power like EU, ASEAN, China, and Japan have emerged.
- Together, they have created a multipolar world order.
- Multipolarity ensures balance, cooperation, and prevents dominance of one single power.
- The future of world politics depends on cooperation among these centres to maintain peace and stability.
