This article will provide you with the Class 12 Political Chapter 2 Question Answer. Contemporary Centres of Power Important Notes are helpful for students who have opted for political science as their subject in class 12. Use these handwritten notes and make your preparation stronger.

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Class 12 Political Chapter 2 Question Answer – Short Answer Questions

Q1. What was the significance of the Maastricht Treaty (1992)?

• It created the European Union (EU).
• Introduced a common currency (Euro).
• Strengthened economic and political integration.
• Expanded cooperation in foreign and security policies.

Q2. What is meant by the ‘ASEAN Way’?

• Style of decision-making in ASEAN.
• Based on consensus and informal cooperation.
• Non-confrontational and non-interfering approach.
• Promotes respect for sovereignty of each member.

Q3. Mention any three objectives of ASEAN.

• To accelerate economic growth and development.
• To promote peace and stability in the region.
• To strengthen regional cooperation and cultural exchange.

Q4. Why is the European Union considered a superpower?

• Largest economy (comparable to the US).
• Euro is a global currency.
• Collective political influence in world forums.
• Military cooperation through NATO.

Q5. Explain the role of ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

• Established in 1994.
• Platform for discussing regional security issues.
• Promotes confidence-building measures.
• Includes dialogue with external powers like USA, China, India.

Q6. What were Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms in China?

• Open Door Policy (1978).
• Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
• Allowed foreign investment.
• Shifted from state-controlled to market-oriented economy.

Q7. Write a short note on the ‘Miracle on the Han River’.

• Refers to South Korea’s rapid economic growth.
• Export-led industrialisation.
• Transformation into a developed economy.
• Strong role in technology and manufacturing.

Q8. What is ASEAN Vision 2020?

• Adopted in 1997.
• Aims to create a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Southeast Asia.
• Outward-looking region integrated with global economy.
• Emphasis on shared values and community spirit.

Q9. Explain the role of Japan in global politics after 1945.

• Economic superpower with technological advancement.
• Peace Constitution (Article 9) limited military role.
• Member of G-7 and WTO.
• Provides development aid and soft power diplomacy.

Q10. What is India’s Look East Policy?

• Policy to strengthen ties with ASEAN (from 1990s).
• Focus on trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
• Led to ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (2010).
• Enhanced India’s role in Asia-Pacific region.

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Class 12 Political Chapter 2 Question Answer – Long Answer Questions

Q1. Explain the role and importance of the European Union as a centre of power.

• Largest integrated market and strong economy.
• Common currency (Euro).
• Own flag, anthem, and parliament.
• Influence in UN and WTO.
• Collective bargaining power in global politics.
• Military cooperation with NATO.
• Promotes democracy and human rights.

Q2. Discuss the economic, political, and military dimensions of the EU.

• Economic: Largest economy, Euro as rival to US dollar.
• Political: Representation in international bodies.
• Military: Dependence on NATO but also regional security efforts.
• Overall: Acts as a soft power superpower.

Q3. How did ASEAN emerge as a regional organisation? Describe its objectives.

• Formed in 1967 (Bangkok Declaration).
• Original 5 members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines.
• Objectives: economic growth, peace, and cultural cooperation.
• Later expanded to 10 members.
• ASEAN Way → informal, consensus-based decision-making.

Q4. Compare the European Union and ASEAN.

• EU → supranational powers (currency, parliament, laws).
• ASEAN → loose regional organisation, sovereignty-focused.
• EU → military dimension via NATO; ASEAN → ARF only.
• Both → economic cooperation, regional integration, global influence.

Q5. Analyse China’s rise as an economic power since 1978.

• Deng Xiaoping’s reforms: Open Door, SEZs, FDI.
• Agriculture decollectivised, industries privatised.
• Rapid growth in manufacturing & exports.
• Entry into WTO (2001).
• Became world’s 2nd largest economy.
• Role in BRICS, AIIB, and Belt & Road Initiative.

Q6. Evaluate China’s role in international politics today.

• Permanent member of UNSC.
• Rival to US economic dominance.
• Military modernisation.
• Soft power through aid, investments, and BRI.
• Strategic influence in Asia, Africa, and beyond.

Q7. How did Japan rebuild itself after the Second World War?

• Adopted Peace Constitution (1947).
• Economic miracle through industrialisation.
• US aid and technology transfer.
• Export-led growth (electronics, automobiles).
• Member of G-7, WTO, UN donor.
• Maintains Self-Defence Forces instead of large military.

Q8. Discuss the challenges and achievements of ASEAN.

• Achievements: Peaceful region, economic growth, FTA network, ARF.
• Challenges: Wide economic disparities, lack of military cooperation, sovereignty issues.
• Balancing relations with big powers (US, China, India).
• Still a successful regional organisation compared to others.

Q9. Explain India’s engagement with ASEAN under Look East Policy.

• Policy launched in early 1990s.
• Strengthened trade and investment links.
• Cultural and historical ties revitalised.
• ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (2010).
• India became member of ARF.
• Enhanced cooperation in connectivity and security.

Q10. Write a note on the new centres of power in the contemporary world.

• EU: Economic and political strength.
• ASEAN: Regional cooperation and economic growth.
• China: Rapid rise as economic and military power.
• Japan: Technological and economic powerhouse.
• Together they show a multipolar world, no longer dominated only by USA.

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Contemporary Centres of Power Important MCQ | Class 12 Political Chapter 2 MCQ