International Organisations - Class 12 Political Science - Chapter 4 - Notes, NCERT Solutions & Extra Questions
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Extra Questions - International Organisations | Contemporary World Politics | Political Science | Class 12
Expand NGO.
Option 1) Non-governmental Organisation
Option 2) Non-global Organisation
Option 3) Non-global Organisation
Option 4) Non-global Organisation
The correct option is A: Non-governmental Organisation.
NGO stands for Non-Governmental Organization. These organizations are operated by groups or individuals that function independently of any governmental involvement. NGOs often focus on various social, humanitarian, or environmental missions and rely on donations, membership dues, and grants to fund their activities. The fact that they are not controlled by the government enables them to act without political influence.
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Ask Chatterbot AINCERT Solutions - International Organisations | Contemporary World Politics | Political Science | Class 12
Mark correct or wrong against each of the following statements about the veto power.
a. Only the permanent members of the Security Council possess the veto power.
b. It’s a kind of negative power.
c. The Secretary-General uses this power when not satisfied with any decision.
d. One veto can stall a Security Council resolution.
a. Correct - Only the permanent members of the Security Council have the veto power.
b. Correct - The veto power is indeed a kind of negative power; a permanent member can use it to prevent the adoption of a resolution, even if all other members support that resolution.
c. Wrong - The veto power is not used by the Secretary-General. It is exclusively exercised by the permanent members of the Security Council.
d. Correct - One veto from a permanent member is sufficient to stall a Security Council resolution, regardless of the support it may have from other members.
Mark correct or wrong against each of the following statements about the way the UN functions.
a. All security and peace related issues are dealt with in the Security Council.
b. Humanitarian policies are implemented by the main organs and specialised agencies spread across the globe.
c. Having consensus among the five permanent members on security issues is vital for its implementation.
d. The members of the General Assembly are automatically the members of all other principal organs and specialised agencies of the UN.
a. Wrong - Not all security and peace-related issues are exclusively dealt with in the Security Council. While the Security Council is primarily responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security, aspects related to peace and security can also be discussed in the General Assembly and other UN agencies as per their respective mandates.
b. Correct - Humanitarian policies are indeed implemented by the main organs and specialized agencies of the UN that have specific humanitarian mandates. These organizations operate globally to address various social, humanitarian, and economic issues.
c. Correct - Consensus among the five permanent members of the Security Council (the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and China), each possessing veto power, is vital for the implementation of most substantive Security Council decisions.
d. Wrong - Membership in the General Assembly does not automatically confer membership in all other principal organs and specialized agencies of the UN. Each organ or agency has its own membership rules, and in some cases, separate elections or appointments are necessary.
Which among the following would give more weightage to India’s proposal for permanent membership in the Security Council?
a. Nuclear capability
b. It has been a member of the UN since its inception
c. It is located in Asia
d. India’s growing economic power and stable political system
The most significant factors that would give more weightage to India’s proposal for permanent membership in the Security Council are:
d. India’s growing economic power and stable political system
This factor aligns well with the criteria for new permanent members, as it emphasizes economic power and a system that respects democracy and human rights, which are essential for enhancing the representative nature of the Security Council. India's economic prowess and political stability make it an influential and viable candidate, promoting a broader geographical representation and showcasing democratic governance.
While a. Nuclear capability might be considered, it generally raises concerns rather than support due to non-proliferation priorities.
b. Long-term membership in the UN since inception (1945), reflects commitment and contribution to the UN's initiatives, but does not strongly influence the criteria for Security Council expansion.
c. Geographical location in Asia advocates for regional representation but is not as strong a criterion as economic and political stability, which have a direct impact on global governance and international relations.
The UN agency concerned with the safety and peaceful use of nuclear technology is:
a. The UN Committee on Disarmament
b. International Atomic Energy Agency
c. UN International Safeguard Committee
d. None of the above
The UN agency concerned with the safety and peaceful use of nuclear technology is:
b. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
WTO is serving as the successor to which of the following organisations
a. General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs
b. General Arrangement on Trade and Tariffs
c. World Health Organisation
d. UN Development Programme
a. General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs
Fill in the blanks.
a. The prime objective of the UN is ___________________________
b. The highest functionary of the UN is called_________________
c. The UN Security Council has _____ permanent and _____nonpermanent members.
d. ______________________ is the present UN Secretary-General.
a. The prime objective of the UN is to prevent international conflict and to facilitate cooperation among states.
b. The highest functionary of the UN is called the Secretary-General.
c. The UN Security Council has five permanent and ten nonpermanent members.
d. António Guterres is the present UN Secretary-General.
Match the principal organs and agencies of the UN with their functions:
1. Economic and Social Council
2. International Court of Justice
3. International Atomic Energy Agency
4. Security Council
5. UN High Commission for Refugees
6. World Trade Organisation
7. International Monetary Fund
8. General Assembly
9. World Health Organisation
10. Secretariat
a. Oversees the global financial system
b. Preservation of international peace and security
c. Looks into the economic and social welfare of the member countries
d. Safety and peaceful use of nuclear technology
e. Resolves disputes between and among member countries
f. Provides shelter and medical help during emergencies
g. Debates and discusses global issues
h. Administration and coordination of UN affairs
i. Providing good health for all
j. Facilitates free trade among member countries
Economic and Social Full Council - c. Looks into the economic and social welfare of the member countries
International Court of Justice - e. Resolves disputes between and among member countries
International Atomic Energy Agency - d. Safety and peaceful use of nuclear technology
Security Council - b. Preservation of international peace and security
UN High Commission for Refugees - f. Provides shelter and medical help during emergencies
World Trade Organisation - j. Facilitates free trade among member countries
International Monetary Fund - a. Oversees the global financial system
General Assembly - g. Debates and discusses global issues
World Health Organisation - i. Providing good health for all
Secretariat - h. Administration and coordination of UN affairs
What are the functions of the Security Council?
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) primarily shoulders the responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. Its key functions include:
Assessing threats to peace and identifying means to resolve conflicts.
Authorizing military interventions and peacekeeping operations to manage conflicts.
Imposing sanctions on states or entities to prevent or resolve conflicts.
Approving resolutions that outline the frameworks for conflict resolution.
Additionally, the Security Council is unique in its ability to make legally binding decisions that member states are obligated to implement. This includes the deployment of peacekeeping forces and the establishment of international sanctions against countries which violate peace agreements or engage in aggressive conduct.
As a citizen of India, how would you support India’s candidature for the permanent membership of the Security Council? Justify your proposal.
India's candidature for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is strongly justified based on multiple pivotal factors that align with the principles and current needs of the global community.
Firstly, India stands as the world's largest democracy with a vibrant and diverse population of over 1.3 billion people. This represents not only a significant fraction of the world's population but also showcases a wide spectrum of cultural, economic, and political viewpoints that can contribute to more inclusive global governance.
Secondly, India has shown a longstanding commitment to the UN's goals through its extensive participation in various UN agencies and its notable track record in UN peacekeeping missions. Such contributions underscore India's readiness to play a more significant role in global peace and security.
Furthermore, the current composition of the UNSC reflects the post-World War II reality, which is now outdated. Including India would provide better geographical representation and a fresh perspective that aligns with today’s multipolar world where Asia plays a crucial role in global development.
Finally, India’s rapidly growing economy and its status as a nuclear power underline its capability and preparedness to contribute to international security frameworks, making it a deserving candidate for an expanded and more representative UNSC.
Critically evaluate the difficulties involved in implementing the suggested reforms to reconstruct the UN.
The United Nations (UN), established in 1945, has faced calls for significant reforms to better reflect the contemporary geopolitical landscape and to enhance its effectiveness. However, numerous challenges impede these reforms:
1. Representation and Power Dynamics: Proposals to expand the Security Council and adjust the power balance to include more nations from Asia, Africa, and South America face resistance due to the varying political and economic agendas of current members. Countries like the US, Russia, and China are reluctant to dilute their veto powers and influence.
2. Veto Power: The veto power of the five permanent members is a significant barrier. Though reform advocates propose its modification or abolition to democratize the UN, such changes are unlikely due to the resistance from the permanent members who view the veto as a crucial safeguard of their strategic interests.
3. Diverse Members' Interests: Achieving consensus among 193 member states, each with its own set of priorities and political agendas, complicates the formulation and implementation of reforms. Developed and developing nations have often conflicting priorities, making comprehensive reforms challenging to negotiate.
4. Financial Contributions and Influence: The unequal financial contribution where wealthy nations contribute more, thus exerting greater influence, also affects the willingness and capability of the UN to implement democratic reforms equitably.
Though the UN has failed in preventing wars and related miseries, nations prefer its continuation. What makes the UN an indispensable organisation?
The United Nations (UN) is considered indispensable despite its failures to prevent wars due to several reasons. Primarily, it offers a global platform for dialogue and negotiation, fostering peaceful resolutions to conflicts which might otherwise escalate to war. The organization's role as a mediator, as noted by Shashi Tharoor, emphasizes that "jaw-jaw is better than war-war," underscoring the value of discussion over combat.
Moreover, the UN facilitates international cooperation on vast scales, crucial for addressing global issues that no one nation can solve alone, such as pandemics, climate change, and economic instability. Dag Hammarskjöld, a former Secretary-General, famously stated the UN was created “not to take humanity to heaven, but to save it from hell,” highlighting its role in preventing global crises and humanitarian disasters.
Additionally, its specialized agencies like WHO, UNESCO, and UNICEF play pivotal roles in improving global health, education, and human rights. Collectively, these functions make the UN an integral entity in promoting peace, development, and cooperation among nations, making it indispensable despite its limitations and failures in conflict resolution.
‘Reforming the UN means restructuring of the Security Council’. Do you agree with this statement? Give arguments for or against this position.
Yes, I agree that reforming the UN indeed implies restructuring the Security Council, primarily because the Security Council is at the heart of the UN's system for maintaining global peace and security. The depiction in the chapter highlights several pivotal arguments.
Reflecting Contemporary Realities: Currently, the Security Council’s permanent membership reflects the power dynamics of 1945. Modern geopolitical realities are quite different, as emergent powers like India and Brazil influence global politics. Restructuring to include such states would enhance the Council's legitimacy and efficacy.
Equitable Representation: The current composition is skewed towards Western nations. Increasing representation from Asia, Africa, and Latin America could rectify this imbalance, reflecting a truly global voice and fostering broader support for Council decisions.
Moreover, critics argue that the power vested in the veto mechanism is outdated and undemocratic. Restructuring could involve rethinking this aspect to prevent a single nation from obstructing collective international action, which is crucial in today’s interconnected world.
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International Organisations Class 12 Notes: Comprehensive Study Guide
In this article, we delve into the importance of international organisations, their roles, structures, and challenges, especially in the post-Cold War era. We also discuss pivotal institutions like the United Nations, IMF, and others, as well as India's involvement in these organisations. This guide aims to provide comprehensive notes for Class 12 students.
Understanding International Organisations
Introduction to International Organisations
International organisations are entities that promote cooperation and coordination among member countries to achieve common goals, such as peace, security, and development.
Importance of International Organisations
These organisations facilitate dialogue, resolve conflicts, and address global challenges that individual nations cannot solve alone.
Historical Context Post-Soviet Union Collapse
The Role of International Organisations Post-Cold War
With the collapse of the Soviet Union, international organisations had to adapt to new global dynamics, such as the rise of the USA as a superpower.
Changes in Global Politics and International Organisations
The shift in power necessitated the restructuring of these organisations to remain effective and relevant in the new world order.
United Nations (UN)
Overview of the United Nations
The United Nations is an international organisation founded in 1945 to promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries.
Founding of the United Nations
The UN was established post-World War II, with its charter signed by 51 nations. Today, it comprises 193 member states.
Objectives and Mission of the UN
The primary goals of the UN include preventing international conflicts, facilitating cooperation in international law, security, economic development, social progress, and human rights.
Structure and Functioning of the UN
General Assembly and Security Council
The General Assembly is a deliberative body where all member states have equal representation. The Security Council, however, has five permanent members (the USA, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China) and ten non-permanent members.
Permanent and Non-Permanent Members
graph TD;
A[UN Security Council] --> B["Permanent Members (5)"];
A --> C["Non-Permanent Members (10)"];
B --> D[USA];
B --> E[Russia];
B --> F[UK];
B --> G[France];
B --> H[China];
C --> I[Selected by regions and rotate every 2 years]
Role of the Secretary-General
The Secretary-General is the UN's public figure, responsible for administrative functions and representing the organisation globally.
Reform of the UN
Arguments for UN Reform
Reforms are necessary to reflect contemporary political realities and ensure more equitable representation in the Security Council.
Security Council: Challenges and Proposed Reforms
There have been calls to increase permanent and non-permanent members, especially from Asia, Africa, and South America, to better represent global diversity.
sequenceDiagram
participant I as International Community
participant UN as United Nations
I->>UN: Proposal for Reform
UN->>I: Discussion & Decision
I->>I: Goal: Increase membership and reform processes
India and UN Security Council Reforms
India advocates for expanded Security Council membership, arguing for greater representation for developing countries.
Other Major International Organisations
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
The IMF oversees international financial stability, offering monetary cooperation and financial aid to member countries.
World Bank
Established in 1944, the World Bank aims to reduce poverty by providing loans and grants for developmental projects in developing countries.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Formed in 1957, the IAEA promotes peaceful uses of nuclear energy and prevents its military use.
International Cooperation on Global Challenges
Addressing Global Issues: Disease Control and Climate Change
International organisations play a crucial role in fostering cooperation to tackle global challenges like diseases and climate change.
Peace and Security
These organisations facilitate conflict resolution and promote global peace and security.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The UN and its agencies work towards achieving SDGs, focusing on areas like health, education, and environmental sustainability.
India's Role in International Organisations
India's Participation in the UN
India has been an active participant in various UN initiatives, from peacekeeping to developmental projects.
India's Perspective on International Reforms
India advocates for UN reforms to include more developing countries in decision-making processes, promoting equitable representation.
Conclusion
International organisations are indispensable in today's interconnected world, addressing global challenges, promoting peace and security, and fostering cooperation. As global dynamics continue to evolve, these organisations must adapt and reform to remain relevant and effective.
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