Chapter 2 Contemporary Centres of Power – NCERT Solutions

1. Arrange the following in chronological order:

Correct Order:

(b) Establishment of the EEC (1957)
(c) Establishment of the EU (1992)
(d) Birth of ARF (1994)
(a) China’s accession to WTO (2001)

2. The ‘ASEAN Way’

Answer: (b) A form of interaction among ASEAN members that is informal and cooperative.
Note: It stresses minimal institutionalization and respect for national sovereignty.

3. Which of the following nations adopted an ‘open door’ policy?

Answer: (a) China.
(Announced by Deng Xiaoping in 1978).

4. Fill in the blanks:

a. The border conflict between China and India in 1962 was principally over Arunachal Pradesh (NEFA) and Aksai Chin (Ladakh) region.
b. ARF was established in the year 1994.
c. China entered into bilateral relations with USA 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?

The objectives include:

To accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development.
To promote regional peace and stability based on the rule of law.
To resolve disputes peacefully through negotiations rather than conflict.
To create a platform for cooperation in areas like trade, investment, and technology.

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

Geographical proximity is the primary catalyst for regional organisations because:

It creates shared historic, cultural, and economic interests.
It facilitates easier trade and movement of people (connectivity).
Neighbouring countries often face common security challenges, prompting them to band together (e.g., ASEAN, EU).

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

The ASEAN Vision 2020 aimed for an outward-looking role for ASEAN in the international community. Its components included:

Encouraging negotiations over conflicts in the region (e.g., ending the Cambodian conflict).
Creating a zone of peace, freedom, and neutrality.
Deepening economic integration to make the region attractive for investors.

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

The ASEAN Community comprises three pillars:

ASEAN Security Community: Objective is to resolve territorial disputes peacefully to prevent armed confrontation.
ASEAN Economic Community: Objective is to create a common market and production base to aid social and economic development.
ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community: Objective is to promote social progress and cultural development.

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

The Chinese economy has undergone a massive transformation from a rigid command economy (pre-1978) to a “Socialist Market Economy”:

Privatization: The command economy had total state ownership. The new model privatized agriculture (1982) and industry (1998), allowing private ownership and profit.
Market Forces: The old system relied on central planning. The new system allows market forces (demand/supply) to determine prices and production in many sectors.
Global Integration: The command economy was closed to foreign trade (“behind the iron curtain”). The current economy is an export-oriented powerhouse, open to Foreign Direct Investment (SEZs) and is a member of the WTO.
Foreign Currency: Previously, China had minimal foreign reserves. Now, it holds massive foreign exchange reserves, allowing it to invest globally.

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.

Post-WWII, Europe was shattered and economically ruined. They resolved this through collective cooperation, aided by the US Marshall Plan.

Timeline of Formation:

1948: Establishment of OEEC (Organisation for European Economic Cooperation) to administer Marshall Plan aid.
1949: Formation of the Council of Europe for political cooperation.
1957: Treaty of Rome established the European Economic Community (EEC).
1979: First direct elections to the European Parliament.
1992: The collapse of the Soviet bloc accelerated the process, leading to the Maastricht Treaty, which formally established the European Union (EU), creating a common foreign policy and laying the groundwork for a single currency (Euro).

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

[Image of map of European Union member countries] The EU is influential due to its combined economic, political, and military weight:

Economic Power: It is the world’s biggest economy (GDP larger than the US in some years). The Euro poses a credible threat to the dominance of the US Dollar.
Trade Dominance: Its share of world trade is three times larger than that of the US, giving it massive leverage in trade negotiations (WTO).
Political Influence: Two members (France, and formerly UK) hold permanent seats in the UN Security Council, allowing the EU to influence global policies.
Military Power: Combined, the EU’s armed forces are the second largest in the world. France is also a nuclear power.

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

Yes, I agree. China and India are the giants of Asia that can balance US dominance:

Economic Growth: China is projected to overtake the US as the world’s largest economy by 2040. India is also one of the fastest-growing major economies.
Demographics: Together, they constitute over a third of the world’s population, providing a massive labour force and consumer market.
Military Strength: Both are nuclear powers with massive standing armies. China’s military modernization allows it to project power globally.
Strategic Location: Their location in the Indian Ocean and Pacific regions makes them central to global geopolitics.
Diaspora & Soft Power: Both nations have influential diasporas and growing cultural influence globally.

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

Regional organisations are crucial for peace and prosperity because:

Economic Interdependence: When countries trade freely (like in the EU or ASEAN), they become economically dependent on each other, making war extremely costly and unlikely.
Conflict Resolution: Organisations like the ARF or EU provide platforms to discuss disputes diplomatically rather than militarily.
Collective Bargaining: Smaller nations can band together to negotiate better trade deals with superpowers (e.g., ASEAN bargaining with China/USA).
Development: By pooling resources and creating common markets, regional blocs accelerate infrastructure development and poverty reduction in member states.

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

Contentious Issues:

Border Disputes: Conflicts over Arunachal Pradesh (claimed by China) and Aksai Chin (occupied by China). Frequent border incursions (e.g., Galwan, Doklam).
Dalai Lama: China objects to India hosting the Dalai Lama and Tibetan refugees.
Pakistan Factor: China’s military and economic support (CPEC) to Pakistan is a security concern for India.

Suggestions for Resolution:

Adhere to Protocols: Strictly following existing border management agreements to prevent skirmishes.
Economic Integration: Focusing on trade (reducing the trade deficit) can create mutual stakes in peace.
Cultural Exchange: Increasing people-to-people contact and tourism to reduce mutual suspicion.
Global Cooperation: Collaborating on global platforms (BRICS, WTO) on shared interests like climate change and energy security.