NCERT Class 12 Political Science Contemporary World Politics: Chapter 2 — Contemporary Centres of Power
This chapter, 'Contemporary Centres of Power,' from NCERT's Class 12 Political Science book 'Contemporary World Politics,' examines the emergence of alternative power centres after the bipolar world order's end in the early 1990s. It focuses on the European Union (EU) and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) as significant regional forces shaping international relations. The chapter also highlights China's economic rise and its impact on global politics. It traces the evolution of the EU from an economic entity to a political one, discussing its institutions, common policies, and symbols. The text explores how these emerging powers challenge American dominance and contribute to a more cooperative regional and global order, preparing students for understanding contemporary global dynamics within the CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Political Science |
| Book | Contemporary World Politics |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — Contemporary Centres of Power |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 612 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify and explain the emergence of new centres of power in the post-bipolar world.
- Analyze the evolution and significance of the European Union (EU) as a political and economic entity.
- Understand the role of ASEAN in regional cooperation and its impact on global politics.
- Assess the impact of China's economic rise on contemporary world politics.
- Recognize the challenges and opportunities presented by these new power centres.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bipolar structure | A world order dominated by two superpowers. |
| Centres of power | Entities (nations or blocs) with significant political and economic influence. |
| Regional cooperation | Collaboration between countries in a specific geographical area. |
| Economic integration | The process of combining economies of different countries. |
| Political dimension | Aspects related to governance, policy-making, and international relations. |
| Common foreign policy | A unified approach to international relations adopted by a group of countries. |
| Security policy | Strategies and actions related to national or collective defense. |
| Marshall Plan | US initiative to provide financial aid for European economic recovery after WWII. |
| NATO | North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a collective security alliance. |
| European Parliament | Legislative body of the European Union. |
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Practice questions
- What is meant by 'alternative centres of power' in the context of world politics after the 1990s? Answer: Alternative centres of power refer to emerging blocs or nations that gained significant political and economic influence, challenging the dominance of a single superpower after the end of the bipolar world order.
- Name two regional organizations mentioned in the chapter that emerged as significant power centres. Answer: The European Union (EU) and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
- What was the primary goal of the Marshall Plan? Answer: The primary goal of the Marshall Plan was to provide massive financial aid for reviving Europe's economy after the Second World War.
- What does the circle of gold stars on the European Union flag symbolize? Answer: The circle of gold stars symbolizes solidarity and harmony between the peoples of Europe, with twelve stars representing perfection, completeness, and unity.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which organization was established in 1948 to channel aid to West European states after WWII?
Explanation: The Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) was established in 1948 to facilitate the distribution of Marshall Plan aid to Western European countries.
Q2. The European Union was formally established in which year?
Explanation: The European Union (EU) was established in 1992, building upon earlier economic and political integration processes.
Q3. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an area of cooperation for the EU?
Explanation: While the EU has common foreign and security policies, and cooperation on justice and home affairs, the text does not explicitly mention a common agricultural policy as a defining feature of its political dimension in this overview.
Q4. The photograph of Shanghai is presented as a symbol of China's:
Explanation: The text states that the photograph of Shanghai is a symbol of China's new economic power, contrasting with the earlier socialist ideology represented by the red poster.
Q5. The 'Marshall Plan' was an initiative by which country?
Explanation: The Marshall Plan was a massive financial aid program extended by the United States to help revive the economies of European states after World War II.
Frequently asked questions
What marked the beginning of the 'alternative centres of power' era in world politics?
The end of the bipolar structure of world politics in the early 1990s, which saw the decline of the Soviet Union, paved the way for alternative centres of political and economic power to emerge.
What is the significance of the European Union (EU) as a centre of power?
The EU has evolved from an economic union to a significant political entity, acting increasingly like a nation-state with its own flag, anthem, currency, and common foreign and security policies.
How did the Cold War aid European integration?
The Cold War aided European integration through massive financial help from America under the 'Marshall Plan' and the creation of a collective security structure under NATO, which encouraged cooperation among European states.
What does the number twelve symbolize on the EU flag?
The twelve stars on the EU flag traditionally symbolize perfection, completeness, and unity, representing solidarity and harmony among the peoples of Europe.
Besides the EU, what other regional organization is mentioned as an emerging centre of power?
The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) is also mentioned as an emerging centre of power in Asia.
What impact has China's economic rise had on world politics?
China's economic rise has made a dramatic impact on world politics, establishing it as a significant emerging centre of power.
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NCERT Class 12 Political Science — Contemporary World Politics — Chapter 2 — Contemporary Centres of Power. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.