NCERT Class 12 Political Science Contemporary World Politics: Chapter 4 — International Organisations
This chapter from NCERT's Contemporary World Politics for Class 12 discusses the role of international organisations, particularly the UN, after the Soviet Union's collapse. It examines the calls for restructuring international bodies to address new challenges like the rise of US power, using the UN Security Council reform as a case study. The chapter details India's involvement and perspective on these reforms. It also explores the UN's potential role in a unipolar world and touches upon other significant transnational organisations. The necessity of international organisations is highlighted, emphasizing their role in managing conflicts and fostering cooperation for global peace and progress, even if they are not a panacea for all problems. The chapter concludes by considering the UN's ability to navigate a world dominated by a superpower.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Political Science |
| Book | Contemporary World Politics |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — International Organisations |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 572 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the significance and necessity of international organisations in the contemporary world.
- Analyze the role and challenges faced by the United Nations after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
- Examine the process and difficulties of reforming international organisations, specifically the UN Security Council.
- Understand India's perspective on international organisations and Security Council reforms.
- Evaluate the potential role of the UN in a unipolar world dominated by a superpower.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Restructuring | Changing the structure or organization of something. |
| Trans-national | Extending or operating across national boundaries. |
| Indispensable | Absolutely necessary. |
| Superpower | A state with a dominant position characterized by its extensive ability to exert influence or project power on a global scale. |
| Cooperate | Work together to achieve a common goal. |
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Practice questions
- According to Shashi Tharoor, why is 'jaw-jaw' better than 'war-war'? Answer: Jaw-jaw (talking) is better than war-war because it provides a platform for countries to resolve differences through dialogue rather than resorting to armed conflict.
- What was the UN's role during the Israel-Lebanon crisis in 2006, as depicted in the cartoons? Answer: The cartoons suggest the UN was ineffective, passing a resolution late and withdrawing troops only after a significant delay, implying a lack of timely intervention.
- What is the primary purpose of international organisations like the UN, as suggested by Dag Hammarskjold? Answer: Dag Hammarskjold stated that the UN was created not to take humanity to heaven, but to save it from hell, implying its role in preventing catastrophic outcomes and ensuring survival.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which event significantly influenced the discussion on restructuring international organisations mentioned in the chapter?
Explanation: The chapter explicitly states that the discussion on restructuring international organisations will focus on the period after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Q2. The UN logo's olive branches symbolize:
Explanation: The emblem of the United Nations features olive branches around a world map, signifying world peace.
Q3. Who is quoted as saying, 'jaw-jaw is better than war-war'?
Explanation: Shashi Tharoor, former UN Under-Secretary-General, is quoted with the statement 'jaw-jaw is better than war-war'.
Q4. The cartoons in the chapter comment on the UN's ineffectiveness during which event?
Explanation: Both cartoons specifically reference the UN's role and perceived ineffectiveness during the Lebanon crisis in 2006.
Q5. According to Dag Hammarskjold, the UN's primary goal is:
Explanation: Dag Hammarskjold's quote suggests the UN's fundamental purpose is to prevent humanity from facing dire consequences, i.e., 'save it from hell'.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main focus of Chapter 4 of Contemporary World Politics?
Chapter 4 focuses on the role and significance of international organisations, particularly the UN, in the post-Soviet era, including challenges, reforms, and India's perspective.
Why is the UN Security Council reform discussed in this chapter?
The UN Security Council reform is discussed as an interesting case study of the reform process and its inherent difficulties in adapting international organisations to new global realities.
What does the UN logo represent?
The UN logo features a world map surrounded by olive branches, symbolizing world peace.
What is the significance of international organisations according to the chapter?
International organisations are important for managing war and peace, and for facilitating cooperation among countries to improve living conditions globally.
What is the perspective on the UN's effectiveness presented through the cartoons?
The cartoons suggest a critical view of the UN's effectiveness, highlighting its perceived slowness and inability to act decisively during crises like the 2006 Lebanon conflict.
What is the UN's role in a world dominated by one superpower?
The chapter explores the potential role the UN can play in navigating and addressing issues in a global landscape where one superpower holds dominant influence.
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NCERT Class 12 Political Science — Contemporary World Politics — Chapter 4 — International Organisations. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.