CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 4: Alternative Centres of Power NCERT Solutions

Solution: The events in chronological order are as follows:

1. Establishment of the EEC (European Economic Community): This was established in 1957 as a step towards greater European economic integration.

2. Establishment of the EU (European Union): The EU was formally established in 1992, building upon the foundations of the EEC and expanding its scope.

3. Birth of ARF (ASEAN Regional Forum): The ARF was established in 1994 to promote peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

4. China's accession to WTO (World Trade Organization): China officially joined the WTO in 2001, marking a significant step in its economic liberalization.

Solution: The correct option is (b). The 'ASEAN Way' refers to a distinctive style of interaction among ASEAN members characterized by informality, cooperation, consensus-building, and non-interference in the internal affairs of member states. It emphasizes dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes rather than rigid protocols or military alliances.

Solution: The correct option is (a) China. China adopted an 'open door' policy in the late 1970s and early 1980s, which aimed at liberalizing its economy, encouraging foreign investment, and promoting international trade, leading to significant economic growth.

Solution: Here are the completed sentences:

(a) The border conflict between China and India in 1962 was principally over Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin regions.

(b) ARF was established in the year 1994.

(c) China entered into bilateral relations with the US (a major country) 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 related to ASEAN that deals with security.

Solution: The primary objectives of establishing regional organisations include:

1. Economic Development: To foster regional economic growth and development, aiming to bring member states' economies closer to the pace of the global economy.

2. Socio-cultural Progress: To accelerate economic growth through concurrent social progress and cultural development among member nations.

3. Peace and Stability: To promote regional peace and stability by adhering to the rule of law and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, encouraging cooperation over conflict.

Solution: Geographical proximity plays a significant role in the formation of regional organisations in several ways:

1. Shared History and Challenges: Countries that are geographically close often share historical ties, including past conflicts or common challenges, which can motivate them to cooperate for mutual benefit or to address shared weaknesses.

2. Common Interests: Similar economic, political, or cultural interests often arise among geographically proximate nations, leading them to form organisations to pursue these common goals.

3. Economic Opportunities: Proximity facilitates easier trade, transportation, and resource sharing, creating fruitful areas for regional economic cooperation and development.

Solution: The ASEAN Vision 2020 outlined a comprehensive plan for the future of the region. Its key components can be summarized as:

1. Outward-Looking Role: To maintain ASEAN's relevance and influence in the international community by engaging actively in global affairs.

2. Conflict Resolution: To encourage negotiations and dialogue over conflicts within the region, promoting peaceful settlement of disputes.

3. Mediation and Cooperation: To act as a mediator in resolving regional conflicts, such as the Cambodian conflict and the East Timor crisis, and to foster cooperation through regular meetings and discussions on issues like East Asian cooperation.

Solution: The ASEAN community is structured around three main pillars:

1. The ASEAN Security Community: Focused on maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region.

2. The ASEAN Economic Community: Aimed at fostering economic integration, creating a single market and production base.

3. The ASEAN Socio-cultural Community: Dedicated to promoting social progress, cultural understanding, and sustainable development among member states.

The objectives of the ASEAN community include:

1. Ensuring that territorial disputes do not escalate into armed confrontations.

2. Accelerating economic growth through social progress and cultural development.

3. Promoting regional peace and stability based on the rule of law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

4. Establishing a robust dispute settlement mechanism to resolve economic disputes effectively.

5. Creating Free Trade Areas to facilitate investments, labour mobility, and services trade.

Solution: The present Chinese economy differs significantly from its former command economy due to the adoption of the 'open door' policy and market-oriented reforms. Key differences include:

1. Breaking Stagnancy: The command economy was often characterized by stagnation and inefficiency. The reforms have injected dynamism and broken this pattern.

2. Economic Recovery: While the command economy lagged in industrial production, China's economy has recovered and grown rapidly through the privatization of agriculture and industry, allowing market forces to play a greater role.

3. Trade and Investment: The present Chinese economy has established new trading laws and created Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to attract foreign investment and boost international trade. In contrast, during the command economy era, international trade was minimal, and per capita income remained very low.

Solution: Following the devastation of World War II, European countries resolved their problems through a combination of reconstruction efforts, economic cooperation, and political integration. Key steps included:

1. Economic Aid and Reconstruction: The United States provided substantial economic aid through the Marshall Plan, which helped rebuild war-torn economies and infrastructure. This aid fostered a sense of shared purpose and interdependence.

2. Formation of Regional Economic Organisations: To manage the aid effectively and promote recovery, countries established organisations like the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) in 1948 (later evolving into the OECD). This facilitated coordinated economic policies and trade liberalization.

3. Political Integration: Recognizing the need for lasting peace, European nations began a process of political integration. This led to the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951, followed by the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957, and eventually the European Union (EU) in 1992. These steps aimed to bind nations together economically and politically, making war between them unthinkable.

These measures helped restore economic stability, foster political cooperation, and lay the groundwork for the peaceful and prosperous Europe seen today.