Chapter 4 Alternative Centres of Power Class 1210x10learning.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Chapter-4-Contemporary-World-Class-12.pdfAnswer. The ASEAN Vision 2020 defines an outward

Chapter 4 Alternative Centres of Power Class 12 2018

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Chapter 4 Alternative Centres of Power

1. Alternative Institutions that were established to counter the Cold War blocs

and the unipolar dominance of US include the Association of South East

Asian Nations or ASEAN and European Union EU.

EE

For List of 10 ASEAN members see the last page.

2. After the Second World War the ‘Question of Europe’ was faced. What was

the position of European countries to be because the War had shattered all

the old alliances and principles of European states? Their economies were in

ruin and nothing remained of their institutions.

1. ASEAN : In 1967 Bangkok Declaration, : Indonesia, Malaysia, Phipplipines, Singapore, Thailand.

5 member countries : To accelerate growth and social progress cultural development

Promote regional peace , stability as per law and UN Charter.

1.1 Brunei, Darussalam Vietnam, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Cambodia, joined later . (Total 10)

1.2 ASEAN WAY: Informal and cooperative interaction.

Respect for national sovereignity is criical to the ASEAN WAY of functioning.

In 2017 its member economies have the fastest rate of growth.

1.3 . ASEAN after 2003

In 2003 , Adopted a formal institution called ASEAN COMMUNITY comprising of three pillars :a) ASEAN Security Community

b) ASEAN Economic Community

c) ASEAN Socio Cultural Community

An ASEAN Flag and logo has also been adopted.



3. European integration was initially aided by the Cold War. NATO was for

military cooperation.

4. US through ‘Marshall Plan’ revived the economies of West European

Countries. In 1948 Organisation for European Economic Cooperation

(OEEC) was established to channel the financial aid, cooperate on trade and

economic issues.

5. For Political Cooperation was through Council of Europe established in

1949.

6. In 1957 the European Economic Community was established, that led to the

creation of the European Parliament.

7. In 1992, the European Union was created with a common economy,

currency, cooperation on justice and home affairs, and security policy.

Update: in a 2016 National Referendum, Britain, voted for exiting the European

Union. The negotiations for terms of exit, called the BREXIT, are yet to be

• 'Marshall Plan' for economic revival

• NATO for military cooperation

‘Question of Europe’ in 1945

• European Economic Community 1957

• European Parliament

Council of Europe 1949 for Political

Cooperation

• Common Economy, Currency, Trade, Home Affairs and Security.

• Cooperation on Justice

European Union 1992



completed as in January 2018. For list of members of EU please see list on the last

page.

Rise of Chinese Economy as the third major alternative power from 1978.



Exercises at the end of the Chapter

1. Strengths : Large size of the country, a large, disciplined population, regional location, natural resources, politically a closed society , International influence through membership of Security Council of the UN, a controlled economy and a total black out on access to information.

Began by modernizing 4 sectors of agriculuture, industry, science and technology, and military.

2. The country created 6 Special Economic Zones as free and modern areas for investment from abroad. Property Rights have been allowed here, and all infrastructure facitiies are provided . Many MNCs or Multi National Companies have manufacturing plants in these SEZs.

4.This has created a clear divide between the new China in the SEZs that

has the major cities, and the old agricultural economy based China. Corruption and unemployment have

increased. Environmental degradation and rise in economic inequality

between rural and urban has increased.

3. Privatization of Agriculture in 1982, and of industry in 1998. State control continued, but privatization of agriculture resulted in growth in production of food and rural savings.

SEZs resulted in increase in foreign investment and international trade. China joined WTO in 2001. Regionally and globally, China is increasingly becoming a source of conflict due to its global dominanace,

Reforms in China after 1978. Move from Model of state owned heavy industries and no private property, towards a Capitalist Model. A step by step opening of market economy.



1. Arrange the following in chronological order.

Answer.

a) Establishment of the EEC (European Economic Committee 1957)

b) Establishment of the EU (1992)

c) China’s accession to WTO (2001)

d) Birth of ARF (ASEAN Regional Forum 2003)

2. The ‘ASEAN Way’

a) A form of interaction among ASEAN members that is informal

and cooperative.

b) Reflects the life style of ASEAN members

c) The defence policy followed by the ASEAN members

d) The road that connects all the ASEAN members.

3. Who among the following adopted an ‘open door’ policy?

a) China

b) EU

c) Japan

d) USA

4. Fill in the blanks:

a) The border conflict between China and India in 1962 was

principally over North Eastern Frontier Area now called Arunachal

Pradesh and Askai Chin in Ladakh region.

b) ARF was established in the year 2003.

c) China entered into bilateral relations with United States of

America in 1972.

d) Marshall Plan influenced the establishment of the Organisation for

European Economic Cooperation in 1948.

e) ASEAN SECURITY COMMUNITY is the organisation of

ASEAN that deals with security.



5. What are the objectives of establishing regional organisations?

Answer. The objectives of establishing regional organisations is economic

development, trade that is mutually beneficial, security reasons as

expenditure on military can be shared among them, and socio-cultural.

6. How does geographical proximity influence the formation of regional

organisations?

Answer. Countries in one region share similar geographical and climatic

conditions. Their closeness to one another creates a natural regional bond of

cultural and their historical lineage. Trade between them has to cover

shorter distances. This brings down the cost of trade.

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

Answer. The ASEAN Vision 2020 defines an outward looking role for

ASEAN in the international Community. The existing policy is to be

foundation on which negotiations over conflicts in the region are to be

encouraged for peaceful settlement. ASEAN has mediated for the end of

Cambodian conflict and East Timor crisis.

The Vision envisages annual meetings to discuss Eat Asian

cooperation. ASEAN economic strength and the relevance of its growing

trade with India encourage this Vision.

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

Answer. The three pillars of the ASEAN COMMUNITY are

a. ASEAN Security Community

b. ASEAN Economic Community

c. ASEAN Socio Cultural Community



9. In what ways does the present Chinese economy differs from its

command economy?

Answer. In the command economy everything was state owned and

controlled. There was no private property. Employment and social welfare

were assured to all. Annual economic growth was 5 to 6 % and

population growth was 2 to 3%. Productivity in agriculture and industry

was very low.

In 1979, China adopted an ‘open door’ policy and economic

reforms. It moved to market economy model very gradually. Six areas

were developed as Special Economic Zones or SEZs. These were well

developed, with private property rights. Special benefits of tax

concessions were allowed. The high investments in SEZs enable China to

break out of economic stagnation, and increased China’s share in

international trade. In 2001 China joined World Trade Organisation to

benefit from free trade.

In interior China, agriculture was privatized for Chinese people only.

This increased agriculture productivity and resulted in high rate of rural

savings. Rural savings led to growth of rural industries.

(152 words)

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.

Answer. United States of America, offered the Marshall Plan for economic

revival of West Europe. NATO was for their security, and European

Economic Cooperation (1948) was to channel American aid. Political

cooperation was established through the Council of Europe. NATO

members also cooperated for trade.

Similarly, ‘Warsaw Pact’ was created by USSR for the East

European Countries. USSR invested heavily in creating modern

infrastructure in East Europe. Council of Europe was created in 1949 for

political and economic cooperation.

The steps that led to EU were:



a) The structure for political, economic reconstruction and trade

cooperation existed in the form of .Council of Europe (1949) and

European Economic Community (1957)

b) The European Parliament was created, but it failed to agree on a

common currency for all countries. But it grew like a nation with a

common foreign and security policies.

c) The European Union was created in 1992 with a common market

economy, currency, trade, Home Affairs and Security, and

Cooperation on Justice, and a flag, an anthem and a founding date.

(170 words)

11. What makes the European Union a highly influential regional

organisation?

Answer. European Union has as its members many of the richest and

most developed countries. It is the biggest economy with a GDP of more

than $20 trillion in 2017, which is larger than the USA. Its currency, the

Euro, is fast replacing the American dollar. Its share of trade is three times

larger than that of USA. This makes the European Union more assertive in

international trade negotiations in World Trade Organisation. Its economic

power gives its influence in Africa and Asia. It functions as a bloc on many

issues in international forum such as UN. Two of EU members, England

and France are permanent members of the Security Council of UN. Other

members are part of UNSC. For all these reasons, the EU is a highly

influential regional organisation.

(131 words)

12. The emerging economies of China and India have great potential to

challenge the unipolar world. Do you agree with the statement? Substantiate

your arguments.

Answer. China has already emerged as a super power due to its very large

geographical size, its huge economy, and high rate of growth. It is leading

in technology and military strength and is competing with the USA, which

has a very high trade deficit with China. Chinese companies have huge

investments in infrastructure projects in many African and Asian countries.



In 2017, China defied the international community by refusing to

comply with an order of International Court of Justice. It has started to

claim international trade and sea lanes as its own and is pressurizing its

smaller Asian neighbours. It is challenging the US military might by

assisting North Korean dictator to develop and test long range missiles.

North Korea claims that it now has missiles targeting all the major cities of

the US.

(135 words)

From 2000, India has been growing consistently at a high rate, but its

economy is one tenth of that of China. In 2017 India attracted more FDI

than any other country. Inia is extending the benefits of development to all

its neighbours, and sharing satellite, other facilities, special concessions.

India has emerged as a major soft power in Information Technology. Indian

companies have many developmental projects in Africa and Asia. But

unlike China, India has no ambitions to threaten any other country through

its growing military might.

(88 words)

13. The Peace and prosperity of countries lay in the establishment and

strengthening of regional economic organisations. Justify this statement.

Answer. Economic growth is the best means of providing employment and

ensuring national development. Regional economic organisations are

formed to cooperate in increasing regional trade and commerce because

they share similar geographical and climatic conditions. Their share of

history, social practices and culture is also similar. Proximity to one another

reduces transportation costs of trade. This makes their cooperation more

profitable. As people of countries in a region interact increasingly through

economic activities, the chances of war or territorial disputes get reduced.

This establishes peace in addition to prosperity brought about by economic

cooperation. Therefore, regional economic organisations need to strengthen

their understanding and cooperation in their own national interest.

(110 words)



14. Identify the contentious issues between China and India. How could

these be resolved for greater cooperation? Give your suggestions.

Answer. The biggest issue between China and India is the disputed

international border along the Himalayas. Indian Territory in Arunachal

Pradesh and parts of Askai Chin in Leh, are claimed by China. For both

these territories, the war of 1962 was fought.

Prior to 1950 India did not have any direct border with China. India’s

border was with Tibet. Historical friendly relations with Tibet did not

involve any disputes with Tibet. China beyond Tibet and was important for

trade only. India’s attempt to establish friendly relations on basis of

‘Panchsheel’ ended with Chinese attack of 1962. Talks to resolve border

issues were initiated in 1981 and 1988.

In a globalized world, India’s relations with China have become economic

and strategic. Both have the highest populations in the world. China has

already emerged as a super power, challenging the United States. India is

the fastest growing economy.

In 2017, India had a 100 days standoff at Doklam in Nepal. China

continues to claim Arunachal Pradesh as its own territory.

(167 words)

List of ASEAN members and Heads of State as in January 2018

The following ten leaders of ASEAN will be chief guests on India’s

Republic Day, 2018:

1. Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo

2. Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

3. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Mohammad Najib bin Tun Adbul

Razak

4. Thailand’s Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha

5. Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi

6. The Philippines President Rodrigo Roa Duterte

7. Brunei’s Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah

(wealthiest monarch in the world)



8. Laos’ Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith

9. Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen (PM since 1985: one of

the longest serving)

10. Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (first visit as PM)

List of 28 members of European Union

Map of European Union Countries

1. Austria (1995)

2. Belgium (1958)

3. Bulgaria (2007)

4. Croatia (2013)

5. Cyprus (2004)

6. Czech Republic (2004)

7. Denmark (1973)

8. Estonia (2004)

9. Finland (1995)

10. France (1958)

11. Germany (1958)

12. Greece (1981)



13. Hungary (2004)

14. Ireland (1973)

15. Italy (1958)

16. Latvia (2004)

17. Lithuania (2004)

18. Luxembourg (1958)

19. Malta (2004)

20. Netherlands (1958)

21. Poland (2004)

22. Portugal (1986)

23. Romania (2007)

24. Slovakia (2004)

25. Slovenia (2004)

26. Spain (1986)

27. Sweden (1995)

28. United Kingdom (1973)

Please note that it is an international norm to list countries in alphabetical order. In

documents of Government of India, also, all the States are listed in alphabetical

order.

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Chapter 4 Alternative Centres of Power Class 1210x10learning.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Chapter-4-Contemporary-World-Class-12.pdfAnswer. The ASEAN Vision 2020 defines an outward