CBSE Class 12

Detailed, Step-by-Step NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 3 US Hegemony in World Politics Questions and Answers were solved by Expert Teachers as per NCERT (CBSE) Book guidelines covering each topic in chapter to ensure complete preparation.

US Hegemony in World Politics NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 3

US Hegemony in World Politics Questions and Answers Class 12 Political Science Chapter 3

Question 1.
Which among the following statements about hegemony is incorrect ?
(а) The word implies the leadership or predomi-nance of one state.
(b) It was used to denote the predominance of Athens in the ancient Greece.
(c) The country having hegemonic position will possess unchallenged military power.
(d) Hegemonic position is fixed. Once a hegemon, always a hegemon.
Answer:
(d) Hegemonic position is fixed. Once a hegemon, always a hegemon.

Question 2.
Which among the following statements is wrong about the Contemporary World Order ?
Or
Which of the following statements are incorrect about the contemporary world order? (C.B.S.E. Sample Paper 2018)
(a) There is an absence of world government, which could regulate the state’s behaviour.
(b) The U.S. is the predominant player in world affairs.
(c) States are using force against one another.
(d) States which violate international law, are se-verely punished by the U.N.
Answer:
(d) States which violate international law, are severely punished by the U.N.

Question 3.
Which among the following statements is wrong with regard to ‘Operation Iraqi Freedom’ ?
(a) More than forty countries joined in the U.S. led coalition of the willing to invade Iraq.
(b) The reason given for invading Iraq was to pre¬vent it from developing weapons of mass destruction.
(c) The action was taken within the prior approval of the U.N.
(d) The US-led coalition did not face major resistance from Iraqi forces.
Answer:
(c) The action was taken within the prior approval of the U.N.

Question 4.
Give an example each of the three kinds of hegemony that are dealt within the chapter. Do not cite examples that are in the chapter. (Imp.)
Answer:
After the end of Cold War there was no serious rival to United States. United States became a hegemony state and only super power in the world politics. Anita was doing very well in her studies at a high school in the outskirts of Baghdad. Her aim was to become a doctor, but she lost a leg in 2003 when a missile slammed into an air raid shelter in which she was hiding. Now her treatment is going on and she is trying to walk with the help of walker.

Vikrant is a young artist and he lives in Durban, South Africa. He is interested in going to Art School and later wants to open his own Studio. But his father is interested in sending him to U.S.A. for doing MBA so that he can look after family business in a better way.

Rocky is a young man who is living in Perth, Australia. His parents are immigrants from Soviet Union. Rocky generally wears blue jean while going to Church which is not like by her mother. She wants him to look respectable in Church. Rocky tells his mother that jeans are ‘Cool’ and gave sense of freedom. His father reminds his wife how they used to wear jeans when they were living in Leningrad. Infact, these three individuals are affected in different ways by United States hegemony.

Question 5.
Mention three ways in which US dominance since the Cold War is different from its position as a super power during Cold War.
Answer:
U.S.A. is dominating in many fields. Main fields of dominance are as follow :

• U.S.A. is dominating in military field. U.S.A. is supplying arms to the majority countries of the world.
• U.S.A is dominating in the field of science, technology and space research.
• U.S.A. is dominating in economy and finance. Majority countries of the world depend on U.S.A. for financial aid.
• U.S.A. has been enjoying dominance in the field of global public goods.

Question 6.
Match the following :
1. Operation Infinite – (a) War against Al-Qaeda
2. Operation Enduring Freedom – (b) Coalition of the willing.
3. Operation Desert – (c) Missile attack in Sudan.
4. Operation Iraqi – (d) First Gulf War.
Answer:
1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (d) 4. (b).

Question 7.
What are the constraints on American hegemony today ? Which one of these do you expect to get more importance in the future ?
Or
Explain any three constraints on the American Power. (C.B.S.E. 2012)
Or
Analyse the biggest three contraints that operate on American hegemony. (C.B.S.E. 2017)
Answer:
At the beginning of the 21st Century, the United States was a superpower. But History tells us that empires decline because they decay from within. Similarly, the biggest constraint to American hegemony is from within. Broadly, there are three constraints on American power.

• The first constraint is the institutional architec-ture of the American state itself. American system is based on division of powers between the three organs of government i.e. legislature, executive and judiciary. These organs put many restrictions on military powers.
• The second constraint on American power is open nature of American society.
• The third constraint on American power is the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
  Out of these three constraints, third constraint on American power is the most important in the future. NATO is the only one organisation in the world which can put some check on the American power. NATO will be successful in moderating the U.S. Hegemony.

Question 8.
Read the three extracts in the Chapter for the Lok Sabha debate on the Indo-U.S. deal. Develop anyone of these into a full speech de-fending a certain position on Indo-U.S. relations.
Answer:
India’s relations with America were not friendly in the beginning. During Cold War India ad-opted a policy of non-alignment, but due to many factors India had very close relations with Soviet Union. However, the position changed after the end of Cold War. After the disintegration of Soviet Union the relations between India and U.S.A. also changed. India and U.S.A. became close to each other. In January 2004 both the countries agreed to increase cooperation on three issues Civilian Nuclear Programme, Civilian Space Programme and High Technology.

During the debate in Lok Sabha on the Indo-US agreement on nuclear energy the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh says that in recent years India’s impressive economic growth rate has made the country an attractive economic partner for a number of countries including the U.S.

It is important that we do not lose sight of the fact that two new factors have emerged in Indo-U.S. rela-tions in recent years. These factors relate to the technological dimension and the role of the Indian-American diaspora. In fact these two factors are interrelated.

The following facts prove the imortance of close relations between India and U.S. :

• The U.S.A. absorbs about 65 percent of India’s total exports in the software section.
• 35 percent of the technical staff of Boeing is estimated to be of Indian origin.
• 3,00,000 Indians work in Silicon Valley.
• 15 percent of all high-tech starts up are by Indian Americans.

Question 9.
“If big and resourceful states cannot resist the U.S. hegemony, it is unrealistic to expect much smaller and weaker non-state actors to offer any resistance.” Examine the proposition and give your opinion.
Answer:
In the world politics, U.S.A. has the position of hegemon. After the disintegration of Soviet Union no other country is in a position to challenge America’s authority and military power. Big and resourceful states like China, Russia, India and European Union are not in a position to challenge U.S. hegemony and these countries are not unduly antagonizing the U.S.A.

It is unrealistic to expect much smaller states to offer any resistance to U.S. But it is possible that the resistance may come from a combination of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), social movements and public opinion. Resistance can also start by intellectuals, writers, artists and mass media.

Due to globalisation whole world has become a ‘Global village’. Thus we are all neighbours of the village headman. If the behaviour of the headman becomes intolerable then we have no other alternative except to resist against the headman because there is only one village or world where we have to live. In other words, resistance against U.S. hegemony will be only option available.

 

Detailed, Step-by-Step NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 2 The End of Bipolarity Questions and Answers were solved by Expert Teachers as per NCERT (CBSE) Book guidelines covering each topic in chapter to ensure complete preparation.

The End of Bipolarity NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 2

The End of Bipolarity Questions and Answers Class 12 Political Science Chapter 2

Question 1.
Which among the following statements that describe the nature of Soviet economy is wrong ?
(a) Socialism was the dominant ideology
(b) State ownership/ control existed over the factors of production
(c) People enjoyed economic freedom
(d) Every aspect of the economy was planned and controlled by the State.
Answer:
(c) People enjoyed economic freedom.

Question 2.
Arrange the following in chronological order :
(a) Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
(b) Fall of the Berlin Wall
(c) Disintegration of the Soviet Union
(d) Russian Revolution.
Answer:
(d) Russian Revolution
(a) Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
(b) Fall of the Berlin Wall
(c) Disintegration of the Soviet Union.

Question 3.
Which among the following is NOT an outcome of the disintegration of the U.S.S.R. ?
(a) End of the ideological war between the U.S and U.S.S.R.
(b) Birth of CIS
(c) Change in the balance of power in the world order
(d) Crises in the Middle East.
Answer:
(d) Crises in the Middle East.

Question 4.
Match the following :
(i) Mikhail Gorbachev
(a) Successor of U.S.S.R.
(b) Military pact.
(c) Introduced reforms
(d) Economic model
(e) President of Russia.
Answer:
(i) (c) (ii) (d) (iii) (a) (iv) (e) (v) (b)

Question 5.
Fill in the blanks.
(a) The Soviet political system was based on …………. ideology.
(b) …………. was the military alliance started by
(c) …………. party dominated the Soviet Union’s political system.
(d) …………. initiated the reforms in the USSR in 1985.
(e) The fall of the …………. symbolised the end of the Cold War.
Answer:
(a) Socialist
(b) Warsaw Pact
(c) Communist
(d) Mikhail Gorbachev
(e) Berlin Wall

Question 6.
Mention any three features that dis-tinguish the Soviet economy from that of a capitalist countries like the U.S.A.
Answer:
Soviet economy was basically different from American economy in the following ways :
(1) The Soviet economy was opposed to capitalism because the essence of capitalism is the concentration of economic power in the hands of a few and the consequent exploitation of the rest. But American economy is based on capitalism. U.S.A. is the biggest capitalist country in the world.

(2) Soviet economy was fully controlled by the state. In U.S.S.R. all means of production were owned and controlled by the state.
Soviet system of Economy was based on planned economy. The economy was managed on the basis of state plans for economic and social development. There was integrated planning for the whole of the country.

Industries, Banks, financial institutions, trade and commerce and even farming was controlled by the state. In U.S.S.R. there were no private industry. But in U.S.A. means of production are mostly in private hands. There is free economy and economy of U.S.A. is controlled and guided by market forces.

(3) In Soviet economy there was no existence of private property and no multi millionaire. However, in U.S.S.R. the citizens were allowed to own small houses for living and small shops for earnings. But in U.S.A. private ownership and private property is the basic element of American economy.

Question 7.
What were the factors that forced Gorbachev to initiate the reforms in the U.S.S.R.? (Imp.)
Or
Explain any six factors that forced Gorbachev to initiate reform in the Soviet Union. (C.B.S.E. 2012)
Answer:
Mikhail Gorbachev became the General Secretary of the Communist Party of U.S.S.R. in 1985.
He introduced political and economic reforms in the political and economic system of Soviet Union.
Following factors forced Gorbachev to initiate the reforms in U.S.S.R. :
(1) The Soviet Union became a great power after a Second World War. In the arms race, the Soviet Union managed to match the American Bloc but at great cost. To maintain the position of super-power, U.S.S.R. required a lot of expenditure to keep big forces and giving financial and military aid to allies. But the economy of U.S.S.R. was not sound. The Soviet Economy was at very low level in 1980 and became stagnant.

(2) The Soviet Union lagged behind the West in technology, infrastructure, etc.

(3) The Soviet System was very bureaucratic and authoritarian and citizens were not happy with the political system. Absence of freedom of speech and political rights created frustration among the people.

(4) Communist Party controlled the government and all institutions and was not responsible to the people. There was no opposition party and no democratic values.

(5) The Soviet Union failed in fulfilling the political and economic aspiration of the citizens.

(6) Invasion of Afghanistan weakened the Soviet Union economically and politically.

Question 8.
What were the major consequences of the disintegration of the Soviet Union for countries like India ? (Imp.)
Or
Exmine any six consequences of the disintegration of the U.S.S.R. (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Or
In what three way did the collapse of the Soviet Union affect the world politics? Explain. (C.B.S.E. 2017)
Or
Assess the major consequences of disintegration of USSR on India. (C.B.S.E. Sample Paper 2018)
Or
Highlight any three major consequences of the disintegration of the Soviet Union. (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
Disintegration of U.S.S.R. had profound consequences on world politics.
Main consequences of disintegration of U.S.S.R. were as follow :
(1) End of Cold War. Major consequence of disintegration of Soviet Union was the end of Cold War. It ended the atmosphere of fear, terror, insecurity and apprehension of outbreak of nuclear war.

(2) End of Bi-polarity and Emergence of Uni-Polarity. The disintegration of Soviet Union ended Bi-polarity of world politics and there emerged Uni-polarity in world politics. The U.S.A. became the sole super-power and no other country was in position to challenge the supremacy of U.S.A. Even the United Nations is dominated by U.S.A. and generally decisions are taken in the United Nations according to her whims.

(3) End of Arms Race. Another consequence of the disintegration of Soviet Union was the end of Arms Race. Elimination of Soviet bloc also put restrictions on military alliances and encouraged disarmament.

(4) Superiority of Democracy and Capitalist System. Disintegration of Soviet Union ended the controversy of superiority between capitalist system and socialist system. Disintegration of Soviet Union established the superiority of capitalist system and open market. Majority of the Union Republics of Soviet Union who became independent countries had adopted democratic and capitalist system.

Even China has adopted many principles of private economy and capitalist system. Following U.S.S.R. India adopted planned economy in the beginning. But since 1990 policy of liberalisation has been followed in India. Supported by U.S.A. the capitalist economy has become now the dominant economic system internationally. The importance of World Bank and International Monetary Fund has increased because they give loans to these countries.

(5) Emergence of Many New Countries. Disintegration of Soviet Union means emergence of many new independent countries. All the 15 Union Republics of U.S.S.R. have become independent states. Each country has its own political aspirations. Some of them, especially the Baltic and East European States, wanted to join the European Union and become members of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. The Central Asian countries were interested in taking advantage of their geographical location and thus these countries wanted close relations with Russia, U.S.A., China and others. Thus many new players (states) enter in international politics with independent identity.

Question 9.
What was Shock Therapy ? Was this the best way to make a transition from Communism to Capitalism ?
Or
What is meant by ‘Shock Therapy’ ? Explain any four consequences of shock Therapy. (C.B.S.E. 2018)
Answer:
With the disintegration of Soviet Union there was collapse of Communism. After the collapse of Communism the process of change in these countries started from an authoritarian socialist system to democratic capitalist system. The model of transition in Russia, Central Asia and East Europe that was influenced by World Bank and the International Monetary Fund came to be known as ‘Shock Therapy’.
Though the ‘Shock Therapy’ differs in intensity and speed amongst former Communist countries, but its direction and features were quite common. Each of these countries was required to make a complete shift from socialist system to capitalist economy.

In this system, private property and private ownership was the dominant concept. In place of collective farming private farming and ownership was to be adopted immediately. These countries were required to break all trade alliances with the countries of Soviet bloc. Free trade and open competition was to be followed by these countries for development. In simple words, these countries were required to follow economic and political system of western countries.

These countries were not allowed to follow mixed economy. They had to follow western capitalist system in full way. The western countries now became their leaders, guided and controlled the economy of these countries through various agencies and institutions.

Was this the Best Way to make a transition from Communism to Capitalism ? This was definitely not the best way to make a transition from Communism to Capitalism. It did not lead the people into the promised utopia of mass consumption. In these countries change from state ownership to private ownership brought the industries to stand still for the time being and the production came down very heavily. There was great shortage of consumer goods. Even daily necessities of lives were not available. Black marketers and stockists took full advantage of the situation and they began thriving. Prices were very high and it was beyond the capacity of masses.

Almost all these countries faced the problems of poverty, unemployment and miserable condition. Politically also people were not gainers. Different political systems were adopted by these countries but their constitutions were drafted in a hurry. In majority countries presidents were given extraordinary powers.

In many countries democratic set up was changed into authoritarian system. In majority of these countries judiciary was not independent to protect the rights and liberties of the citizens. Thus, we can conclude that this was not the best way to make a transition from Communism to Capitalism.

Most of the Communist countries changed from authoritarian system to democratic capitalist system. The process of transition from authoritarian socialist system to democratic capitalist system is called Shock Therapy.

Following were the main features of Shock Therapy:

• Each of these countries had to make a total change from socialist economy to capitalist economy.
• Each of these countries had to adopt private ownership as a dominant pattern of ownership of property.
• All these countries had to privatise of all state assets and establish corporate ownership patterns.
• Collective farming was replaced by capitalist (private) farming.

Question 10.
Write an essay for or against the following proposition : “With the disintegration of the second world, India should change its foreign policy and focus more on friendship with the U.S. rather than with traditional friends like Russia.”
Answer:
After the disintegration of Soviet Union (Second World) many scholars and statesmen are of the view that India should change its foreign policy and focus more on friendship with the U.S. rather than with traditional friends like Russia.

Arguments in Favour :
(1) India and U.S.A. are two biggest democratic countries of the world. Democratic system in both the countries is working successfully. Both India and America share a love of human rights, liberty, equality, justice and peace. Both are committed to the cause of world peace.

(2) When China attacked India on 20th Oct. 1962, then America helped India by supplying latest arms.

(3) The leaders of both the countries have been visiting each other country time to time. With these visits relations between the two countries have improved.

(4) Tarapur atomic power plant has been set with the help of U.S.A.

(5) After the Cold War America and India adopted the policy of making good relationship in the field of economic, political and military strategic spheres.

(6) Both India and America have firm faiths in the notion of world peace and they stand against terrorism. After the terrorist attack on America, America has joined India in her fight against terrorism.

(7) U.S.A. extended full support to India in Economic reforms.

(8) In January 2004 taking a step ahead towards cooperation India and U.S. has agreed to increase cooperation in three issues—Civilian nuclear programme, Civilian space programmes and high technology.

(9) In July 2005 India and U.S.A. signed 10 years defence agreement.

(10) United states had agreed to the Nuclear deal with India because both sides stood to benefit from it.

(11) U.S.A. and India sign Nuclear Pact in 2006.

Arguments in Against :

(1) U.S.A.’s attitude on Kashmir was never appreciated by India. In the United Nations America fully supported Pakistan.

(2) On Bangladesh issue America supported Pakistan. On 9th August, 1971 America presented anti-India resolution before the Security Council during Indo-Pak war but Russia exercised Veto power.

(3) When America sent its Seventh Fleet in the Bay of Bengal to pressurise India, it was Russia who warned America by declaring that it would not tolerate any action against India.

(4) When India conducted five nuclear tests at Pokhran in 1998, American President Clinton ordered tough sanctions against India in retaliation for its underground nuclear tests. It was in 2001 President Bush lifted sanctions imposed on India.

(5) America is constantly pressing India to sign Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty but India is not ready to sign these treaties. Conclusion. We can safely conclude that India should have close and cordial relations with U.S.A. but not at the cost of Russia. Russia has always helped India in the hours of need.

Detailed, Step-by-Step NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 1 The Cold War Era Questions and Answers were solved by Expert Teachers as per NCERT (CBSE) Book guidelines covering each topic in chapter to ensure complete preparation.

The Cold War Era NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 1

The Cold War Era Questions and Answers Class 12 Political Science Chapter 1

Question 1.
Which among the following statements about the Cold War is wrong ?
(а) It was a competition between the US and Soviet Union and their respective allies.
(б) It was an ideological war between the super powers.
(c) It triggered of an arms race.
(d) The US and U.S.S.R. were engaged in direct wars.
Answer:
(d) The US and U.S.S.R. were engaged in direct wars.

Question 2.
Which among the following statements does not reflect the objectives of NAM ?
(a) Enabling newly decolonised countries to pursue independent policies.
(b) Not to joining any military alliances.
(c) Following a policy of ‘neutrality’ on global issues.
(d) Focus on elimination of global economic inequalities.
Answer:
(c) Following a policy of ‘neutrality’ on global issues.

Question 3.
Mark correct or wrong against each of the following statements that describe the features of the military alliances formed by the super powers.
(a) Member countries of the alliance are to provide bases in their respective lands for the super powers.
(b) Member countries to support the super power both in terms of ideology and military strategy.
(c) When a nation attacks any member country, it is considered as an attack on all the member countries.
(d) Super powers assist all the member countries to develop their own under weapons.
Answer:
(a) Right
(b) Right
(c) Right
(d) Wrong.

Question 4.
Here is a list of countries. Write against each of these the bloc they belonged to during the Cold War.
(a) Poland
(b) France
(c) Japan
(d) Nigeria
(e) North Korea
(f) Sri Lanka.
Answer:
(a) Poland ………….. Soviet Bloc
(b) France ………….. American Bloc
(c) Japan ………….. American Bloc
(d) Nigeria ………….. Non-aligned
(e) North Korea ………….. Soviet Bloc
(f) Sri Lanka ………….. Non-aligned.

Question 5.
The Cold War produced an arms race as well as arms control. What were the reasons for both these developments ?
Answer:
It is a hard fact that the Cold War produced an arms race as well as arms control. Mutual suspicions between the two super powers led them to arm themselves to the tests and to constantly prepare for war. Both the super powers considered huge stocks of arms necessary to prevent wars from taking place. However, both the super powers understood that war might occur in spite of restraint. Either side might miscalculate the stock of arms in the possession of the other side. Moreover, super power might misunderstood the intentions of the other side. Besides, there can be a nuclear accident.

Hence both the super powers i.e. U.S.A. and U.S.S.R. decided to collaborate in limiting or eliminating certain kinds of nuclear and non-nuclear weapons. In 1961 Soviet Union and United States made a joint statement in General Assembly. Both the countries agreed for negotiations tow’ards total disarmament. Partial Test Ban Treaty (1963) was signed by the foreign ministers of the U.S.A., U.S.S.R. and U.K. In 1968 the Non-Proliferation Treaty was signed.

But India refused to sign this treaty on the ground that it was discriminatory in nature. The Threshold Test Ban Treaty was signed on 3rd July 1974 by the two super powers. After these treaties many more treaties were signed by the two super powers to limit their arms.

Question 6.
Why did the superpowers have military alliances with smaller countries ? Give three reasons. (Imp.)
Or
“Why did the superpowers need smaller states as their allies ?” Explain with any four reasons. (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Or
Describe any three reasons for the superpowers to have military alliances with smaller countries during the Cold War period. (C.B.S.E. 2015)
Or
State any four reasons for which the superpowers needed smaller states as allies. (C.B.S.E. 2019)
Answer:
The superpowers i.e. U.S.A. and U.S.S.R. have military alliances with small states for the reasons given below:

• The smaller countries were helpful for the superpowers in gaining access to natural resources such as oil and minerals.
• The smaller states were helpful for the super-powers in gaining access to territory, from where the superpowers could launch their weapons and troops.
• The superpowers could gain access to locations from where they could spy in each other.
• The smaller states together could help pay for military expenses.

Question 7.
Sometimes it is said that the Cold War was a simple struggle for power and that ideology had nothing to do with it. Do you agree with this ? Give one example to support your position.
Answer:
Cold War was not a simple struggle for power and that ideology had also played an important role in Cold War. Western alhes headed by U.S.A. represented the ideology of liberal democracy and capitalism while the Soviet bloc represented the ideology of socialism and communism. Cold War was not only for power but it was also conflict of ideology.

Super powers were determined to prove that their ideology is better and superior and it could establish world peace and could bring prosperity in the world. The loyality of allies suggested that the super powers were winning the war of idea as well the liberal democracy is better than communist dictatorship or vice versa.

Question 8.
What was India’s foreign policy towards the US and USSR during the Cold War era ? Do you think that this policy helped India’s interests ?
Answer:
During Cold War era India’s foreign policy was based on the principle of non-alignment. It was long before India became free that Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, when he was incharge of External Affairs in the Interim government, had declared that independent India would keep away from power blocs. In 1946, he declared again that India would follow an independent foreign policy.

He said, “We propose as for as possible, to keep away from the power politics of groups, aligned against one another, which have led in the past to world wars and which may again lead to disaster on an even wider scale.” It was, however, after the attainment of independence by India with unique historical experience, geographical situation, and two perceptions of its national interest by enlightened leadership that non-alignment as a policy came to occupy an important position in international relations.

Policy of non-alignment protected India’s interests. By adopting the policy of non-alignment India has been able to maintain her individuality. The policy of non-alignment has helped India to play an active part in world politics. The policy of non-alignment has been a source of friendship for India. By this policy India got the economic assistance from the super powers. This policy has been helpful to India for securing her national interests and maintaining its security.

Question 9.
NAM was considered a ‘third option’ by Third World countries. How did this option benefit their growth during the peak of the Cold War ?
Answer:
The Cold War tended to divide the world into two blocs i.e. American bloc and Soviet bloc. It was in this context that non-alignment offered the newly decolonised countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America a third option not to join either blocs. The roots of Non-Aligned Movement went back to the friendship between three leaders India’s Jawahar Lai Nehru, Yugoslavia’ Josip Broz Tito and Egypt’s leader Gamal Abdul Nasser. These three leaders held a meeting in 1956. Indonesia’s Sukarno and Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah supported these leaders. These five leaders are known as the five founders of NAM.

The first non-aligned summit was held at Belgrade in 1961. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru touched on the very philosophy of non-alignment when he said, we call ourselves a conference of non-alignment countries. Now the word ‘Non-aligned’ may be differently interpreted, but basically it was used and coined almost with the meaning of being opposed to the great power blocs of the world.

Non-aligned has negative meaning but if you give it a positive connotation, it means objecting to this living up for war purposes . The first summit was attended by 25 member states. But the 17th summit which was held in Venezuela in 2016 was attended by 120 members. Non-aligned movement benefitted the member states in many ways.

Question 10.
What do you think about the statement that NAM has become irrelevant today ? Give reasons to support your opinion. (Imp.)
Or
Explain the relevance of NAM in the contemporary scenario. (C.B.S.E. Sample Q.P. 2017)
Or
‘Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) has become irrelevant today.’ Do you agree with the statement? Support your answer with any three suitable arguments. (C.B.S.E. 2014)
Or
Examine the relevance of the Non-Alignment Movement after the Cold War. (C.B.S.E. 2013)
Answer:
Non-Aligned Movement was originated in 1961. The main aim of the non-aligned countries was to keep distance from politics based upon groupism. At that time the world was divided into capitalist bloc or American bloc and Communist bloc or Russian bloc. The main aim of non-alignment was to keep away from both the blocs. But now the situation is changed, the world has become unipolar after disintegration of Soviet Union.

And the contemporary international system has rapidly changed from a system characterised by Cold War tensions to a system moving towards peace, security, co-operation and development. These changes have given a rest to the issue of relevance of non-aligned movement. The critics of NAM began arguing that NAM would have either to wind up or to get transformed into a new movement.

On the contrary to these arguments NAM still continues to be a fully relevant movement. Non¬alignment was designed as a principle of independent foreign policy in the era of Cold War and biopolarism. It’s main objective—independence in interpersonal relations, still continues to be valid. The new emphasis upon peaceful co-existence, co-operation and peaceful resolution of conflict doubly vindicates the principle of NAM. The NAM continues to be the need of time.

The Tenth and the Eleventh NAM summits of 1992 and 1995 exhibited the resolve of the member countries to keep up and strengthen one NAM as a group of countries united to oppose the forces of neocolonialism and intervention.

The Non-aligned movement asserted its continued relevance and its determination to up hold the objective to oppose and struggle against injustice, inequality and underdevelopment. NAM is committed to work for the removal of economic inequalities between the developed and the developing countries. It is necessary

• for securing a place of dignity, honour and equality for the developing countries
• for the establishment of the New International economic order
• for the democratisation of the international system and its functioning
• for the progress of disarmament and denuclearisation.

These objectives are of long term nature, hence NAM is destined to remain alive, active and relevant. Summing up we can say that the emergence of unipolarism both in the power structure and ideology has not reduced the relevance of NAM in international relations. The Non-aligned countries continue to follow it and are keen to strengthen it. Thus it continues to be fully relevant even today.