Class 12 Political Science - CBSE
International Organisations
The chapter 'International Organisations' in Class 12 Political Science explores the evolution, necessity, and functioning of global bodies in maintaining international peace and security. It focuses heavily on the United Nations (UN), its principal organs like the Security Council and General Assembly, and its specialized agencies. Students also learn about the debates surrounding the reform of the UN, India's stance on its restructuring, and the role of other crucial international actors such as the IMF, World Bank, WTO, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch. This chapter is vital for board exams as it tests analytical understanding of global governance and multilateralism.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
United Nations (UN)
Established in 1945 as a successor to the League of Nations, the UN aims to prevent international conflicts, facilitate cooperation, and promote human rights globally.
UN Security Council (UNSC)
The primary organ responsible for maintaining international peace and security, consisting of 15 members, including 5 permanent members (P5) with veto power and 10 non-permanent members.
Veto Power
The negative vote exercised exclusively by the five permanent members of the UNSC, which can single-handedly block any substantive resolution.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch
Prominent International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) that campaign for the protection of human rights worldwide by conducting independent research and exposing abuses.
Economic and Financial Institutions
Global bodies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and World Trade Organization (WTO) that regulate the global economy, trade, and financial stability.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In CBSE Class 12 Political Science exams, this chapter generally carries around 6 to 8 marks under the broader unit on Contemporary World Politics. Questions typically range from 1-mark MCQs, 2-mark short-answer questions about specific agencies or dates, to 4 or 6-mark long-answer questions focusing on UN reforms, criteria for permanent membership, and India's claim to the UNSC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does India demand permanent membership in the UN Security Council?
India argues for permanent membership based on its massive population, status as the world's largest democracy, rapidly growing economy, and consistent major contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.
What are the main criticisms of the current UN structure?
Critics argue that the UN is Eurocentric, reflects the post-1945 power balance rather than contemporary realities, and that the absolute veto power of the P5 often paralyzes decision-making during global crises.
What is the difference between the IMF and the World Bank?
The IMF oversees the stability of the international monetary system and provides short-term loans to countries facing balance of payments crises, whereas the World Bank focuses on long-term economic development and poverty reduction.
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