Class 12 Political Science - KERALA
The Cold War Era
The Cold War Era chapter in Class 12 Political Science (Kerala SCERT) explores the global political landscape after World War II. It details how the world was divided between two superpowers, the USA and the USSR, leading to ideological conflict, proxy wars, and military alliances without direct large-scale warfare. Students will learn about the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), where newly independent nations like India chose to stay away from both power blocs. Understanding this chapter is crucial for board exams as it forms the foundation of contemporary international relations and carries significant weight in objective and essay-type questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Cold War
A period of geopolitical tension between the USA and the USSR from 1945 to 1991, characterized by economic competition, propaganda, and proxy wars rather than direct military combat.
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
An alliance of third-world countries that chose not to align with either the US-led Western bloc or the Soviet-led Eastern bloc, championing world peace and decolonization.
Cuban Missile Crisis
A 1962 confrontation between the US and the USSR over Soviet ballistic missiles deployed in Cuba, bringing the two superpowers to the brink of nuclear war.
Bipolarity
A system of world order where majority of global economic, military, and political power is concentrated in two opposing nations or power blocs.
NEW International Economic Order (NIEO)
Proposals made by the Non-Aligned countries in the 1970s to gain better control over their natural resources and secure fairer trade terms with developed nations.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Kerala SCERT Class 12 Political Science board examination, 'The Cold War Era' typically carries around 6 to 10 marks. Questions commonly appear as Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), short answer questions on military alliances like NATO and NAM, and essay questions evaluating India's role in the Non-Aligned Movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was it called a 'Cold' war?
It was called 'cold' because there was no direct, full-scale military war fought between the two superpowers, USA and USSR, though tension, hostility, and proxy wars prevailed.
What was India's role in the Non-Aligned Movement?
India was one of the founding members of NAM, led by Jawaharlal Nehru. India pursued an active policy of non-alignment, staying out of military blocs while maintaining independent foreign relations.
What led to the end of the Cold War?
The Cold War ended with the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991, caused by economic stagnation, political reforms like Glasnost and Perestroika, and the collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe.
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