Chapter 4: International Context| Class 12 Political Science

Class 12 Political Science Chapter 4 International Context: International Context is about the international context that shaped India’s external relations. The chapter discusses the Cold War and its impact on India’s foreign policy, the rise of non-alignment and India’s role in the Non-Aligned Movement, India’s relations with the United States and the Soviet Union, India’s relations with its neighbours, India’s role in the United Nations. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the challenges and opportunities that India faces in the 21st century.

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International Context

The Cold War was a period of tension and rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. The two superpowers competed for influence in all parts of the world, including India. India was initially non-aligned, meaning that it did not side with either superpower. However, India later moved closer to the Soviet Union, due to its shared concerns about China and the United States.

• The Non-Aligned Movement was a group of countries that were not aligned with either the United States or the Soviet Union. India was a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement, and it played a leading role in the organization. The Non-Aligned Movement was a major force in world politics during the Cold War.
• India’s relations with the United States and the Soviet Union were complex and often strained. India was suspicious of the United States, due to its support for Pakistan. However, India also needed the United States for economic and military assistance. India’s relations with the Soviet Union were closer, due to their shared concerns about China and the United States. However, India was also critical of the Soviet Union’s intervention in Afghanistan.
• India’s relations with its neighbors were also complex and often strained. India had a long-standing border dispute with China, which led to a war in 1962. India also had a difficult relationship with Pakistan, due to the Kashmir issue. India has also had disputes with Bangladesh and Nepal.
• India’s role in the United Nations has been significant. India is a founding member of the United Nations, and it has played a leading role in the organization. India has served on the Security Council several times, and it has contributed to UN peacekeeping operations. India is also a major contributor to the UN budget.
• The 21st century presents India with both challenges and opportunities. India is a rising power, and it is playing an increasingly important role in world affairs. However, India also faces challenges, such as poverty, terrorism, and environmental degradation. India must overcome these challenges in order to achieve its full potential.

India’s Foreign Policy in the Post-Independence World

India’s foreign policy was shaped by the aftermath of the war, the establishment of an international body, the emergence of new countries, and the challenges of welfare and democracy.

• India’s foreign policy aimed to respect the sovereignty of other nations and achieve security through peacekeeping.
• The Directive Principles of State Policy reflect India’s foreign policy aims.
• Developing countries, lacking resources, pursued more modest goals and focused on peace and development in their own neighbourhood.
• Economic and security dependence on powerful states also influenced their foreign policy.
• Post-World War II, many developing nations supported the foreign policy preferences of powerful countries, leading to the division of the world into two camps: the United States and its western allies, and the Soviet Union.
• The end of the Cold War changed the context of international relations, but India’s foreign policy in the 1950s and 60s was influenced by the Cold War.

Conclusion

The conclusion of Chapter 4 of Class 12 Political Science on the International Context discusses the various factors that have shaped the international order since the end of World War II. It begins by examining the rise of the United States and the Soviet Union as the two superpowers, and the subsequent Cold War that dominated global politics for nearly half a century. The chapter then goes on to discuss the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the emergence of a new world order, characterized by the rise of globalization and the increasing interconnectedness of the world’s economies.

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International Context- FAQs

What does Chapter 4 of Class 12 Political Science focus on?

The chapter explores the international context of India’s foreign policy, including global trends, institutions, and major powers.

What are some key global trends discussed in the chapter?

Key trends include globalization, multipolarity, economic interdependence, and the rise of non-state actors.

How do international institutions influence India’s foreign policy?

International institutions like the United Nations, WTO, and IMF shape global norms, governance, and cooperation, influencing India’s foreign policy decisions.

What role do major powers play in the international context?

Major powers like the United States, China, Russia, and the European Union wield significant influence in global affairs, impacting India’s foreign policy calculations.

How does India engage with regional organizations?

India engages with regional organizations like ASEAN, SAARC, and BIMSTEC to promote regional stability, economic cooperation, and integration.

What are India’s priorities in the international context?

India prioritizes enhancing its global stature, advancing its economic interests, and addressing regional security challenges in the international context.

How does India navigate its relations in the changing international landscape?

India pursues a multi-faceted foreign policy, engaging with various actors, balancing competing interests, and adapting to the evolving dynamics of the international system.