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Political ScienceClass 12Contemporary Centres of Power

Contemporary Centres of Power | Class 12 Political Science Notes

By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 3 min read

Contemporary Centres of Power – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of Contemporary Centres of Power from Class 12 Political Science, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.

Overview

The chapter 'Contemporary Centres of Power' begins by highlighting the transformation in global politics following the end of the bipolar world order dominated by the United States and the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. This shift opened the way for alternative centres of political and economic power to emerge, challenging the unipolar dominance of the US. Two significant regional organisations that have risen as influential forces are the European Union (EU) in Europe and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Asia. Both these organisations have evolved regional mechanisms to overcome historical conflicts and economic weaknesses, fostering peace, cooperation, and prosperity within their regions. The chapter also focuses on the dramatic economic rise of China, which has significantly impacted world politics. China’s transformation from a closed, state-controlled economy to a dynamic market-oriented economy has made it a key player in global affairs. This chapter explores these emerging centres of power, their historical evolution, institutional frameworks, and their potential roles in shaping future global politics.

📊 Diagram: The chapter opens with two images representing China’s historical phases: a red socialist propaganda poster symbolising the early communist ideology, and a modern photograph of Shanghai city representing China’s new economic power.

🔗 Connection: Leads into detailed study of the European Union as a major contemporary centre of power.

Frequently asked questions

1. Arrange the following in chronological order. a. China's accession to WTO b. Establishment of the EEC c. Establishment of the EU d. Birth of ARF

The correct chronological order is: 1. Establishment of the EEC (European Economic Community) - 1957 2. Birth of ARF (ASEAN Regional Forum) - 1994 3. China's accession to WTO (World Trade Organization) - 2001 4. Establishment of the EU (European Union) - 1993

Explanation:

  • The EEC was established first in 1957 as a regional economic organisation.
  • The EU was formally established later in 1993, evolving from the EEC.
  • The ASEAN Regional Forum was established in 1994 as a security dialogue.

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2. The 'ASEAN Way' a. Reflects the life style of ASEAN members b. A form of interaction among ASEAN members that is informal and cooperative c. The defence policy followed by the ASEAN members d. The road that connects all the ASEAN members

b. A form of interaction among ASEAN members that is informal and cooperative

Explanation: The 'ASEAN Way' refers to the informal, non-confrontational, and cooperative style of interaction among ASEAN members, emphasizing consensus and mutual respect rather than formal rules or confrontation.

3. Which of the following nations adopted an 'open door' policy? a. China b. South Korea c. Japan d. USA

a. China

Explanation: China adopted the 'open door' policy starting in 1978 under Deng Xiaoping, opening its economy to foreign investment and trade, moving away from a closed command economy.

4. Fill in the blanks: a. The border conflict between China and India in 1962 was principally over __________ and __________ region. b. ARF was established in the year __________. c. China entered into bilateral relations with __________ (a major country) in 1972. d. __________ Plan influenced the establishment of the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation in 1948. e. __________ is the organisation of ASEAN that deals with security.

a. Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh region. b. 1994. c. United States of America (USA). d. Marshall Plan. e. ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

Explanation:

  • The 1962 Sino-Indian border conflict was mainly over Aksai Chin (western sector) and Arunachal Pradesh (eastern sector).
  • ARF was established in 1994 as a security forum.
  • China established diplomatic relations with the USA in 1972.
  • The Marshall Plan was a US initiative that influenced European economic cooperation.
  • The ASEAN Regional Foru

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