Question 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

Accepted Answer

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.
- China joined the WTO in 2001, opening its economy further. — Step-by-step:
- EEC established in 1957.
- EU established in 1993, succeeding EEC.
- ARF established in 1994.
- China joined WTO in 2001.

Question 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

Accepted Answer

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. — The ASEAN Way is characterized by informal and cooperative interaction, avoiding confrontation and promoting consensus.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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. — China's open door policy refers to its economic reforms and opening up to foreign trade and investment from 1978 onwards.

Question 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.

Accepted Answer

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 Forum is the ASEAN security organisation. — Step-by-step:
- Identify border regions disputed in 1962.
- Year of ARF establishment.
- Major country China established relations with in 1972.
- Name of plan influencing OEEC.
- ASEAN security organisation name.

Question 5

What are the objectives of establishing regional organisations?

Accepted Answer

The objectives of establishing regional organisations include:

1. Promoting economic cooperation and integration among member countries.
2. Enhancing political and security cooperation to maintain peace and stability.
3. Facilitating cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
4. Addressing common challenges such as poverty, environmental issues, and development.
5. Strengthening collective bargaining power in global affairs.

Explanation:
Regional organisations help countries with geographical proximity to collaborate for mutual benefit, pooling resources and coordinating policies to achieve shared goals. — Step-by-step:
- Identify economic objectives.
- Identify political/security objectives.
- Mention social/cultural objectives.
- Highlight global cooperation benefits.

Question 6

How does geographical proximity influence the formation of regional organisations?

Accepted Answer

Geographical proximity influences the formation of regional organisations in the following ways:

1. Countries located close to each other often share common historical, cultural, and economic ties.
2. Proximity facilitates easier communication, transportation, and trade among member states.
3. It helps in addressing regional security concerns collectively.
4. Shared environmental and developmental challenges can be tackled more effectively.
5. It promotes regional stability and peace through cooperation.

Explanation:
Countries near each other find it practical and beneficial to form organisations to coordinate policies and address shared issues efficiently. — Step-by-step:
- Explain cultural and historical ties.
- Discuss logistical advantages.
- Mention security and environmental cooperation.
- Emphasize regional peace and stability.

Question 7

What are the components of the ASEAN Vision 2020?

Accepted Answer

The ASEAN Vision 2020 includes the following components:

1. Establishing ASEAN as a stable, prosperous, and highly competitive region.
2. Creating a caring and sharing community.
3. Promoting economic integration and cooperation.
4. Enhancing political and security cooperation.
5. Strengthening socio-cultural ties among member countries.

Explanation:
The Vision 2020 aims to build a cohesive and integrated ASEAN community with shared prosperity and peace by the year 2020. — Step-by-step:
- List economic goals.
- List political/security goals.
- List socio-cultural goals.
- Emphasize community building.

Question 8

Name the pillars and the objectives of the ASEAN Community.

Accepted Answer

The ASEAN Community is built on three pillars:

1. ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC): To ensure peace, stability, and security in the region through political cooperation.
2. ASEAN Economic Community (AEC): To create a single market and production base, promoting economic integration.
3. ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC): To promote social development, cultural cooperation, and environmental protection.

Objectives:
- To accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development.
- To promote regional peace and stability.
- To strengthen cooperation in various fields for mutual benefit.

Explanation:
These pillars collectively aim to build a cohesive, peaceful, and prosperous ASEAN region. — Step-by-step:
- Identify each pillar.
- Explain the main objective of each pillar.
- Summarize overall goals of ASEAN Community.

Question 9

In what ways does the present Chinese economy differs from its command economy?

Accepted Answer

Differences between present Chinese economy and its command economy:

1. Command Economy:
- State controlled all means of production.
- Central planning determined production and distribution.
- Limited role of market forces.
- Restricted foreign trade and investment.

2. Present Chinese Economy:
- Market-oriented reforms introduced since 1978.
- Private enterprises and foreign investments allowed.
- Decentralization of economic decision-making.
- Export-oriented growth and integration with global economy.

Explanation:
China shifted from a strictly planned economy to a socialist market economy, combining state control with market mechanisms to boost growth. — Step-by-step:
- Describe command economy features.
- Describe features of current economy.
- Highlight reforms and opening up.

Question 10

How did the European countries resolve their post-Second World War problem? Briefly outline the attempts that led to the formation of the European Union.

Accepted Answer

After the Second World War, European countries faced economic devastation and political instability. To resolve these problems, they sought cooperation and integration.

Attempts leading to the formation of the European Union:

1. Marshall Plan (1948): US aid to rebuild European economies.
2. Organisation for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) established in 1948 to administer the Marshall Plan.
3. European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) formed in 1951 to integrate coal and steel industries.
4. Treaty of Rome (1957) established the European Economic Community (EEC) to create a common market.
5. Gradual expansion and deepening of cooperation led to the Maastricht Treaty (1993), which formally established the European Union.

Explanation:
European countries resolved post-war problems through economic cooperation, political integration, and creating supranational institutions to ensure peace and prosperity. — Step-by-step:
- Mention Marshall Plan and OEEC.
- ECSC and EEC formation.
- Maastricht Treaty and EU formation.
- Emphasize cooperation and integration.

Question 11

What makes the European Union a highly influential regional organisation?

Accepted Answer

The European Union (EU) is highly influential because:

1. It has a large integrated market with free movement of goods, services, capital, and people.
2. It has a common currency (Euro) used by many member states.
3. It has supranational institutions that make binding decisions.
4. It promotes political cooperation and common foreign and security policies.
5. It plays a significant role in global trade, diplomacy, and environmental policies.

Explanation:
The EU's economic size, political integration, and institutional framework give it significant influence in global affairs. — Step-by-step:
- Economic integration and common market.
- Political cooperation and institutions.
- Global role and influence.

Question 12

The emerging economies of China and India have great potential to challenge the unipolar world. Do you agree with the statement? Substantiate your arguments.

Accepted Answer

Yes, the emerging economies of China and India have great potential to challenge the unipolar world dominated by the US.

Arguments:
1. Economic Growth: Both countries have rapidly growing economies with large populations and expanding markets.
2. Military Strength: China has the second largest military expenditure; India is also a major military power.
3. Diplomatic Influence: Both are active in regional and global forums, promoting multipolarity.
4. Technological Advancement: Significant progress in technology, space, and nuclear capabilities.
5. Strategic Alliances: Both countries are building strategic partnerships to balance US dominance.

Explanation:
Their combined economic, military, and diplomatic capabilities position them as potential challengers to unipolarity, promoting a multipolar world order. — Step-by-step:
- Highlight economic growth.
- Discuss military capabilities.
- Mention diplomatic and strategic roles.
- Conclude on multipolarity.

Question 13

The Peace and prosperity of countries lay in the establishment and strengthening of regional economic organisations. Justify this statement.

Accepted Answer

The statement is justified because:

1. Regional economic organisations promote trade and economic cooperation, leading to prosperity.
2. They help resolve conflicts through dialogue and collective security arrangements, promoting peace.
3. Economic interdependence reduces chances of war among member countries.
4. They facilitate development by pooling resources and sharing technology.
5. Regional organisations provide a platform for addressing common challenges collaboratively.

Explanation:
By fostering cooperation and integration, regional economic organisations contribute to stability, peace, and economic growth among member states. — Step-by-step:
- Explain economic cooperation benefits.
- Discuss peace through interdependence.
- Highlight development and conflict resolution.

Question 14

Identify the contentious issues between China and India. How could these be resolved for greater cooperation? Give your suggestions.

Accepted Answer

Contentious issues between China and India include:

1. Border Disputes: Particularly over Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh regions.
2. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): India objects to it passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
3. China's support to Pakistan in international forums against India's counter-terrorism efforts.

Suggestions for resolution:
1. Continued diplomatic talks and confidence-building measures.
2. Strengthening military-to-military communication to avoid misunderstandings.
3. Promoting economic cooperation and people-to-people contacts.
4. Engaging in multilateral forums to address security concerns.
5. Establishing clear border agreements and respecting sovereignty.

Explanation:
Resolving these issues requires sustained dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation to build trust and promote regional stability. — Step-by-step:
- List contentious issues.
- Provide practical suggestions for resolution.
- Emphasize dialogue and cooperation.

Question 15

Which of the following organisations emerged in Europe as a significant regional centre of political and economic power after the end of the bipolar world order in the early 1990s?

Accepted Answer

European Union — After the collapse of the bipolar world order dominated by the US and the Soviet Union, the European Union (EU) emerged as a significant regional centre of political and economic power in Europe, developing alternative institutions and conventions to promote peace and prosperity.

Contemporary Centres of Power

Contemporary Centres of Power — Study Notes

Overview

Overview

European Union

Practice Questions — Contemporary Centres of Power

All 7 Chapters in Contemporary World Politics