CONTEMPORARY CENTRES OF POWER

CONTEMPORARY CENTRES OF POWER 

1. EUROPEAN UNION (EU)

Formation

• After World War II, Europe wanted peace, economic cooperation, and to prevent conflicts.

• Formed gradually through:

  • ECSC (1951) – European Coal and Steel Community

  • EEC (1957) – European Economic Community

  • EU (1992) – Formed by the Maastricht Treaty.

Members

• 27 countries (after UK's exit in 2020).

Nature of EU

EU is not just an economic union; it has:

• Common currency – Euro (used by 19 countries)

• Common Parliament

• Common foreign and security policy

Power of the EU

1. Economic Power

• World's biggest economic bloc.

• Single market with free trade.

• Strong currency – Euro.

2. Political & Diplomatic Power

• One of two largest markets → high bargaining power.

• Important in WTO negotiations.

3. Military Power

• EU has NATO support (most members are part of NATO).

• Baseline military strength: France has nuclear capabilities.

2. ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN)

Formation

• Founded in 1967 (Bangkok Declaration).

• Members: 10 nations (Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Philippines).

Objectives

• Economic growth

• Social progress

• Regional peace and stability

Key Features

• No interference in internal matters of member states.

• Celebrates diversity.

ASEAN Community (2015)

Has three pillars:

1. ASEAN Security Community

2. ASEAN Economic Community

3. ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community

ASEAN’s Importance

• Fastest growing economies (Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia).

• ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) for discussing security issues in Asia.

• Acts as a bridge between big powers (US-China).

3. RISE OF CHINA

Economic Reforms (1978)

• Initiated by Deng Xiaoping.

• Opened economy for:

  • Foreign investment

  • Market-based policies

  • Special economic zones (SEZs)

Economic Power

• World's 2nd largest economy.

• Factory of the world → global manufacturing hub.

• Massive foreign exchange reserves.

Political/Military Power

• Permanent member of UN Security Council.

• World’s largest standing army.

• Nuclear power.

• Increasing influence in Asia and Africa (Belt and Road Initiative).

Challenges

• Inequalities

• Environmental degradation

• Human rights concerns

4. JAPAN

Post-WWII Rise

• Adopted US-aided economic reforms.

• Focused on technology & quality manufacturing.

Economic Power

• Strong in:

  • Electronics

  • Automobiles

  • Robotics

Political & Military

• Constitution restricts military expansion (Self-Defense Forces only).

• Close ally of the US.

5. INDIA AND CONTEMPORARY POWER STRUCTURE

• India's Look East / Act East Policy deepens ties with ASEAN.

• Increasing trade with EU.

• Strategic balancing between China and US.

Q1. What is European Union? Explain its significance.

Answer:

The European Union (EU) is a regional organization formed in 1992 by the Maastricht Treaty. It consists of 27 European countries.

Significance:

• Strongest economic bloc in the world.

• Has its own currency – Euro.

• Influential in global trade and WTO.

• Possesses political and military influence, supported by NATO.

• Plays a major role in global decision-making.

Q2. What is ASEAN? Mention its objectives.

Answer:

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) was established in 1967.

Objectives:

1. Accelerate economic growth.

2. Promote regional peace and stability.

3. Solve disputes peacefully.

4. Promote cooperation in social, cultural, and scientific fields.

Q3. Describe China as an emerging economic power.

Answer:

China introduced economic reforms in 1978 under Deng Xiaoping. These reforms opened China’s market, encouraged foreign investment, and established Special Economic Zones.

As a result:

• China became the world's second-largest economy.

• It developed strong manufacturing capabilities.

• It holds large foreign exchange reserves.
  Thus, China is a major economic power in the modern world.

Q4. Write any four features of ASEAN Economic Community.

Answer:

1. Creates a single market and production base.

2. Promotes free flow of goods and services.

3. Encourages fair competition.

4. Supports development of small and medium enterprises.

Q5. Why is Japan considered an economic superpower?

Answer:

Because:

• It has advanced technology.

• Strong automobile and electronics industries.

• High-quality manufacturing system.

• High GDP and global trade influence.

Q6. What is meant by 'Contemporary Centres of Power'?

Answer:

After the Cold War, new countries and regional organizations emerged with significant influence in global politics. These influential regions or nations are called contemporary centres of power, such as EU, ASEAN, China, and Japan.

1. When was the European Union (EU) formed?

a) 1989
b) 1992
c) 1967
d) 1975

Answer: b) 1992

2. Which treaty led to the formation of the EU?

a) Rome Treaty
b) Bangkok Treaty
c) Maastricht Treaty
d) Jakarta Treaty

Answer: c) Maastricht Treaty

3. ASEAN was established in the year—

a) 1970
b) 1967
c) 1980
d) 1955

Answer: b) 1967

4. ASEAN was formed by which declaration?

a) Manila Declaration
b) Bangkok Declaration
c) Paris Declaration
d) Hanoi Declaration

Answer: b) Bangkok Declaration

5. Which of the following is NOT a member of ASEAN?

a) Indonesia
b) Singapore
c) India
d) Thailand

Answer: c) India

6. Which country is the largest economy in the world after reforms?

a) Japan
b) China
c) Russia
d) Brazil

Answer: b) China

7. Who initiated economic reforms in China in 1978?

a) Mao Zedong
b) Xi Jinping
c) Deng Xiaoping
d) Li Peng

Answer: c) Deng Xiaoping

8. ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) focuses on—

a) Trade relations
b) Security cooperation
c) Environmental protection
d) Cultural exchange

Answer: b) Security cooperation

9. Japan is famous for which industry?

a) Oil refineries
b) Automobiles & Electronics
c) Wool industry
d) Ship repairing

Answer: b) Automobiles & Electronics

10. Which of the following is a common currency of the EU?

a) Pound
b) Dollar
c) Euro
d) Yen

Answer: c) Euro

11. What type of organisation is the EU today?

a) Military alliance
b) Economic and political union
c) Non-government organisation
d) Cultural organisation

Answer: b) Economic and political union

12. China’s military power is strong because—

a) It has a small army
b) It is not a nuclear power
c) It has the world’s largest standing army
d) It depends on NATO

Answer: c) It has the world’s largest standing army

13. Japan's military is restricted due to—

a) UN Charter
b) Its constitution (Article 9)
c) NATO rules
d) EU policy

Answer: b) Its constitution (Article 9)

14. ASEAN’s main objective is—

a) Colonizing Asia
b) Promoting regional peace and economic growth
c) Spreading a single religion
d) Creating nuclear weapons

Answer: b) Promoting regional peace and economic growth

15. The EU’s economic strength comes from—

a) Agriculture
b) Single market and powerful currency
c) Military force
d) Science and technology only

Answer: b) Single market and powerful currency