Class 12 Political Science|Chapter 7|Security in the Contemporary World: Welcome to bodotutor.com ! Here you will get complete Class 12 Political Science notes based on the AHSEC|ASSEB syllabus. We are starting with Chapter 7 – Security in the Contemporary World, and we’ll continue to provide clear, easy-to-understand notes for every chapter to help you in your exams. Stay connected for regular updates and more study materials!
Class 12 Political Science|Chapter 7|Security in the Contemporary World
SHORT ANSWER
Q.1. What is meant by security?
Ans: Security in simple terms implies freedom from threats. But this does not mean that every single threat count as a security threat. Security actually relates only to extremely dangerous threats which could endanger the core values that those values would be damaged beyond repair if we did not do something to deal with the situation.
Q.2. What do you understand by internally displaced people?
Ans: People who have fled their homes but remain within national borders are called internally displaced people. For example, Kashmiri Pandits who fled due to internal violence in Kashmir Valley.
Q.3. What is the purpose of conducting nuclear test by India?
Ans: The purpose behind conducting nuclear tests by India was to protect her territory from her enemies who are also nuclear technologically rich countries.
Q.4. What is meant by Human Security?
Ans: Human Security means the protection of people from any type of threats more than the protection of states.
Q.5. Give an example of global threat.
Ans: Global Warming is an example of global threat.
Q.6. What is international terrorism?
Ans: International terrorism is the situation which involves the citizens or territory of more than one country. Terrorist groups seek to change a critical context or condition that they do not like by force or threat of force. Some internationally famous terrorist groups are Al-Qaeda, Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Q.7. What makes rich states get richer?
Ans: Low population growth and high per capita income make rich states get richer.
Q.8. What is Cooperative Security?
Ans: Cooperative Security refers to a form of security dealing with many non-traditional threats to security through cooperation rather than military confrontation.
Q.9. Why do people migrate?
Ans: People migrate to seek a better life, especially better economic opportunities and standard of living.
Q.10. What is the full form of NATO?
Ans: North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
Q.11. In which year did India first test a nuclear device?
Ans: India tested a nuclear device in 1974 for the first time.
Q.12. In which year did Global Security emerge?
Ans: Global Security emerged in the 1990s.
Q.13. Give one example of Arms Control.
Ans: Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Q.14. When was the Non-Proliferation Treaty signed?
Ans: In 1968 the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty was signed.
Q.15. Write one component of India’s security strategy.
Ans: The component of India’s security strategy is to strengthen its military power.
Q.16. What is pollution?
Ans: Pollution is defined as the unfavourable alteration of surroundings.
Q.17. What is meant by social safety nets?
Ans: Social safety nets are protective measures to minimise the negative effects of globalisation on those who are economically weak.
Q.18. Fill in the blanks:
(a) Global poverty is another source of……..
Ans: Insecurity.
(b) Security implies……… from threats.
Ans: Freedom.
(c) Non-traditional notions of security go beyond………..
Ans: Military attacks.
Q.19. How many states acceded to chemical weapons conventions?
Ans: 181 States acceded to Chemical Weapons Conventions.
Q.20. In what way does the notion of disarmament help to avoid violence?
Ans: The notion of disarmament by reducing armed forces helps to avoid violence.
Q.21. Do all societies have the same conception of security?
Ans: No, all societies do not have the same conception of security.
SHORT ANSWER
Q.1. Fill in the blanks.
(i) Non-traditional views of security have been called…….. or ………….. .
Ans: Human Security, Global Security.
Q.2. What is the difference between traditional and non-traditional security?
Ans: Traditional conceptions of security are principally concerned with the use, or threat of use, of military force. Traditional security views force as both the principal threat to security and the principal means of achieving security.
Non-traditional notions of security go beyond military threats to include a wide range of stresses and challenges affecting human existence. In traditional security, the referent is the state, while in non-traditional security, it includes individuals and all of humankind.
Q.3. Write the difference between migrants and refugees.
Ans:
(i) Migrants are those who voluntarily leave their home countries, whereas refugees flee due to war, natural disasters, or political persecution.
(ii) Migrants are not necessarily accepted by the state, but states are supposed to accept refugees.
Q.4. Give examples of two health epidemics.
Ans: Bird flu and Hanta virus.
Q.5. Mention two components of India’s security strategy.
Ans:
(i) Strengthening its military capabilities because India has been involved in conflicts with neighbours like China and Pakistan.
(ii) Strengthening international norms and institutions to protect its security interests.
Q.6. Do you think that terrorism is a threat to security? Why?
Ans: Yes, terrorism is a non-traditional threat to security. It refers to political violence that threatens civilians deliberately and indiscriminately. International terrorism involves the citizens or territories of more than one country.
Q.7. Mention two new sources of threats.
Ans: Terrorism and Global Poverty.
Q.8. How are the security challenges faced by newly independent countries different from those in Europe?
Ans:
(i) Newly independent countries faced internal military conflicts.
(ii) They also faced the prospect of military conflicts with neighbouring countries.
Q.9. What is the idea of Global Security?
Ans: The idea of Global Security means protection from all threats which affect the whole world.
Q.10. Mention new sources of threats to individuals.
Ans: Global Poverty, Health Epidemics, and Terrorism.
Q.11. What is a military threat? How is it the greatest danger to a country?
Ans: A military threat is the threat of military action against a country. It endangers the sovereignty and integrity of a country.
Q.12. Write two components of traditional security policy.
Ans: Alliance building and balance of power.
Q.13. Is terrorism a traditional or non-traditional threat to security?
Ans: Terrorism is a non-traditional threat to security.
Q.14. Fill in the blanks:
(a) ………….. that fled the violence in the Kashmir Valley are an example of an …………
Ans: Terrorism, organised violence.
(b) Human security is about the protection of……….more than protection of……….
Ans: Individuals, Nation-states.
(c) Non-traditional…………of security go beyond………
Ans: Notions, Military attack.
Q.15. What is the most important security in a country against freedom from threats?
Ans: Human security is the most important security in a country against freedom from threats.
Q.16. What are the different types of classification of Human Rights?
Ans: First generation human rights, second generation human rights, and third generation human rights.
Q.17. Name three important International Organisations.
Ans: UNO, IMF, and World Bank.
Q.18. What do you mean by ‘Human Right’?
Ans: Human Rights are basic claims for individuals to enjoy some basic rights for full development. Human rights are inherent and inalienable.
LONG ANSWER
Q.1. What are the four components of traditional notion of security from external threats? Give examples.
Ans: The four components of the traditional notion of security are:
(i) Deterrence: It means preventing an outbreak of major military conflict or war.
(ii) Defence: It refers to limiting or ending the war and also retaliating when war breaks out.
(iii) Balance of Power: A country which is bigger and stronger may be seen as a threat by another. Governments maintain balance of power to reduce the chance of attack.
(iv) Alliance Building: An alliance is a coalition of states that coordinate their actions to deter or defend against military attack. Examples include NATO, SEATO, and the Warsaw Pact.
Q.2. What is meant by Human Rights? What are the different types of Human Rights?
Ans: Human Rights are basic claims and conditions to which every individual is entitled as a human being for his or her full development.
The different types of Human Rights are:
(i) Political Rights – Freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.
(ii) Economic Rights
(iii) Social Rights
(iv) Civil Rights
(v) Rights of colonised people
(vi) Rights of ethnic and indigenous minorities
Q.3. What is Balance of Power? How can a state achieve this?
Ans: “Balance of Power” is an important component of traditional security policy. It means maintaining equality in power among nations so that no one becomes dominant.
Countries work hard to maintain a favourable balance of power, especially with neighbours or former rivals. This is achieved by:
- Building military, economic, and technological strength.
- Forming alliances or partnerships with other states to counter potential threats.
Q.4. Do you think that to deal with non-traditional threats to security, cooperation is very important? How can international cooperation help to combat non-traditional threats?
Ans: Yes, cooperation is very important to deal with non-traditional threats rather than military confrontation.
Military force cannot solve problems like poverty, migration, or epidemics.
International cooperation helps through:
(i) Sanctioning the use of force against governments that harm their own people.
(ii) Agreeing on collective action against international terrorists and those who support them.
(iii) Using collective force sanctioned by international communities rather than individual countries acting alone.
Q.5. What are the four components of the security strategy of India?
Ans: India’s security strategy has four components:
(a) Strengthening Military Capability: India has fought wars with Pakistan and China; thus, military strength ensures national defence.
(b) Internal Security: India faces internal threats from militancy in Kashmir, Punjab, and the North-East; maintaining unity is vital.
(c) Strengthening International Norms and Institutions: India promotes peace through the UN, non-alignment, and international cooperation.
(d) Economic Growth: Economic progress ensures reduction of poverty and inequality, thereby strengthening national stability.
Q.6. Write four components of traditional security policy.
Ans: Same as Answer of Q.1 (Long Answer).
Q.7. What are the external threats facing the superpower countries?
Ans: The superpower countries face military threats from outside, known as external threats. These external threats endanger the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of a country.
Q.8. What is Balance of Power? How could a state achieve this?
Ans: Same as Answer of Q.3 (Long Answer).
Q.9. What are the different concepts of protection to Human Security?
Ans: Same as Answer of Q.1 (Very Long Answer).
Q.10. Write a note on the problems of refugees.
Ans: Refugees are people who are forced to leave their homes due to war and violence.
Problems faced by refugees include:
- Loss of homes and livelihoods.
- Shortage of food, shelter, and healthcare.
- Hostility or discrimination in the host country.
- Uncertain future and lack of citizenship rights.
Q.11. Define health epidemics as a new source of threats.
Ans: Health epidemics are global and human security threats because:
(i) Failure to control diseases in one country affects others.
(ii) Epidemics cause major economic losses as governments must spend huge amounts to control them.
Q.12. Analyse the concept of Human Security.
Ans:
(i) Human Security means the protection of people more than the protection of states.
(ii) It should include protection from hunger, disease, and natural disasters as they kill more people than war and terrorism.
(iii) Human Security aims to ensure freedom from want and freedom from fear.
Q.13. What did the Biological Weapons Convention (1972) decide?
Ans: The Biological Weapons Convention (1972) decided to ban the production and possession of biological weapons.
Q.14. Write a note on ‘Territorial Security’.
Ans: Territorial security is concerned with the use or threat of military force. The state protects its territory and institutions through armed forces to ensure sovereignty and peace.
Q.15. “Human security signifies freedom from want and freedom from fear.” Explain.
Ans: Human security signifies protecting people from threats like hunger, disease, and natural disasters, which kill more people than wars. It ensures people live without fear of violence and want. Thus, human security means freedom from want and freedom from fear.
VERY LONG ANSWER
Q.1. What is Human Security? Discuss the narrow concept and broad concept of Human Security.
Ans: Human Security means protection of people more than the protection of states. Human security and state security should be — and often are — the same thing. Protecting citizens from foreign attack may be a necessary condition for the security of individuals.
The threat agenda of Human Security should include hunger, disease, and natural disasters because these kill more people than war, genocide, and terrorism combined. All proponents of Human Security agree that its primary goal is the protection of individuals.
However, there are differences about precisely what threats individuals should be protected from.
(i) Narrow Concept:
The proponents of the “narrow” concept of Human Security focus on violent threats to individuals or, as former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan puts it, the protection of communities and individuals from internal violence.
(ii) Broad Concept:
The proponents of the “broad” concept of Human Security argue that the threat agenda should include hunger, disease, and natural disasters because these kill far more people than war, genocide, and terrorism combined. They argue that Human Security policy should protect people from these threats as well as from violence.
In its broadest formulation, the Human Security agenda also encompasses economic security and threats to human dignity. In short, the broad formulation stresses what has been called “freedom from want” and “freedom from fear.”
Q.2. What are the objectives of military alliances?
Ans: An important constituent of traditional security policy is alliance building. An alliance is a coalition of states that coordinate their actions to deter or defend against military attack. Alliances are based on national benefits and can change when national interests change.
For example, the US backed Islamic militants in Afghanistan against the Soviet Union in the 1980s but later invaded them when Al-Qaeda led by Osama Bin Laden launched terrorist strikes against America on 11th September 2001.
The growing tension in the world was worsened by the setting up of military blocs. In 1949, NATO was formed to deter the Soviet Union. The members of NATO were the US, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Britain, France, Belgium, Holland, Luxemburg, Turkey, Greece, the Federal Republic of Germany, and Spain (joined later). Later, former Soviet republics also applied for admission to NATO.
Q.3. “The non-traditional conception of security focuses on the changing nature of threats to security.” What are these new threats?
Ans: The non-traditional conceptions of security — both Human Security and Global Security — focus on the changing nature of threats. Some of these are:
(a) Global Poverty:
Global poverty is one of the main causes of insecurity. The gap between developed and developing nations continues to grow. Population growth, low per capita income, and low literacy levels make poor states poorer, while high per capita income and economic growth make rich states richer.
(b) Health Epidemics:
Modern epidemics like SARS, Hanta Virus, Ebola, and Bird Flu spread quickly across continents, causing global health hazards. For instance, by 2003, over 4 crore people were affected by HIV-AIDS worldwide.
(c) Human Rights Violations:
Denial or violation of human rights during ethnic conflicts or by repressive governments is another major non-traditional threat. Although there is a broad concern for human rights globally, there is no universal agreement on what rights should be treated as universal.
(d) Terrorism:
Terrorism is organised political violence targeting civilians deliberately and indiscriminately. It involves the citizens or territories of more than one state. Terrorist groups use fear and violence as weapons against governments and societies.
Q.4. Suggest one measure to avoid violence.
Ans: The following measures can help to avoid violence:
(i) International Cooperation:
Nations at conflict should organise regular meetings and conventions to discuss peace. “Jaw-jaw is better than war-war” — talking is always better than fighting.
(ii) Arms and Ammunition Control:
Possession of modern weapons acts as deterrence and reduces the chances of attack from enemies.
(iii) Surrender:
Sometimes surrendering before the enemy can reduce violence and loss of lives.
(iv) Talks and Discussions:
Peace talks between warring groups help to settle disputes peacefully. The United Nations also promotes this method for maintaining global peace.
Q.5. What is Confidence Building? Is it a means of avoiding violence?
Ans: Confidence Building is a process in which countries share ideas and information with even their rivals. It is indeed a means of avoiding violence.
Countries inform each other about their military plans and the kind of forces they possess to show they are not planning surprise attacks. This exchange of information prevents misunderstandings and promotes trust. In short, Confidence Building ensures that rivals do not go to war due to misperception or suspicion.
Q.6. What is the Non-traditional Notion of Security? List all its areas of operation.
Ans: The Non-traditional notion of security includes threats that go beyond military issues. Its main areas of operation are:
(a) Global Poverty: The gap between the rich and poor nations creates economic insecurity.
(b) Health Epidemics: Diseases such as SARS, Bird Flu, and Ebola create serious global threats.
(c) Human Rights Violations: Suppression of human rights causes internal unrest and global concern.
(d) Terrorism: Organised violence targeting civilians is a serious non-traditional threat.
Q.7. What are the differences between the threats faced by the people living in the Third World and in the First World?
Ans: After the Second World War in 1945, the USA, Soviet Union, and most European states faced no major internal threats and focused mainly on external threats.
However, newly independent countries in the Third World faced both internal and external threats:
- Internal Threats: Military coups, separatist movements, and civil wars.
- External Threats: Border disputes and conflicts with neighbouring countries.
Therefore, while First World countries faced mainly external dangers, Third World countries faced both internal and external insecurities.
Q.8. Terrorism poses serious law and order problems and leads to disintegration of society. Justify the statement giving examples.
Ans: Terrorism creates serious law and order problems and leads to the breakdown of social unity. It is an organised form of violence that deliberately targets civilians.
Examples:
- The 9/11 attacks in the US and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in India caused mass casualties and global fear.
- Terrorism damages national integration, economic growth, and peace.
Hence, terrorism leads to instability, chaos, and disintegration of society.
Q.9. What is Global Poverty? List out its complex nature in the global arena.
Ans: Global Poverty is a major non-traditional threat to security. It refers to the unequal distribution of wealth and opportunities across nations.
Its complex nature includes:
- Low literacy and education levels
- Malnutrition and undernourishment
- Economic inequality
- Unemployment and poor living standards
Q.10. Write a note on Arms Control.
Ans: Arms Control refers to a cooperative or multilateral approach to reduce or limit weapons, especially weapons of mass destruction. Its aim is to promote world peace and stability.
Examples include START I and START II treaties, which were agreements between the USA and USSR to reduce nuclear weapons.
Q.11. Write a note on Arms Race and its effects.
Ans: The Arms Race refers to the competition among nations to acquire more advanced and powerful weapons.
Its effects are:
- Increases political tension and mistrust among nations.
- Wastes large amounts of national resources on military expenses.
- Reduces funds available for social and economic development.
Thus, the Arms Race is harmful to peace and global prosperity.
Q.12. Briefly discuss the characteristics of Balance of Power.
Ans: Same as the Answer of Q. No. 3 (Long Answer).
