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Class 12 Political Science| Chapter 6|International Organisations
VERY SHORT ANSWER
Q.1. “Jaw_Jaw is better than war_war” who made this comment?
Ans: “Jaw_Jaw is better than war_war” was commented by Shashi Tharoor, the former UN Under Secretary-General for communication and public information.
Q.2. How many members signed the UN charter when it was set up?
Ans: 51 members signed the UN charter when it was set up.
Q.3. What is the main objective of UN?
Ans: The main objective of UN is to maintain international peace and security.
Q.4. At present how many member states are there in the UN?
Ans: At present there are 192 members in the UN.
Q.5. Fill in the blanks: There are ___ permanent members in the UN Security Council.
Ans: Five.
Q.6. Who is the present Secretary General of UNO?
Ans: Ban ki Moon is the present Secretary General of the UNO.
Q.7. Write the full form of IAEA.
Ans: The full form of IAEA is International Atomic Energy Agency.
Q.8. What is meant by veto power?
Ans: ‘Veto Power’ is a negative power which is entrusted in the hands of the permanent member of Security Council.
Q.9. Who was the first Secretary General of the UN?
Ans: Trygue Lie was the first Secretary General of the UN.
Q.10. Which Country is the single largest contributor to the UN?
Ans: United States of America (USA) is the single largest contributor to the UN.
Q.11. Which date is celebrated as United Nations Day?
Ans: 24th October is celebrated as United Nations Day.
Q.12. In which year UN launched the Peace Building Fund?
Ans: In 2006 UN launched Peace Building Fund.
Q.13. Who was the first Woman President of the UN Assembly?
Ans: Smt. Vijay Laxmi Pandit was the first woman president of the UN Assembly.
Q.14. What do you mean by the ‘Big three’?
Ans: Big three means Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin.
Q.15. Name the international agency relating to environmental programme.
Ans: United Nation’s Environment Programme established in 1972 relating to environmental programme.
Q.16. Name the highest functionary of the UN.
Ans: General Assembly is the highest functioning agency of UN.
Q.17. When was the Peace Building Commission established?
Ans: Peace Building Commission was formed in December 2005.
Q.18. Who was the main mover in the Mine Ban Treaty of 1997?
Ans: An NGO coalition was the prime mover on the Mine Ban Treaty of 1997.
Q.19. When was UN Millennium Declaration ratified?
Ans: In 2000 U.N. Millennium Declaration was ratified.
Q.20. What is the relevance of United Nations in a unipolar world?
Ans: United Nations is playing an important role in establishing peace and security in the world.
Q.21. Write the weakness of NGOs.
Ans: UNO has no power to enforce its decisions.
Short Answer
Q.1. What is the need for international organisations?
Ans: International Organisation’s importance can be laid down in the following two points:
(a) International Organisations are helpful in finding peaceful solution of a dispute between countries. Countries show a tendency to co-operate and make better living conditions for all the people. Thus, it helps member states to find an amicable solution to their outstanding problems.
(b) International Organisations are helpful in another way. There are issues that are so challenging that they can only be dealt with when everyone work together. For example, some disease, can only be eradicated if everyone in the world cooperates in vaccinating their population.
Q.2. Do you think that the international organisation is a super state? Justify your answer.
Ans: No, I don’t think that International Organisations is a super state with authority over its members. It is created by and responds to states. It comes into being when states agree to its creation. Once created, it can help members states resolve their problems peacefully. Therefore, it would be more acceptable to say that it is a super state.
Q.3. Write the names of the permanent members of UN Security Council.
Ans: The names of the permanent members of Security Council are Russia, USA, China, Britain and France.
Q.4. Mention two privileges enjoyed by the permanent members of the Security Council.
Ans: The two privileges enjoyed by the permanent members of the Security Council are:
(i) The five permanent members enjoy veto power.
(ii) The permanent members has the power to take all important issues of international arena relating to peace and security.
Q.5. What is Amnesty International?
Ans: Amnesty International is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) which was established with the aim of protecting human rights all over the world.
Q.6. What is the relevance of the UN in the present-day world?
Ans: Relevance of the UN in present-day world are:
(i) With the growing interaction and interdependence all over the world, it is hard to think that seven billion people throughout the world could survive without an international organisation.
(ii) International Organisations are given a platform to the countries of the world to discuss their tension and problems by sitting together. It has allowed the process of discussion and conciliation which are peaceful ways to resolve a disputed matter.
Q.7. Write the names of two NGOs which are concerned with protection of human rights all over the world.
Ans: Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are two famous NGOs which are concerned with protection of Human Rights all over the world.
Q.8. Mention the names of two agencies of the UN which deal with social & economic issues.
Ans: UNESCO and World Health Organisation are the two agencies of the UN which deal with social and economic issues.
Q.9. What has been India’s stand on disarmament?
Ans: India’s stand for disarmament is very strong. India was always against war. India always support peace and non-violence. India adopts the policy of non-alignment. India adopts the policy of cooperation and understanding in international affairs.
Q.10. Where is the Secretariat of the UN situated? Who was the first Secretary-General of UN?
Ans: Secretariat of the UN is situated at New York City of the USA and Trygue Lie was the first General Secretary of the UNO.
Q.11. What are the functions of the Security Council?
Ans: Same as Ans of Q. No. 1 (Long Answer).
Q.12. When was the charter of the UN signed? By 2006 how many member states were there?
Ans: The charter of United Nations was signed on 26th June 1945. By 2006, the UN had 192 members.
Q.13. The UN Security Council has…… permanent and…… non-permanent members?
Ans: The UN Security Council has 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members.
Q.14. Write the composition of the Security Council.
Ans: The Security Council is composed by two types of members. There are five permanent members and ten non-permanent members.
Q.15. Write the name of agencies which deal with social and economic issues.
Ans: Economic and Social Council deals with social and economic issues.
Q.16. Why are reforms in the UN required?
Ans: The reform in UN is required so that more countries can be accommodated in the Security Council.
Q.17. What makes the UN an indispensable Organisation?
Ans: United Nations is an indispensable Organisation because it can settle international dispute with peaceful methods and thus can promote world peace and security.
LONG ANSWER
Q.1. What are the functions of the Security Council?
Ans: Security Council is the most powerful organ of the UN. The following are the main functions of Security Council: The admissions of new states to the organization and the expulsion there from can only be done on the recommendation of the Security Council. It makes recommendations to the General Assembly for the appointment of the General Secretary. It can take any measure necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security. It shares with the General Assembly the function of electing judges to the International Court of Justice and right or request the court for advisory opinion on legal matters.
Q.2. Do you think that the UN is a perfect International Organisation? Give reason.
Ans: To some extent UN is an imperfect body, but without it the world would be worse off. Given the growing connections and links between societies and issues ‘interdependence’—it is very hard to imagine how more than seven billion people would live together without an organisation such as the UN. Technology promises to increase planetary interdependence, and therefore the importance of the UN will only increase. People and governments will have to find ways of supporting and using the UN and other international organisations in ways that are consistent with their own interests and the interests on the international community more broadly.
Q.3. Write a short note on WTO.
Ans: The World Trade Organisation (WTO) is an international organisation which sets the rules of global trade. This Organisation was set up in 1995 as the successor to the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (GATT) created after the Second World War. It has 150 members. All decisions are taken unanimously but the major economic powers such as the US, EU and Japan have managed to use the WTO to frame the rules of trade to advance their own interests. The developing countries often complain of non-transparent procedures and being pushed around by big powers.
Q.4. Do you support India’s candidature for permanent membership in the UN Security Council? Justify your answer.
Ans: As a citizen of India I will support whole hearted India’s candidature for the permanent Membership of the Security Council. India rightly deserves a permanent membership as it fulfil almost all the criteria laid down by the UN. India is the second most populous country in the world comprising almost one fifth of the world population. India is also the world’s largest democracy. India has participated in virtually all of the initiatives of the UN. Its role in the UN’s peace keeping efforts is a long and substantial one. India has emerged as a potential economic power in the world. India has also made regular financial contributions to the UN and never faltered on its payments.
All these factors justifies India’s claim to a permanent seat in the Security Council.
Q.5. In which year the World Bank was created? Discuss its activities.
Ans: The World Bank was created immediately after the Second World War.
The following are the functions of the World Bank:
(i) The World Bank works for human development, agriculture and rural development, environmental protection, infrastructure and governance.
(ii) It provides loans and grants to the member countries. In this way it exercises enormous influence on the economic policies of developing countries.
(iii) The World Bank promotes the long range balanced growth of international trade and maintenance of equilibrium in the balance of payments by encouraging international investment of productive resources.
(iv) To assist in the reconstruction and development of the territories of the members by facilitating investment of capital.
Q.6. Discuss the composition of the General Assembly.
Ans: The General Assembly is the principal organ of United Nations. Each member of United Nations is also the member of General Assembly. Each member has one vote in this organ. It is like a world parliament and is also the general policy making body of the United Nations.
Q.7. Name some specialised agencies of the UN.
Ans: The following are specialized agencies of the UN are:
(i) FAO: Food and Agricultural Organization.
(ii) WHO: World Health Organisation.
(iii) ILO: International Labour Organisation.
(iv) UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
(v) UNICEF: United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund.
Q.8. Name the four architect of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Ans: Four architects of Non-Alignment Movement:
(i) Josip Broz Tito.
(ii) Jawaharlal Nehru.
(iii) Gamel Abdul Naser.
(iv) Kwame Nkrumah.
Q.9. Why do only the permanent members of the Security Council have the right of veto power?
Ans: The charter of United Nations has made this provision that only the permanent members of the Security Council shall have the right to veto. Thus the big-five members enjoy special status in UN.
Q.10. Why is an International Organisation required in the world arena? Explain its role.
Ans: An International Organisation is required in the world arena for the following reasons:
(i) International Organisations are helpful in finding peaceful solution of a dispute between countries. Countries show a tendency to co-operate and make better living conditions for all the people. Thus International Organisations helps member states to find an amicable solution to their outstanding problems.
(ii) International Organisations are helpful in another way. There are issues that are so challenging that they can only be dealt with when everyone work together. For example, some disease, can only be eradicated if everyone in the world cooperates in vaccinating their population.
Q.11. Write the changes that have occurred in the functioning of the UN after the Cold War.
Ans: After the end of Cold War America, no doubt, has become the only superpower in the world. There is no serious rival who can prevent America from doing whatever it wants. In such a situation, the United Nations is the only body which can prevent arbitrary actions of America. United States power cannot be checked easily because UN is located in US and many officials of UN are United States Nationals. UN is located at New York, US. Moreover US contributes huge amount to UN as grant and even US enjoys the veto power in the United Nations Security Council. The UN is not therefore a great balance to US.
Nevertheless, in a unipolar world in which US is dominant, the UNO can and has served to bring the USA and the rest of the world into discussions over various issues. US leaders, in spite of the frequent criticism of the UN, do see the organisation as serving a purpose in bringing together over 190 nations in dealing with conflict and social and economic development. The UN provides an arena in which it is possible to modify US attitudes and policies. While the rest of the world is rarely united against Washington, and while it is virtually impossible to balance US power, the United Nations does provide a space within which arguments against specific US attitudes and policies are heard and compromises and concessions can be shaped.
Conclusion: In conclusion it can be said that importance of UN cannot be undermined though it is an imperfect body to US. In a globalised world importance of UN is ever-increasing. People and government will have to find ways of supporting and using the UN and other international organisations in ways that are consistent with their own interests and the interest of the international community more broadly.
Q.12. Discuss the activities of the World Bank. Who is the President Secretary General of the World Bank?
Ans: The activities of the World Bank are mentioned in the following ways:
(i) The World Bank provides workers for human development, agriculture and rural development, environmental protection and microstructure development.
(ii) World Bank provides and grants to the member countries.
(iii) The World Bank works for balanced growth of international trade and encourages international investments in developing countries.
(iv) The World Bank assists in the reconstruction and development of the territories of the members by facilitating investment of capital.
Q.13. What are the major global challenges which are faced by the world today?
Ans: The major global challenges which are faced by the world today are:
(i) Poverty.
(ii) Unemployment.
(iii) Spread of HIV/AIDS.
(iv) Terrorism.
Q.14. Name the international agencies of the UN.
Ans: The international agencies of the UN are:
(i) World Health Organisation.
(ii) International Monetary Fund.
(iii) International Atomic Energy Agency.
(iv) International Labour Organisation.
Q.15. What changes have taken place in the world after the Cold War?
Ans: Same as Ans of Q. No. 4 (Very Long Answer).
Q.16. What is IMF?
Ans: IMF means International Monetary Fund. It regulates global financial system.
VERY LONG ANSWER
Q.1. In a unipolar world, do you think that the UN is a balance to the US? Give reasons.
Ans: After the end of cold war America, no doubt, has become the only superpower in the world. There is no serious rival who can prevent America from doing whatever it wants. In such a situation, the United Nations is the only body which can prevent arbitrary actions of America. United States power can be checked easily because UN is located in US and many officials of UN are United States Nationals. UN is located at New York, US. Moreover US contributes huge amount to UN as grant and even US enjoys the veto power in the United Nations Security Council.
The UN is not therefore a great balance to US. Nevertheless, In and unipolar world in which US is dominant, the UNO can and has served to bring the USA and the rest of the world into discussions over various issues, US leaders in spite of their frequent criticism of the UN, do see the organisation as serving a purpose and bringing together over 190 nations in dealing with conflict and social and economic development. The UN provides an arena in which it is possible to modify US attitudes and policies.
While the rest of the world is rarely United against Washington, and while it is virtually impossible to balance US power, the United Nations does provide a space within which arguments against specific US attitudes and policies are heard and compromises and concessions can be shaped.
Conclusion: In conclusion, it can be said that importance of UN cannot be undermined though it is an imperfect body to US. In a globalised world the importance of UN is ever increasing. People and government will have to find ways of supporting and using the UN and other International Organisation in ways that are consisted with their own interests and the interest of the international community more broadly.
Q.2. ‘Reforming the UN means restructuring of the Security Council’. Comment.
Ans: Yes, I certainly think that reforming the UN means restructuring of the Security Council. This thinking is because out of the six organs of UNO, Security Council is considered to be the most important organ responsible for maintenance of peace and stability in the world. It is the Security Council which finally approves all the important matters. The council is composed of 15 members of which five are permanent members and ten are non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for a period of two years.
Each member of the Security Council has one vote. The Charter of the UN gave the permanent members a privileged position to bring about stability in the world after the Second World War. The main privileges of the five permanent members are permanency and the veto power. The permanent member can vote in a negative manner so that even if all the permanent and non-permanent members vote for a particular discussion, a single negative vote from the permanent members can make a decision to a standstill.
Thus, the above paragraph clearly highlights the significance of the Security Council. There has been a discussion going on amongst the members of UNO for the last two decades over expansion of members both permanent and non-permanent members of Security Council. Since the organ contains those functions and powers to combat threat perspective of the international political environment therefore, the increase in number of members will undoubtedly increase and strengthen the power of the Security Council.
The present composition of the Council is under represented and few countries are unrepresented. It is expected that if there is a uniform representation of the countries of the world in this Council then the nations can be more reliable in the discussion delivered by this organ. The reformation and restructuring is the urgent need of the hour so that more and vibrant nations can be accommodated. This act requires the countries to come to an agreement and break the deadlock about the reformation procedure.
Q.3. In the present world context, do you think that the UN is an indispensable Organisation? Justify your answer.
Ans: After the collapse of Soviet Union and the end of cold war. U.S.A. is the only superpower left in the world. There is no country which can prevent U.S. from doing whatever it wants. In such a situation U.N.O is the only body which can prevent arbitrary actions of U.S.A. Secondly, even within the U.N., U.S.A. has considerable influence. As the single largest contribution to the U.N. it has unmatched financial power. Besides the location of U.N. headquarters in the New York (U.S.A) has also contributed to increase its influence. U.S.A has a large number of its Nationals in the U.N. bureaucracy. It also enjoy Veto Power which ensures that U.S.A. has considerable voice in the choice of the Secretary General. Under these conditions, U.N.O cannot be a great balance to the U.S.A. However, in a unipolar world in which U.S. is the only dominant power, the U.N. is an imperfect body, but without it the world would be worse off. With growing links between societies and issues—what we call interdependence—it is hard to imagine how more than 7 billion people would live together without an organisation such as U.N.O. Thus, U.N.O. is an indispensable body in the present World.
Q.4. What changes occurred after the cold war?
Ans: The UN was established in 1945 immediately after the Second World War. The way it was organised and the way it functioned reflected the realities of the world politics after the Second World War. After the cold war, those realities are different.
Here are some of the changes that have occurred after the cold war:
(i) The Soviet Union has collapsed.
(ii) The US is the strongest power.
(iii) The relationship between Russia, the successor to the Soviet Union, and the US is much more cooperative.
(iv) China is fast emerging as a great power, and India also is growing rapidly.
(v) The economies of Asia are growing at an unprecedented rate.
(vi) Many new countries have joined the UN (as they became independent from the Soviet Union or former communist states in Eastern Europe).
Q.5. Mention the criteria that has been proposed for the inclusion of the new permanent and non-permanent members of the Security Council.
Ans: There is a huge controversy going over the expansion of few organs of UN and restructuring of this Peace making Organisation. India has welcomed this decision and awaits its restructuring. India has supported the revitalisation of UN on several grounds. They are—
(i) She believes that a strengthened and revitalised UN is desirable in a changing world.
(ii) India also supports an enhanced role for the UN in promoting development and cooperation among the states.
(iii) India believes that development should be central to the UN’s agenda as it is a vital precondition for the maintenance of peace and security.
One of India’s major concern had been composition of the Security Council, which has largely remained static. India considers that this has harmed the representative character of the Security Council. She also argues that an expanded Council, with more representation, will enjoy greater support in the world Community.
Q.6. What are the methods used by the United Nations to achieve its aims?
Ans: The methods used by the United Nations to achieve its aims are:
(i) Peaceful settlement of disputes.
(ii) Negotiations.
(iii) International understanding based on the principle of cooperation and justice.
(iv) Democracy.
(v) Development.
Q.7. Discuss the main aims and objectives and principles of UNO.
Ans: The aims and objectives of the UNO are:
(i) To establish international peace and security and to take immediate steps to avoid wars.
(ii) To ensure universal peace, goodwill and cooperation among Nations for the welfare of mankind.
(iii) To promote economic, social, cultural and humanitarian relationship in international level.
(iv) To act as centre for harmonising the action of nations to achieve above objectives.
Q.8. Write a short essay on the achievements and failures of the UNO as a world body.
Ans: After the collapse of Soviet Union and the end of cold war, USA is the only superpower left in the world. There is no country which can prevent USA from doing whatever it wants. In such a situation UNO is the only body which can prevent arbitrary actions of USA. Secondly, even within the UN, USA has considerable influence. As the single largest contribution to the UN, it has unmatched financial power. Besides, the location of UN headquarters in New York (USA) has also contributed to increase its influence. USA has a large number of its Nationals in the UN bureaucracy. It also enjoy Veto power which ensures that USA has a considerable voice in the choice of the Secretary General. Under these conditions, UNO cannot be a great balance to the USA. However, in a unipolar world in which USA is the only dominant power, The UN can and has served to bring the USA and other countries into discussions over various issues. In the end it can be said that though UN is an imperfect body, but without it the world would be worse off. With growing links between societies and issues—what we call interdependence—it is hard to imagine how more than 7 billion people would live together without an organisation such as UNO. Thus, UNO is an indispensable body in the present world.
Q.9. Can the UN serve as a balance against US dominance?
Ans: After the end of cold war America, no doubt, has become the only super power in the world. There is no serious rival who can prevent America from doing whatever it wants. In such a situation, the United Nations is the only body which can prevent arbitrary actions of America. United States power cannot be checked easily because UN is located in US and many officials of the UN are United States Nationals. UN is located in New York, US. Moreover US contributes huge amount to UN as grant and even US enjoys the veto power in the United Nations Security Council. The UN is not therefore a great balance to US. Nevertheless, in a unipolar world in which US is dominant, the UNO can and has served to bring the USA and the rest of the world into discussions over various issues. US leaders, in spite of their frequent criticism of the UN, do see the organisation as serving a purpose in bringing together over 190 nations in dealing with conflict and social and economic development. The UN provides an arena in which it is possible to modify US attitudes and policies. While the rest of the world is rarely united against Washington, and while it is virtually impossible to balance US power, the United Nations does provide a space within which arguments against specific US attitudes and policies are heard and compromises and concessions can be shaped.
Conclusion: In conclusion, it can be said that importance of UN cannot be undermined though it is an imperfect body to US. In a globalised world, the importance of UN is ever increasing. People and government will have to find ways off supporting and using the UN and other international organisations in ways that are consisted with their own interests and the interest of the international community more broadly.
Q.10. On what grounds India supports restructuring of the UN?
Ans: Same as Ans of Q. No. 2 (Long Answer).
Q.11. Enumerate three main organs of the UN which are considered to be as a Legislature.
Ans: The main organs of the United Nations are:
(i) General Assembly is considered as Legislature of U.N.
(ii) Security Council is considered as Executive of U.N.
(iii) International Court of Justice is considered as Judiciary of U.N.
