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Chapter Analysis
Intermediate18 pages • EnglishQuick Summary
The chapter on International Organisations discusses the role and importance of international organisations like the United Nations, particularly after the Cold War. It addresses the challenges these organisations face in a unipolar world dominated by the United States, and the need for reform in institutions like the United Nations Security Council. Key themes include the balance of power, the effectiveness of international organisations in addressing global issues like human rights and global warming, and the role of nations like India advocating for structural reforms.
Key Topics
- •Role of international organisations
- •UN Security Council reform
- •Global power dynamics post-Cold War
- •Challenges in achieving international cooperation
- •Impact of US dominance in the UN
- •India's role in international organisations
- •Balancing national interests with global cooperation
- •International responses to global issues like climate change and terrorism
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the role and functioning of major international organisations like the UN
- ✓Analyze the challenges faced by international organisations in the post-Cold War world
- ✓Evaluate proposed reforms for the UN Security Council
- ✓Examine the influence of powerful nations on international decision-making
- ✓Discuss India’s stance and contributions to international organisations
- ✓Critically assess the balance between global cooperation and national sovereignty
Questions in Chapter
Mark correct or wrong against each of the following statements about the veto power.
Page 61
Which among the following would give more weightage to India's proposal for permanent membership in the Security Council?
Page 61
The UN agency concerned with the safety and peaceful use of nuclear technology is:
Page 61
WTO is serving as the successor to which of the following organisations?
Page 61
Fill in the blanks: The prime objective of the UN is ___________________________
Page 61
Match the principal organs and agencies of the UN with their functions:
Page 62
What are the functions of the Security Council?
Page 62
Additional Practice Questions
What are the major challenges that international organisations like the UN face in today’s global political landscape?
mediumAnswer: International organisations face several challenges, such as balancing power dynamics in a unipolar world, achieving equitable representation in decision-making bodies, addressing global issues like climate change and terrorism, and ensuring adherence to human rights.
Critically assess the need for reform in the UN Security Council. What are the proposed reforms and their potential impact?
hardAnswer: The UN Security Council requires reform to better reflect contemporary global realities, enhance representativeness, and improve decision-making transparency. Proposed reforms include expanding membership to include more countries from Asia, Africa, and South America and addressing the veto power of permanent members. These changes could make the Council more democratic and effective in conflict resolution.
Discuss the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in complementing the work of international organisations.
easyAnswer: NGOs play a vital role in supporting international organisations through advocacy, research, and raising awareness on issues like human rights, environmental protection, and social justice. They often work at grassroots levels to implement programs and hold governments accountable.
How does the concept of 'collective security' function within international organisations, and what are its limitations?
mediumAnswer: Collective security is the cooperation of several countries in an alliance to strengthen security concerns. Within international organisations, it involves mutual agreements to respond to threats. However, its limitations lie in political disagreements, diverse national interests, and the power dynamics of influential states.
Examine the impact of the US’s dominance on the effectiveness of the UN.
hardAnswer: The US’s dominance in the UN, rooted in its significant financial contribution and veto power, often influences the organisation's decisions and priorities. This can challenge the UN's neutrality and limit its effectiveness in imposing sanctions or taking actions opposed by US interests.