Chapter 3 – New Centres of Power
Q1. What are the ‘new centres of power’ in world politics?
New centres of power include emerging economies and regional organizations like the EU, ASEAN, China, and BRICS that challenge US dominance and promote a multipolar world.
Q2. What is the European Union (EU)?
The EU is a political and economic union of 27 European countries that work together on trade, policy-making, and security, with a shared currency and common institutions.
Q3. How has the EU become a powerful global player?
The EU exercises global influence through its large economy, diplomatic strength, single market, Euro currency, and joint foreign policy initiatives.
Q4. What is ASEAN?
ASEAN, or Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is a regional organization formed to promote economic growth, peace, and cultural cooperation among Southeast Asian countries.
Q5. What are the main objectives of ASEAN?
ASEAN aims to accelerate economic growth, promote regional peace, and encourage collaboration in education, science, technology, and cultural exchanges among its member states.
Q6. What is meant by the ASEAN Way?
The ASEAN Way refers to a method of diplomacy based on mutual respect, non-interference, consensus-building, and peaceful dispute resolution within the Southeast Asian region.
Q7. How does ASEAN promote regional integration?
ASEAN builds cooperation in trade, investment, and security through forums, summits, and policies while respecting member nations’ sovereignty and cultural diversity.
Q8. How has China emerged as a global power?
China rose by adopting market reforms, attracting investment, modernizing its military, increasing exports, and using strategic diplomacy to expand its global influence.
Q9. What were China’s economic reforms post-1978?
China shifted from a command economy to a market-oriented one, allowed private businesses, opened to foreign trade, and focused on industrial growth, lifting millions out of poverty.
Q10. What is SAARC?
SAARC stands for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation and works to promote regional development, economic cooperation, and peace among South Asian countries like India and Pakistan.
Q11. Why has SAARC been ineffective?
SAARC has struggled due to political tensions, especially between India and Pakistan, which have hindered its decision-making and progress on regional cooperation.
Q12. What is India’s role in SAARC?
India, being the largest economy in SAARC, plays a leadership role but faces diplomatic challenges due to conflicts with neighbors, especially Pakistan.
Q13. What is BRICS?
BRICS is a group of emerging economies—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—focused on economic cooperation, reforming global institutions, and promoting multipolarity in world politics.
Q14. How does BRICS challenge the West’s dominance?
BRICS promotes alternate financial institutions like the New Development Bank and calls for reforms in the IMF and World Bank to better represent developing countries.
Q15. What is G20 and why is it important?
G20 is a forum of 20 major economies, including India and China, that works on global financial stability, economic development, and policy coordination.
Q16. How has India benefitted from BRICS?
India gains diplomatic support, financial assistance through BRICS institutions, and a platform to collaborate with other emerging powers on global issues like development and security.
Q17. What is the Look East Policy of India?
It’s India’s foreign policy approach to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian nations through economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation, especially via ASEAN.
Q18. What is multipolarity in global politics?
Multipolarity refers to a world order where multiple countries share power and influence, instead of domination by one or two superpowers.
Q19. How does regionalism promote global stability?
Regionalism encourages cooperation among neighboring countries, reduces dependency on big powers, and provides collective bargaining strength in global platforms.
Q20. What is Soft Power?
Soft power is a country’s ability to influence others through culture, values, media, and diplomacy rather than military force or coercion.
Q21. Why is China’s Belt and Road Initiative significant?
It boosts China’s global presence by investing in infrastructure across Asia, Africa, and Europe, enhancing trade links and strategic influence.
Q22. How does India benefit from ASEAN cooperation?
India gains economic ties, investment, security collaboration, and diplomatic support from ASEAN countries, helping counterbalance China’s influence in Asia.
Q23. What is India’s role in global forums like G-20?
India advocates for fair economic policies, climate action, and development agendas, positioning itself as a voice for the Global South.
Q24. How do new powers affect UN reforms?
Emerging powers demand restructuring of the UN Security Council to include developing nations, ensuring fair representation in global decision-making.
Q25. What makes the EU unique among regional blocs?
The EU has a common currency, central institutions, and strong political integration, unlike other blocs that focus mainly on trade.
Q26. How does China use economic diplomacy?
China invests in developing countries, provides loans, and builds infrastructure to gain strategic allies and economic influence worldwide.
Q27. What are the challenges of regional organizations?
Conflicts among members, power imbalances, and lack of enforcement mechanisms often limit the effectiveness of regional organizations like SAARC or ASEAN.
Q28. What is economic interdependence?
It refers to mutual dependence among nations for trade, investment, and resources, fostering cooperation and reducing chances of conflict.
Q29. What is the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region?
It’s a key zone for global trade, energy flow, and strategic alliances, with powers like India, the US, China, and ASEAN actively involved.
Q30. Why is the rise of new powers important for a just world order?
It ensures balance, gives voice to underrepresented countries, promotes reform in global institutions, and builds a fairer, multipolar international system.