Political Science Notes Chapter 1 Class 12 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – Political Science Class 12

The World since 1991

Important Changes After 1991:

1. End of Cold War

• Soviet Union collapsed.
• Many new nations were formed (e.g., Ukraine, Kazakhstan).

2. Unipolar World

• USA became the only superpower (no more USSR).
• USA led international matters like wars and peace.

3. Human Rights Awareness

• People became more aware of human rights.
• The UN started peacekeeping missions.

4. Rise of Terrorism

• After 9/11 attacks (2001) in the USA, terrorism became a global issue.

5. Multipolarity & Regionalism

• Other countries like China, India, and Russia started rising.
• Regions and regional groups like the EU, SAARC, etc., became important.

New Countries After 1991:

From USSR: Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Kazakhstan, etc.

From Europe: Yugoslavia split into Serbia, Croatia, etc.

Others:

• East Timor (from Indonesia)
• South Sudan (from Sudan)
• Eritrea (from Ethiopia)

Important Regional Organizations

1. European Union (EU)

• Started after World War II for peace through trade.
• Key steps:
  • 1951: European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).
  • 1992: Maastricht Treaty created the EU.
• Has 27 countries; 19 use the Euro currency (Eurozone).
• Schengen Area: No borders between 26 countries for easy travel.
• Brexit: UK left the EU in 2020.

2. SAARC

• Formed in 1985 with 7 countries (India, Pakistan, etc.); Afghanistan joined in 2007.
• Focus: Dialogue and trade in South Asia (e.g., SAFTA for free trade).

3. BIMSTEC

• Started in 1997 with 7 countries (India, Bangladesh, Thailand, etc.).
• Links South Asia and Southeast Asia for economic growth.

4. BRICS

• Formed in 2009 with Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (2010).
• Focus: Fast-growing economies influencing global affairs.

5. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

• Started in 2001 by China, Russia, and others; India and Pakistan joined in 2016.
• Focus: Peace, trade, and fighting terrorism.

6. G-20

• Formed in 1999 with 19 countries + EU.
• Discusses global financial stability; includes both rich and developing nations.

Key Concepts

Superpower: A country that can influence the world (e.g., USA, Soviet Union).
Soft Power: Influence without force (e.g., culture, education).
Liberal Democracy: Government with elections, rights, and rule of law.
Trade Bloc: Countries with special trade agreements (e.g., EU).

Summary

• After 1991, the world shifted from a USA-Soviet rivalry to a unipolar world led by the USA.
• New countries emerged, human rights grew, terrorism changed, and new powers like China and India rose.
• Regional groups became key players in trade and politics.