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.
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