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Class-12Political Science

Political Science | Contemporary South Asia (Contemporary World Politics)

Explore the dynamic political landscape of South Asia with CBSE Class 12 Political Science chapter "Contemporary South Asia - Contemporary World Politics," which delves into the political, economic, and social transformations shaping this region.

Introduction to CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter "Contemporary South Asia - Contemporary World Politics"

“Contemporary South Asia – Contemporary World Politics” is a chapter that provides a comprehensive understanding of the political dynamics and socio-economic developments in South Asia. The chapter begins by defining the region of South Asia, comprising countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives. It highlights the historical context and the shared colonial legacy that continues to influence the political landscape of these nations.

The chapter covers various themes, including democracy, authoritarianism, and political instability, examining how different countries in South Asia have navigated these challenges. It discusses the democratic experiments in India, the military regimes in Pakistan and Bangladesh, the monarchy in Nepal and Bhutan, and the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the chapter addresses the economic issues faced by these countries, such as poverty, development, and economic reforms, and how these have impacted their political stability.

A significant focus is also placed on regional cooperation and the role of organizations like SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) in fostering collaboration and addressing common challenges. The chapter provides insights into the foreign policies of South Asian countries, their relations with global powers, and the impact of globalisation on the region.

Assignments for CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter “Contemporary South Asia – Contemporary World Politics”

  1. Country Profiles: Create detailed profiles for each South Asian country, highlighting their political systems, major political events, and current political climate.
  2. Essay on Democracy: Write an essay comparing the democratic experiences of India and Pakistan, discussing the successes and challenges faced by each country.
  3. SAARC Analysis: Prepare a report on the role of SAARC in promoting regional cooperation, including its achievements and limitations.
  4. Economic Impact Study: Analyze the economic reforms undertaken by any two South Asian countries and their impact on political stability and development.
  5. Conflict Resolution: Develop a case study on the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, detailing the causes, consequences, and efforts towards resolution.

Conclusion
“Contemporary South Asia – Contemporary World Politics” is a crucial chapter in the CBSE Class 12 Political Science syllabus that equips students with a nuanced understanding of the complex political and socio-economic landscape of South Asia. It emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation, the challenges of democracy, and the impact of global forces on local politics. Through this chapter, students gain valuable insights into the diverse and interconnected nature of contemporary world politics.

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Questions and Answers for CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter "Contemporary South Asia - Contemporary World Politics"

  1. Q1: What are the main political systems present in South Asia?
    ANS: South Asia comprises democracies (India, Sri Lanka), military regimes (historically in Pakistan and Bangladesh), monarchies (Bhutan, historically Nepal), and mixed systems.
  2. Q2: How has the colonial legacy influenced contemporary South Asia?
    ANS: The colonial legacy has influenced contemporary South Asia through border disputes, political institutions, economic structures, and socio-cultural dynamics.
  3. Q3: What are the main challenges to democracy in South Asia?
    ANS: Challenges to democracy in South Asia include political instability, ethnic conflicts, corruption, economic disparities, and military interventions.
  4. Q4: What role does SAARC play in South Asia?
    ANS: SAARC promotes regional cooperation and addresses common challenges like economic development, poverty alleviation, and cultural exchange, although it faces issues like political tension and lack of enforcement.
  5. Q5: How has globalisation impacted South Asia?
    ANS: Globalisation has brought economic growth, technological advancements, and increased foreign investment to South Asia, but it has also led to economic disparities and cultural changes.
  6. Q6: What are some significant political events in India and Pakistan?
    ANS: Significant political events include India’s independence, the partition of India and Pakistan, the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, and democratic transitions and military coups in Pakistan.
  7. Q7: How do the economic reforms in South Asia affect political stability?
    ANS: Economic reforms aimed at liberalization and growth have led to increased political stability in some cases, but have also caused social unrest and inequality in others.
  8. Q8: What are the causes of ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka?
    ANS: The ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka was primarily caused by tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil minority, fueled by historical grievances, political exclusion, and militant movements.
  9. Q9: How has Nepal’s political system evolved over the years?
    ANS: Nepal transitioned from a monarchy to a federal democratic republic through a series of political movements, conflicts, and the adoption of a new constitution in 2015.
  10. Q10: What impact does regional cooperation have on South Asia’s development?
    ANS: Regional cooperation through initiatives like SAARC can enhance economic growth, address shared challenges, and promote peace and stability in South Asia, although political tensions can hinder progress.

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