🟩 1. Introduction to World Politics
- World Politics refers to the study of political relations and power dynamics between countries.
- It includes international relations (IR), foreign policies, global organizations, and world events that shape peace, security, and development.
- The goal is to maintain international peace, cooperation, and justice.
🟩 2. Key Concepts in World Politics
| Concept | Meaning |
|---|
| Nation-State | A country with its own government and territory (e.g., India, France) |
| Sovereignty | Freedom of a state to govern itself |
| Power | Ability of a country to influence others |
| Diplomacy | Managing relations through negotiation |
| Globalization | Interconnection of world economies, culture, and politics |
🟩 3. The Cold War (1945–1991)
🔹 Definition:
A period of political tension and rivalry between the USA (Capitalist Bloc) and the USSR (Communist Bloc) after World War II.
🔹 Key Features:
- No direct war between USA & USSR (hence “cold”)
- Arms Race (nuclear weapons development)
- Space Race (competition for space exploration)
- Formation of military alliances:
- NATO (1949) – led by USA
- Warsaw Pact (1955) – led by USSR
🔹 End of Cold War:
- Disintegration of USSR (1991) → marked the end of bipolar world
- Rise of USA as a superpower
🟩 4. Major Political Systems
| System | Description | Example |
|---|
| Democracy | Power with people, free elections | India, USA |
| Communism | State controls economy and society | China, Cuba |
| Monarchy | Ruled by a King/Queen | UK, Saudi Arabia |
| Dictatorship | One leader with absolute power | North Korea |
🟩 5. Global Organizations
🔹 United Nations (UN)
- Formed in 1945 to promote peace and cooperation.
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Main Organs:
- General Assembly – all member nations
- Security Council – 15 members (5 permanent: USA, UK, France, Russia, China)
- Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
- International Court of Justice (ICJ)
- Secretariat – administrative body
- Special Agencies: WHO, UNESCO, UNICEF, IMF, ILO
🟩 6. The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
- Started during the Cold War by Jawaharlal Nehru (India), Tito (Yugoslavia), Nasser (Egypt), etc.
- Purpose: Stay neutral and not join either USA or USSR bloc.
- Promoted peace, independence, and cooperation among developing nations.
🟩 7. Globalization
- Meaning: Growing interconnection between countries in economy, technology, and culture.
- Causes: Internet, transport, global trade, MNCs, media.
- Effects:
- Economic growth & global markets
- Cultural exchange
- But also inequality and loss of local culture
🟩 8. Major Global Issues
| Issue | Description |
|---|
| Terrorism | Global threat to peace (e.g., 9/11 attacks) |
| Climate Change | Global warming due to pollution |
| Poverty & Inequality | Economic gap between rich & poor nations |
| Refugee Crisis | Displacement due to war or disaster |
| Nuclear Weapons | Threat to global security |
| Human Rights Violations | Suppression of freedoms and rights |
🟩 9. Global Economic Institutions
| Organization | Function |
|---|
| World Bank | Provides loans for development |
| IMF (International Monetary Fund) | Stabilizes global economy |
| WTO (World Trade Organization) | Regulates international trade |
| OECD | Promotes economic cooperation |
🟩 10. Regional Cooperation Groups
| Organization | Members | Aim |
|---|
| EU (European Union) | European countries | Economic & political integration |
| ASEAN | Southeast Asian countries | Regional development |
| SAARC | South Asian countries | Regional cooperation |
| OPEC | Oil-producing countries | Regulate oil prices |
| G20 | 20 major economies | Global economic policy |
🟩 11. Post-Cold War World
- Rise of Unipolar world (USA’s dominance)
- Later → shift toward multipolarity (China, EU, India growing powers)
- Focus on economic cooperation instead of military rivalry
- Importance of technology, AI, and digital diplomacy
🟩 12. India’s Role in World Politics
- Founding member of the UN and NAM leader
- Supports peaceful coexistence and non-interference
- Active participant in climate action, peacekeeping, and G20
- Emerged as a rising global power due to its economy, IT, and diplomacy
🟩 13. Peace and Conflict Resolution
- Promoted through UN peacekeeping missions, treaties, and diplomatic dialogue.
- India has contributed soldiers to UN Peacekeeping Forces in Africa and Asia.
- Importance of disarmament and nuclear control agreements (like NPT, CTBT).
🟩 14. Human Rights & Global Justice
- Based on Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) by the UN.
- Ensures rights like freedom, equality, and dignity for all humans.
- Violations include discrimination, genocide, child labor, etc.
🟩 15. Key Terms Recap
| Term | Meaning |
|---|
| Bipolar World | Two superpowers (USA & USSR) |
| Unipolar World | One superpower (USA) |
| Multipolar World | Several strong powers |
| Foreign Policy | Strategy for dealing with other nations |
| Soft Power | Influence through culture, diplomacy, not force |
🧾 Quick Recap Table
| Topic | Key Points |
|---|
| Cold War | USA vs USSR rivalry (1945–1991) |
| UN | Formed in 1945 to maintain peace |
| NAM | Neutral group during Cold War |
| Globalization | Interconnection of world economies |
| Global Issues | Terrorism, Climate Change, Poverty |
| India’s Role | Peace, Non-alignment, Diplomacy |
