The End of Bipolarity Important Short and Long Question Class 12 Political Science Chapter-1 Book-Contemporary World Politics

 

Question: Tell us about the Berlin Wall?

Answer -

• The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 

• It was 150km long 

• It stood for 28 years 

• This wall was a symbol of division between the capitalist world and the communist world 

• It was demolished by the general public on 9 November 1989 

Question:  What is meant by the other world?

Answer -

• After the Second World War, the countries of Eastern Europe joined the Soviet bloc 

• The political and communist systems of all these countries were molded on the lines of the socialist system 

• These are called second world countries 

Question:  What are the main features of the Soviet system?

Answer -

• The Soviet system was inspired by opposition to the capitalist system and the ideals of socialism. 

• The Soviet system had a planned economy. 

• The Communist Party was dominant. 

• Developed economy. 

• Advanced Communication Systems. 

• Huge energy resources (minerals, oil, iron, steel) 

• Remote areas were connected with better transport system 

• Advanced Consumer Industries (manufacturing everything from pins to cars) 

• Minimum standard of living facilities.

• There is no unemployment. 

• health care, education 

• The main form of ownership is state ownership 

• The state had control over the means of production

Question:  So, what were the main reasons for the disintegration of the Union? 

Answer -

• Inability to fulfill the political and economic aspirations of the citizens. 

• bureaucratic stranglehold on the soviet system 

• Control of the Communist Party. 

• Maximum use of resources on nuclear weapons. 

• Lagging behind the West in technology and infrastructure. 

• The Prominence of Russia.

• There was opposition to the reforms made by Gorbachev. 

• The economy is stagnant and there is a shortage of consumer goods. 

• Rise of nationalist sentiments and desire for sovereignty. 

• The Soviet system was authoritarian 

• The party is not accountable to the public.

Question –  What were the consequences of the disintegration of the Soviet Union?

Answer -

• end of the cold war

• end of the arms race

• The end of the battle of ideologies

• Unipolar World (American Dominance)

• breakup of the Soviet Union

• The emergence of new countries

• Russia became the successor to the Soviet Union 

• Power relations in world politics have changed 

• Socialist ideology was questioned

Question:  Describe Gorbachev's policy of reforms?

Answer -

• Mikhail Gorbachev launched a policy of economic and political reforms in the Soviet Union 

• Gorbachev also initiated the policy of democratization  

• Glasnost, Perestroika  

Question -  So. After the disintegration of the Union the world became unipolar. Describe it?

Answer -

• when the soviet union disintegrated 

• After that America was the only superpower left in the world 

• America's dominance was visible all over the world  

• There is no one left to compete with America 

• Global power relations have changed 

Question –  What is meant by shock therapy? 

Answer -

• Shock therapy literally means treatment by causing shock. 

• After the fall of communism, the republics of the Soviet Union  had to adopt a model guided by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund 

• Under this model, communism was to be abandoned and capitalism was to be adopted;  this is called shock therapy.

Question:  What are the main features of shock therapy?

Answer -

• The main form of ownership is private ownership. 

• Privatisation of state assets. 

• Private farms instead of collective farms. 

• Adoption of free trade system. 

• Mutual convertibility of currencies. 

• Connection with the economic system of western countries. 

• No alternative system other than capitalism was accepted.

Question:  Tell me the results of shock therapy?

Answer -

• The economy of the entire region was devastated

• Russia's industrial infrastructure has collapsed

• 90 percent of industries were sold to private companies

• Important industries were sold at very low prices (a pittance)

• It is said to be the largest garage sale in history 

• Russian currency ruble fell,  inflation increased, food had to be imported

• Government concessions were abolished

• Sharp division between rich and poor people

Question –  What is meant by Commonwealth of Independent States?

Answer -

• The Soviet Union disintegrated in 1991 

• After that 15 independent countries emerged 

• These countries together formed an organization  called the Commonwealth of Independent States.  Its membership was voluntary.  

• It promotes trade and labour among member countries 

Question:  Discuss India's relations with Russia and other former communist countries?

Answer -

• India has good relations with former communist countries, 

• There are particularly strong ties with Russia.

• Both Russia and India dream of a multipolar world.

• Both countries believe in coexistence, collective security, territorial sovereignty,  independent foreign policy, resolution of international disputes through dialogue

• Believe in the strengthening of the United Nations and democracy.

• In the year 2001, 80 bilateral agreements  were signed between India and Russia.

• India is a big buyer of Russian arms.

• Oil is imported from Russia.

• We get help from Russia in nuclear and space plans.

• There have been efforts to increase energy imports with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

• Indian artists are especially liked in Uzbekistan.

Question:  Describe the situation of conflict and tension in the republics of the former Soviet Union?

Answer -

• The state of civil war continued in Tajikistan for 10 years.

• Violent separatist movements took place in two Russian republics, Chechnya and Dagestan.

• There is also a situation of violence and tension in Azerbaijan and Armenia.

• There are movements to overthrow the current regime in Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan and Georgia.