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International Organisations Notes Chapter 4 Political science CBSE Class 12 Humanitas

CBSE Class 12 Contemporary World Politics (political science) Chapter Notes International Organisations
16 April 2025 by
Akash Kumar

International Organisations Notes Chapter 4 Political science CBSE Class 12 Humanitas

CBSE Class 12 Contemporary World Politics (political science) Chapter Notes International Organisations

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Why International Organisations?

Now the question arises, if each state has its own government to maintain peace in their respective borders, then why do we need an international organisation?

The answer is simple. Global problems require global solutions. International organisation helps prevent wars, coordinate responses to pandemic, and environmental crises, and provide a platform for countries to work together and resolve disputes, by following certain rules, charters and regulations. 



The United Nations was founded on October 24, 1945 by 51 countries that signed the UN Charter. 

  • The United Nations General Assembly and Security Council are its two main bodies that work towards keeping peace and promoting cooperation among member states. 
  • As the years passed, the leadership changed hands with Ban Ki Moon, the first Asian secretary general paving the way for Antonio Guterres.
  • Today the UN Security Council stands strong with 15 members, 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent, working together to address the world's most pressing challenges.


UN Reforms & India

  • India has taken constant efforts and shown its support for restructuring and broadening the composition of the UN Security Council. 
  • India has demanded a fundamental development plan at the UN. 
  • India believes that the current composition of the UN Security Council doesn't fairly represent the developing nations, therefore the number of permanent members should be increased as they contribute significantly to the organisation. 
  • India believes that as a rapidly growing economy, and fulfillment of requisite criteria, makes it a strong case for its permanent membership in the UN Security Council.  
  •  However, its dispute with China and Pakistan, along with poverty and international competition, is holding back India from getting a permanent spot in the UN Security Council. 


UN IN A UNIPOLAR WORLD

In the post-cold war era, the USA has become a Hegemon, standing unrivalled. Even the UN is not able to contain the uncontrolled power of the USA. 

As the UN’s biggest donor, covering around 22 percent of its cost, and a permanent UN Security Council member, the USA has a major influence in UN decisions. 

Nevertheless, the UN provided a vital platform for other countries to engage with the USA in a diplomatic setting. 

IMF

  • The IMF and World bank were established in July 1944, at a Bretton wood conference at New Hampshire. They are called the Bretton wood twins. 
  • The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was set up as an organisation to monitor financial institutions worldwide. 
  • This institution has a voting system, however not all member countries have an equal say. 
  • The voting powers and influence of each country in the IMF depends on the economic strength of each country. 
  • The top ten nations, which includes G8, Saudi Arabia and China, hold around 52 percent of the votes, leaving the rest of the countries having negligible Influence. 


World Bank

  • As mentioned earlier, the World bank was established under the Bretton wood conference. It was immediately established after world war two, to help the countries in Europe and Japan to redevelop themselves. It prioritised the development of Emerging nations. 
  • It focuses on important areas like environmental protection like pollution reduction, improving farming and rural life like irrigation and rural services and investing in human development like education, healthcare. 
  • However, the world bank is often criticised for interfering in poorer countries' decisions about their economies, imposing stringent loans and pushing for free market reforms. 


The World Trade Organisation (WTO)

  • In 1995, the world trade organisation rose from the ashes of the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (GATT).
  • WTO emerged with the aim of shaping the rules of global trade in this liberalised world. 
  •  With a total 157 members, WTO has provided a platform for major economic powers like the US, EU, and Japan to promote their economic interests. 


International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

  • The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was established in 1957, with the aim to harness nuclear energy for greater good, and minimize the risk of nuclear proliferation. 
  • It is dedicated towards promoting peaceful nuclear cooperation and preventing its misuse for military purposes.  
  • The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was created to turn President Dwight Eisenhower’s “Atom For Peace” idea into reality. 
  • The IAEA also keeps an eye on nuclear power plants across the world. 


Amnesty International 

  • Amnesty International is like a watchdog group that keeps an eye on the wrongdoings of the government and the other powerful and influential players to make sure that they are not teampling on human rights. 
  • It undertakes rigorous campaigns to promote and protect human rights globally. 
  • It is an NGO, which is grounded in the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 


Human Rights Watch

  • Another NGO that investigates Human Right abuses and pushes for change is Human Rights Watch. 
  • This fearless global NGO conducts in depth research and exposes human right abuses to international media. 
  • They have also helped build global movements to tackle issues like child soldiers, landmines and setting up of international criminal courts. 

To sum it up, these organisations are doing critical work to make the world a better place. From promoting fair trade to protecting human rights, they are helping to create a more just and equitable world for everyone.




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