Class 12 Political Science Chapter 4: International Organisations

Contemporary World Politics · NCERT-based study notes · CBSE 2026–27

Chapter overview

Why international organisations matter, the United Nations system, reform debates and key global institutions. These Class 12 Political Science chapter notes organise the key ideas, developments and terms for focused study. Read the explanations alongside the prescribed NCERT textbook, and use the revision prompts to check how well you can connect causes, processes and outcomes.

How to study this chapter: identify the central question, explain each development in its political context, and support answers with relevant examples and evidence from the textbook.

Introduction

International organizations are formal institutions with membership from multiple countries that work on issues of common interest. They play crucial roles in maintaining peace, promoting cooperation, and addressing global challenges.

1. United Nations (UN)

Establishment:

Purposes (UN Charter):

Principal Organs:

Organ Composition Functions
General Assembly All member states (1 vote each) Deliberative policymaking body
Security Council 15 members (5 permanent) Maintain peace and security
Economic and Social Council 54 members Coordinates economic/social work
International Court of Justice 15 judges Judicial organ
Secretariat Secretary-General + staff Administrative functions

UN Security Council:

2. Reform of the UN

Need for Reform:

Proposed Reforms:

👉Criteria that have been proposed for new permanent and non-permanent members of the Security Council. A new member, it has been suggested, should be:

  • A major economic power
  • A major military power
  • A major military power
  • A substantial contributor to the UN budget
  • A big nation in terms of its population
  • A nation that respects democracy and human rights
  • A country that would make the Council more representative of the world’s diversity in terms of geography, economic systems, and culture.

      👉In September 2005, all member-states met to celebrate the anniversary and review the situation. The leaders in this meeting decided on the following steps to make the UN more relevant in the changing context:

    • Creation of a Peacebuilding Commission.
    • Acceptance of the responsibility of the international community in cases where national governments fail to protect their citizens from atrocities.
    • Establishment of a Human Rights Council, which became operational on 19 June 2006.
    • Agreements to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
    • Condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
    • Creation of a Democracy Fund.
    • Agreement to wind up the Trusteeship Council.

      3. Specialized Agencies of UN

      • WHO: World Health Organization (health issues)
      • UNESCO: Education, Science and Culture
      • ILO: International Labour Organization
      • FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization
      • IMF: International Monetary Fund
      • World Bank: Provides loans for development

      4. Other International Organizations

      World Trade Organization (WTO):

      • Established in 1995 (replaced GATT)
      • Regulates international trade
      • 164 member countries
      • Seeks to reduce trade barriers

      International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):

      • Promotes peaceful use of nuclear energy
      • Prevents nuclear proliferation
      • Works under UN umbrella

      Amnesty International:

      • NGO focused on human rights
      • Campaigns against human rights violations
      • Nobel Peace Prize winner

      5. Regional Organizations

      Organization Established Members Purpose
      European Union (EU) 1993 27 countries Economic and political integration
      ASEAN 1967 10 SE Asian nations Regional cooperation
      SAARC 1985 8 South Asian nations Regional development
      African Union (AU) 2002 55 African nations Political and economic integration

      6. India and International Organizations

      India's Role in UN:

    • Founding member of UN
    • Active in peacekeeping missions
    • Advocates for developing countries
    • Seeks permanent Security Council seat

      • India in Other Organizations:

      Key Terms

      • Veto Power: Special voting power of permanent UNSC members to block resolutions
      • Peacekeeping: UN missions to maintain peace in conflict zones
      • Global Governance: Collective management of global issues
      • Humanitarian Intervention: Use of force to protect human rights
      • Soft Power: Influence through culture, values rather than force

      7. Important Questions

      1. Explain the structure and functions of the United Nations.
      2. What are the arguments for and against the reform of UN Security Council?
      3. Compare the roles of WTO and World Bank in global economy.
      4. Analyze India's role in international organizations.
      5. What are the challenges faced by the United Nations in the 21st century?
      6. What makes UN an indispensable organisation?

      Quick revision

      • State the chapter’s central political question in your own words.
      • Connect major causes, turning points and consequences rather than memorising isolated facts.
      • Use precise terms and examples from the prescribed NCERT chapter.
      • Organise long answers with an introduction, linked points and a clear conclusion.

      Important questions for practice

      1. Explain the major developments and ideas discussed in this chapter and show how they are connected.
      2. Analyse the causes and consequences of one important change covered in the chapter.
      3. Compare the key political positions, institutions or processes discussed in the chapter.
      4. How does this chapter help explain a wider change in Indian or world politics?

      These are practice prompts, not verified previous-year questions. Develop answers from the prescribed textbook and notes above.

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