International Organisations 12 Political Science Chapter 4 CBSE Notes 2025-26

The chapter explores the significance of international organisations, especially after the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union. It highlights why bodies like the United Nations (UN) exist, focusing on their role in maintaining peace, providing a platform for dialogue, and enabling cooperation amongst countries. The UN, despite criticism at times for its limitations, is widely regarded as the most important institution for global peace and collective progress.

Reasons for Having International Organisations International organisations are crucial because countries often have disagreements that could escalate into conflicts. Instead of resorting to war, nations can use these bodies to resolve disputes peacefully. Such organisations help address issues that are global in nature and cannot be solved by one nation alone, such as diseases, environmental concerns, and global warming. They provide frameworks, rules, and mechanisms to make cooperation effective and transparent among member nations.

The United Nations: Foundation and Structure The UN was founded in 1945 after World War II, aiming to prevent further large-scale conflicts and to promote social and economic development worldwide. It started with 51 member states through the signing of the UN Charter and has now grown to 193 members. The UN General Assembly allows every member a single vote, while the Security Council has five permanent members—United States, Russia, United Kingdom, France, and China—reflecting the power balance after World War II.

Key Agencies and Figures The UN is composed of various agencies, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and UNESCO, that deal with social, economic, and humanitarian issues. The Secretary-General is the official head and most visible figure, currently António Guterres of Portugal, who took office in 2017. A list of previous Secretaries-General includes Trygve Lie, Dag Hammarskjöld, U Thant, Kurt Waldheim, Javier Perez de Cuellar, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Kofi Annan, and Ban Ki-moon.

Reform and Challenges After the Cold War After the Cold War, many new global issues emerged, such as climate change, terrorism, civil wars, and economic crises. There has been considerable debate about reforming the UN, especially its Security Council, so that it better represents present-day realities. Proposals include increasing permanent and non-permanent members, especially from Asia, Africa, and South America, to improve representativeness and effectiveness.

The Security Council’s composition is often criticized for not reflecting current political or economic power. The UN General Assembly’s key complaints are that the Council mainly reflects Western interests and lacks fair representation. Criteria often suggested for new permanent membership include major military and economic power, a large population, contribution to the UN budget, and respect for democracy and human rights.

India and UN Reforms India consistently supports UN reforms focusing on making the Security Council more democratic and representative. India argues its own case for a permanent seat, highlighting that it is the world’s largest democracy, one of the most populous countries, and a regular contributor to the UN in terms of funding and peacekeeping missions. However, India’s aspiration faces challenges from some countries, including concerns about regional balance (especially from countries in Africa and Latin America) and political disagreements.

Major International Institutions Multiple international organisations operate alongside the UN. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) oversees global financial stability, though voting rights favor richer countries (with the G-7 holding over 40%). The World Bank provides loans and grants mainly to developing countries but is sometimes criticized for imposing strict economic reforms. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) sets global trade rules, but many developing countries raise concerns about the influence of developed economies.

Other important agencies are the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which monitors the peaceful use of nuclear technology, and non-governmental organisations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which advocate for human rights and report violations.

The UN in a Unipolar World After the Soviet Union’s dissolution, the United States emerged as the world’s only superpower. The chapter discusses whether the UN can act as a balance to US dominance, considering America’s significant voting power, veto rights, and financial contributions. Although the US wields strong influence, debates over reform continue, reflecting concerns about fairness and equity within the UN’s decision-making.

Limitations and Importance of the UN Despite weaknesses and failures, such as the inability to prevent some wars or conflicts, the UN is still valued by nations for its role in facilitating cooperation, peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and as a forum for resolving disputes without war. Technology and globalisation have increased the need for such international cooperation, highlighting the UN’s enduring relevance.

Practice Questions and Activities Students are encouraged to analyze functions of different UN organs, evaluate Security Council reforms, argue for or against India’s inclusion as a permanent member, and critically assess the challenges facing UN reforms. Activities also ask students to identify global issues needing international cooperation and recognize major contributors to the UN budget.

Summary Table: UN Security Council (Key Features)

These points and facts will help students to understand the structure, functioning, and ongoing debates around international organisations, with a clear focus on the United Nations and India’s role within it.

Class 12 Political Science Chapter 4 Notes – International Organisations: Key Points for Quick Revision

These Class 12 Political Science notes on International Organisations summarise important topics like the origins, structure, and reforms of the United Nations and other global agencies. Quick reference to UN Security Council reforms, India's role, and key international institutions makes exam revision easier. Strengthen your understanding of global governance with clear facts and timely data.

Get all the vital points for CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 4 in an organised, easy-to-read format. These notes cover major agencies like WTO, IMF, and World Bank, and explain their influence on world politics. Make your revision comprehensive by using these concise, reliable highlights for better score confidence.