What traumatic event does Zitkala-Sa describe at the school?

The forcible cutting of her long hair

Why was the cutting of her hair so humiliating to Zitkala-Sa?

Among her people, shingled hair was worn by cowards and mourners

Why do we need international organisations?

They help states resolve conflicts and differences peacefully, and enable cooperation on shared challenges like disease, global warming and trade that no single country can handle alone.

When and why was the UN founded?

It was founded in 1945, after the Second World War, as a successor to the League of Nations, to prevent international conflict and promote social and economic development.

What are the functions of the Security Council?

It is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, can authorise action against threats, and takes binding decisions, with its five permanent members holding the veto.

What is the veto power?

The power by which any permanent member of the Security Council can cast a negative vote to stall a resolution even if all other members support it.

What reforms of the UN structure have been demanded?

Enlarging permanent and non-permanent membership of the Security Council to reflect contemporary realities, fairer representation for Asia, Africa and Latin America, and reconsideration of the veto.

Why does India support restructuring of the UN?

India believes a strengthened, more representative UN with more developing countries on the Security Council would better reflect today's world and enjoy wider support.

On what grounds does India claim a permanent Security Council seat?

Its large population, status as the world's largest democracy, long peacekeeping record, regular financial contributions and growing economic power.

Why may it be difficult for India to become a permanent member soon?

Some states object on grounds of its nuclear status or disputes with Pakistan, and including India would require accommodating other claimants like Brazil, Germany, Japan and an African state.

Can the UN balance US power? Explain.

It cannot fully balance the US, which has unmatched military, economic and financial power plus the veto, but it provides a forum where US policies can be debated and compromises shaped.

What is the role of the World Trade Organisation?

It sets and enforces the rules of global trade as successor to GATT, though developing countries complain that powerful economies dominate its procedures.

International Organisations

Class 12 Political Science · Contemporary World Politics · Chapter 4

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Summary

This chapter explains why the world needs international organisations and focuses on the United Nations after the Cold War. International organisations are not super-states; they are created by states to help resolve conflicts peacefully and to tackle shared problems like disease, global warming and trade that no single country can solve alone. The UN was founded in 1945 as a successor to the failed League of Nations, with the aim of preventing war and promoting development. Its key bodies include the General Assembly, where every member has one vote, and the Security Council, whose five permanent members (US, Russia, UK, France, China) hold the veto. The Secretary-General is its most visible figure. After the Cold War, demands grew to reform the UN — especially to enlarge the Security Council and reconsider the veto — to reflect new realities. India supports such reform and seeks permanent membership, citing its population, democracy, peacekeeping record and growing economy, though some countries object. The chapter argues the UN cannot fully balance US power but provides a vital forum for dialogue. It also profiles the IMF, World Bank, WTO, IAEA, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

Key terms

United Nations

The international organisation founded in 1945 to prevent war and promote cooperation and development among states.

Security Council

The UN body responsible for peace and security, with five veto-wielding permanent members and ten non-permanent members.

Veto power

The negative vote by which any one permanent member of the Security Council can block a resolution.

General Assembly

The UN organ in which every member state has one equal vote.

WTO

The World Trade Organisation, set up in 1995 as successor to GATT, which frames the rules of global trade.

IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency, which promotes peaceful use of nuclear energy and prevents military misuse.

Extra questions & answers

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The United Nations was founded in:

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