Chapter 4 of NCERT Class 12 Political Science Part 1, titled International Organisations, focuses on the role of global institutions like the United Nations (UN), its specialised agencies, and how they help maintain peace, development, and cooperation among countries. The chapter explains how the world is governed at the international level and how organisations such as the UN Security Council work to resolve conflicts and promote stability. It also brings out India’s position on reforming international bodies and why such reforms are needed today.
I chose to write on this chapter because I believe many students simply mug up facts about the UN without really understanding its purpose. But knowing how these organisations work is essential—not just for board exams but also for anyone preparing for UPSC, defence services, or international relations courses. Also, with global conflicts in the news—like the Russia–Ukraine war or discussions on climate change—these organisations keep making headlines. This chapter helps us understand the meaning behind those headlines. It’s not just about learning who the UN Secretary-General is; it’s about understanding why international cooperation is necessary and how it works behind the scenes.
What Are International Organisations?
International organisations are institutions that countries join voluntarily to solve global problems together. They can be inter-governmental (like the UN or WTO) or non-governmental (like Red Cross or Amnesty International). These bodies help in peacekeeping, enforcing human rights, facilitating trade, handling natural disasters, and more.
Main Types of International Organisations
- Global Organisations: These work across all countries. Example: United Nations (UN), World Bank, IMF.
- Regional Organisations: Limited to a specific region. Example: SAARC (South Asia), EU (Europe), ASEAN (Southeast Asia).
- Issue-Based Organisations: These work on one specific theme like environment or health. Example: WHO (health), UNEP (environment), WTO (trade).
The United Nations: Structure and Purpose
The UN was formed in 1945 after World War II with the aim of preventing future wars and promoting peace. It has 193 member countries as of now.
Key Organs of the UN:
| Organ Name | Function |
|---|---|
| General Assembly | Every country gets one vote, debates major issues |
| Security Council | Handles peace and security; 5 permanent, 10 elected members |
| Economic & Social Council | Discusses global economic and social matters |
| International Court of Justice | Settles legal disputes between countries |
| Secretariat | Administrative wing, headed by the Secretary-General |
Five Permanent Members of UN Security Council (P5):
- USA
- UK
- France
- Russia
- China
These countries have veto power, meaning any one of them can block a decision.
India’s Stand on UN Reform
India has been a part of the UN since 1945 but is not a permanent member of the Security Council. It argues that the current structure does not reflect present-day realities. For example, countries like India, Germany, Japan, and Brazil are major global powers but still don’t have permanent membership.
Points India raises:
- The world has changed since 1945
- Developing countries must have more say
- Decision-making must become more democratic
India’s demand is widely supported, but permanent members often resist change because they don’t want to lose their exclusive power.
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NCERT Class 12 Political Science Part 1 Chapter 4 – International Organisations
