Political Science – Class – XII

Security in the Contemporary World

1 Mark Questions

Question 1.
Define security. (Delhi 2014)
OR
What is meant by security? (Delhi 2013)
OR
What does security relate to? (All India 2008)
Answer:
Security mainly refers to freedom from threats. Existence of human being
and life of a country is full of threats, concludingly, security is related to
extremely dangerous threats, which could endanger to core values and these
values are not repairable.

Question 2.
Define cooperative security, (All India 2014)
OR
What is cooperative security? (Delhi to 2008)
Answer:
Cooperative security means to achieve security with the help of cooperation
among the countries at the bilateral, regional or global level. It may include
International Organisations, NGO’s, trade unions etc.

Question 3.
What is meant by disarmament? (All India 2014)
Answer:
Disarmament requires all states to give up certain types of weapons. For
instance, the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and 1992
Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) banned the production and
possession of these weapons.

Question 4.
Mention any two new threats to the security of a state. (All India 2013)
Answer:
Two new threats to the security of a state are :
 Poverty
 Terrorism

Question 5.
How is balance of power a component of traditional security? (All India
2012)
OR
What is balance of power? (All India 2008)
Answer:

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Balance of power refers to the maintenance of balance of military power in
comparison to a neighbouring country. The governments have to be very
careful regarding balance of power between nations, as at some point of time
in future any government can opt to be aggressive.

Question 6.
How is alliance building a component of traditional security? (All India 2012)
Answer:
An association or an alliance is a partnership of states that coordinate with
each other to deter and defend against military attack. This is done to
increases the effective power in comparison of other countries.

Question 7.
Why human security is more important in the contemporary world than
territorial security? (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
Human security has been given priority over territorial security because a
secured state does not imply secured people. If we look into the last 100
years, maximum number of people have been killed by their own
governments rather than foreign armies.

Question 8.
What is human security? (All India 2011)
OR
What is meant by human security? (All India 2009)
OR
What do you understand by human security? (All India (C) 2008)
Answer:
By human security we mean the security of integrity rights and self-respect
of human being along with their life, dignity and honour.

Question 9.
State any one measure to deal with terrorism as a new source of threat to
security. (Delhi 2011)
Answer:
Terrorism is a new source of threat to security. International cooperation
can work in dealing with terrorism.

Question 10.
What in meant by global security? Delhi 2009; (All India (C) 2008)
Answer:
Global security means international cooperation to combat various
international issues. The idea of global security emerged in the 1990s in
response to threats like global warming, terrorism, AIDS, etc.

Question 11.
What is meant by ‘territorial security’? (Delhi 2009)

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Answer:
Territorial security means security against threats from across the borders
and from within the country. It protects and safeguards the territory of a
country.

Question 12.
What is the basic difference between the ‘traditional’ and ‘non-traditional’
concept of security? (Delhi 2009)
Answer:
Traditional security deals with use or threat of use of military whereas non-
traditional security go beyond military threats and include threats that
endanger human existence.

Question 13.
What did BWC (Biological Weapons Convention), 1972 decide? (All India
2008)
Answer:
Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) of 1972 decided to ban the
production and possession of biological and chemical weapons.

2 Marks Questions

Question 1.
Mention any two human rights in the political field. (All India 2014)
Answer:
The two human rights in the political field are:
 Right to freedom of speech
 Right to assemble peacefully

Question 2.
Highlight any two threats to a country’s security as per the traditional
notion of security. (All India 2014)
Answer:
Two threats as per the traditional notion of security are :
 Military threats which endangers the core values of sovereignty,
independence and territorial integrity.
 Balance of power which means some countries are bigger and stronger
than other countries.

Question 3.
Explain the traditional concept of ‘security’. (Delhi 2013)
OR
What is the traditional notion of security? (All India (C) 2008)
Answer:
Traditional security is mainly concerned with the use or threat of use of
military force. In traditional security, force is both the principle threat to
security and the principle means of achieving security.

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Question 4.
What is meant by the non-traditional notion of security? (All India 2013)
Answer:
Non-traditional notions of security extends beyond military threats. It covers
various categories of threats and dangers, which affect the conditions of
human existence. Non-traditional notions doubts traditional referent of
security.

Question 5.
Which are the two forms of cooperative security as per its traditional notion?
(All India 2013)
Answer:
The two forms of cooperative security as per its traditional notion are:
 Disarmament
 Confidence building

Question 6.
Mention any two components of India’s security strategy. (Delhi 2011)
OR
Describe any two components of India’s security strategy. (All India (C)
2008)
Answer:
Two components of India’s security strategy are :
 Strengthening of military capabilities as India has been involved in
conflicts with its neighbours.
 Development of economy is another component of India’s security
strategy.

Question 7.
Mention any four components of traditional security. (Delhi 2008)
Answer:
Four components of traditional security policy are:
 Deterrence
 Defence
 Balance of power
 Alliance building

Question 8.
Mention any four threats, except war, to human security, (All India 2008)
Answer:
The four threats to human security are:
 Terrorism
 Global poverty
 Human rights violation
 Migration

Question 9.
List any two new sources of threats to security. (Delhi (C) 2008)

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Answer:
Two new sources of threats to security are:
 Terrorism refers to political violence that targets civilians deliberately
and indiscriminately.
 Health epidemics such as HIV-AIDS, bird flu and Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Question 10.
What is the relationship between traditional security and cooperation?
(Delhi (C) 2008)
Answer:
Traditional security is closely related with cooperation as it recognises the
need for cooperation to limit violence. This limit directly relates to both
means and ends of the war. It has been universally accepted that countries
should go to war for genuine reasons, say self-defence or to protect other
people from genocide.

4 Marks Questions

Question 1.
What is meant by alliance building as a component of traditional security
policy? What are its advantages? (All India 2016)
Answer:
Alliance building is the fourth element of traditional security policy. An
association or an alliance is a partnership of states which coordinate with
each other to deter and defend against military attack.
Advantages of alliance building as a component or traditional security policy
are:
 Most alliances are made in written treaties and are based on a fairly
clear identification who makes the threat.
 Alliances are formed based on national interest and can change when
national interests change.
 Countries form alliances to increase their effective power relative to
another country or alliance.

Question 2.
Explain the concept of human security. (All India 2015)
Answer:
The concept of human security is concerned with protection of people.
Though, human security and state security are often considered the same,
but secure states do not mean secure people. Protection of citizens from
foreign attack is necessary condition for the security of people, but not a
sufficient one. During the last 100 years, there have been more killing by
their own governments rather than foreign armies.
According to proponents (supporters) of human security, the basic goal is
the protection of individuals. There are however, differences over the threats

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from which individuals are to be protected. There are basically two
categories of proponents.
They are :
 Narrow concept
 Broad concept

Question 3.
Differentiate between the traditional and the non-traditional notions of
security. (HOTS; Delhi 2015)
Answer:
The differences between traditional and non-traditional security are:

Traditional Security Non-Traditional Security

Traditional security deals with use Non-traditional security go beyond

or threat of use of military. military threats and include threats
that endanger human existence.

Traditional threats to security Non-traditional security is

endanger the core values of concerned with threats that
sovereignty, independence and endanger the human than state.
territorial integrity of state.

Under traditional concept, major Under non-traditional security

focus is on use of military force. military is used as a last resort.

Under traditional security, force is Under non-traditional concept

both principal threat to security and threat is general environment.
means to achieve security.

Question 4.
Distinguish between the internal and external notion of traditional security.
(HOTS; All India 2015)
Answer:
Differences between the internal and external notion of traditional security
are

Internal Notion External Notion

Although internal security was a Mostly when we talk of security in

part of the concerns of the traditional conception, it is about

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governments historically, however, external security wherein greatest
it was not given much importance. threats is from another country.

Internal security mainly concerned External notion of security is

with maintaining internal peace and concerned with protecting
order. And protecting the country sovereignty, independence and
from separatist threats from within. territorial integrity from military
threats of another country.

Under internal notion of traditional Under external notion, security

security, security policy of states is policy are-deference, defence,
either suppression of separatist balance of power and alliance
demands or adjustment of their building.
demands.

Internal wars and conflicts now Although External security threats

make up more than 95 per cent of still have been major concern for
all armed conflicts fought anywhere governments, however frequency of
in the world. war between countries has been
reduced greatly now.

Internal security problems and In case of external security conflicts,

threats can be regulated by war, and threats there is no
acknowledged central authority that acknowledged central authority that
is government. stands above everyone else. UNO
authority is only to the extent that
member state allows.

Question 5.
Explain any four components of India’s security strategy. (All India 2014)
OR
Explain in brief any four components of India’s security strategy. (Delhi
2012)
OR
Describe any two important components of India’s security strategy. (All
India 2011)
OR
State the various components of India’s ‘security strategy.’ (All indin 2009)
Answer:
The security strategy of India involves four components:

1. Strengthening military capability This is the very first component of

Indian security strategy because India has been involved in conflict with its
neighbours. It is surrounded by nuclear-armed countries in the South Asian
region, so India first tested a nuclear device in 1974 was justified.

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2. Strengthening International Norms and Institutions India took initiatives
to bring about a universal and non-discriminatory non-proliferation regime
in which all countries would have the same rights and obligations with
respect to weapons of mass destruction.
3. Internal security The very third components of Indian security strategy is
geared towards meeting security challenges within the country. Several
militant groups from areas such as the Nagaland, Mizoram, Punjab and
Kashmir among others have, from time to time, sought to break away from
India.
4. Development of economy India wants to develop its economy in a way that
the vast mass of citizen are lifted out of poverty and misery and huge
economic inequalities are not allowed to exist.

Question 6.
Identify and explain any four new sources of threat to security. (Delhi 2013)
OR
How is global poverty a source of insecurity? Explain. (All India 2012)
Answer:
Four new threats to security are :

1. Terrorism It means political violence targeting civilians intentionally

and non-selectively. International terrorism involves the citizens or
territory of more than one country. Terrorist groups try to change the
political context which they do not like by force or threat of force.
Civilians are targeted to terrorise the public.
2. Human Rights They have been categorised into three types:
 Political rights: It include freedom of speech and assembly.
 Economic and social rights: It deals with rights related to
economic and social nature.
 Rights of colonised people: It deals with rights of colonised people
or ethnic and indigenous minorities counts.
3. Global Poverty Due to the high per capita income and low population,
rich countries become richer and vice versa. Globally, this disparity
contributes to the gap between the Northern and Southern countries of
the world.
4. Migration International political frictions have been created due to large
scale migration of people from South to North. In order to seek better
life and economic opportunities people have migrated to North.

Question 7.
What are the reasons behind the rise of international terrorism? (Delhi
2009)
Answer:
The reasons behind the rise of international terrorism are:

1. Islamic Fundamentalism Orthodoxy, religious fundamentalism and

narrow mindedness which preaches antagonistic feeling among

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 different communities is responsible for this growth of International
terrorism.
2. US Hegemony US policy of interference and its intentions of spreading
its hegemony across the world has been vehemently opposed by the
people of Iran, Iraq, Cuba, Palestine, etc. and the same is also
responsible for the spread of terrorism across the globe.
3. Failure of UN and other International Body The UNO has remained
merely a debating forum under the influence of major world powers
and opinions and wishes of developing countries have been largely
ignored.
The same is responsible for the growth of International terrorism.
4. Uneven growth of economy Some part of the world is over developed
whereas major part of the world have remained underdeveloped and
people in these countries are facing the problems of rampant
unemployment, illiteracy, hunger, poverty etc. Suffering of people in
these countries is also responsible for the growth of International
terrorism.

6 Marks Questions

Question 1.
What is meant by global poverty? Suggest any two ways to reduce disparity
between the poor and the rich at the global level. (All India 2017)
Answer:
Global poverty is another source of insecurity. At present, world population
is 7 billion which is likely to rise upto 9-10 billion in upcoming decades.
Currently, half of the world’s population growth occurs in just six countries
India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh and Indonesia. Among the
world’s poorest countries, population is expected to triple in the next 50
years, whereas population is shrinking in many rich countries.

High per capita income and low population growth make rich state or rich
social groups get richer, whereas low incomes and high population growth
reinforce each other to make poor states and poor groups get poorer.
Globally, this disparity contributes to the gap between the Northern and
Southern countries of world. Poverty in the South has also been causing
large-scale migration to seek a better life and economic opportunities.

Two ways to reduce disparity between the poor and rich at the global level
are :
1. Quality education Provides children knowledge and life skills to realise
their full potential. Education is a means through which employable skills
are imparted. To remove poverty globally, governments must ensure quality
education to each and every child. Education is a liberating force which
liberate the people from poverty, suppression, exploitation, etc.

2. Economic and social security: To overcome poverty, communities

around the world must be provided economic and social securities they need
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to thrive. Government accross the globe must extend basic health care,
education, housing, pension, disability insurance, survivor benefits and
unemployment insurence to the families living under poverty.
Apart from these, people living in poverty must be ensured to have skills and
knowledge they need to secure a livelihood, and support their families.

Question 2.
What is meant by traditional notion of external security? Describe any two
components of this type of security. (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Traditional notion of external security means the greatest danger to a
country is from military threats. The very origin of this kind of insecurity is
other nation, which by threatening the military action perils the core values
of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Military action also
endangers the lives of ordinary citizens.

The two components are :

1. Deterrence: It is concerned with prevention of war. It is a strategy
intended to dissuade an adversary from taking an action which is not
yet started.
2. Balance of power: Not every country is equal in terms of power. When
other countries are looked around, it can be judged easily that who is
threat for our nation in coming future. Some nations are bigger and
stronger in comparison to others.

The governments have to be very careful regarding balance of power between

nations, as at some point of time in future any government can opt to be
aggressive.

Question 3.
Explain balance of power as a component of traditional security policy. How
could a state achieve this balance? (Delhi 2016)
Answer:
Balance of Power as a component of traditional security policy The balance
of power is the third components of traditional security policy. It means that
not every country is equal in terms of power. When other countries are
looked around, it can be judged easily that who is threat for our nation in
coming future. Some countries are bigger and stronger.
For instance, a neighbouring country may not be preparing to attack. Infact
there is no strong reason for a war or attack to happen. But the fact that the
country is strong and bigger is a kind of symbol that it will attack in future
if circumstances arises. On the basis of a speculation, governments are very
sensitive to the balance of power between their country and other countries.
It is important to maintain a favourable balance of power with the countries
with whom they have differences and with those they have had issues in the
past.
In the following way State/Nation can achieve balance of power:

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  Building up one’s military power is essential to have a balance of
power.
 Developing economic and technological power are also important since
they are the basis for military power.

Question 4.
Describe any three new sources of threat to security giving examples for
each. (All India 2016)
OR
What is meant by security? Evaluate the role of any four new sources of
threat to security. (Delhi 2010)
Answer:
Security mainly refers to freedom from threats. Existence of human being
and life of a country is full of threats, concludingly, security is related to
extremely dangerous threats which could endanger the core values and
these values are not repairable.
Four new source of threat four new threats to security are :

1. Terrorism: It means political violence targeting civilians intentionally

and non-selectively. International terrorism involves the citizens or
territory of more than one country. Terrorist groups try to change the
political context which they do not like by force or threat of force.
Civilians are targeted to terrorise the public.
2. Human Rights: They have been categorised into three types:
 Political rights: It include freedom of speech and assembly.
 Economic and social rights: It deals with rights related to
economic and social nature.
 Rights of colonised people: It deals with rights of colonised
people or ethnic and indigenous minorities counts.
3. Global Poverty: Due to the high per capita income and low population,
rich countries become richer and vice versa. Globally, this disparity
contributes to the gap between the Northern and Southern countries of
the world.
4. Migration: International political frictions have been created due to
large scale migration of people from South to North. In order to seek
better life and economic opportunities people have migrated to North.

Question 5.
What is meant by non-traditional notion of security? Differentiate between
the narrow and broad concept of human security. (All India 2016)
Answer:
Meaning of non-traditional notions of security It includes a wide range of
threats and dangers which affect the condition of human existence. The
non-tradition notion of security go beyond military threat. In traditional
security conception, focus has been on state, its territory and governing
institutions while in non-traditional conception, human kind has become
concern along with state. Non-traditional views of security have been called
as ‘human security’ or ‘global security’.

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Difference between ‘narrow’ and broad concept of human security
Supporters of the ‘narrow’ concepts of human security emphasis on violent
threats to individuals or as Kofi Annan believes ‘protection of communities
and individuals from internal violence’.
On the other hand, proponents of the ‘broad’ concept of human security
emphasis on the threat agenda that should include hunger, disease and
natural disaster that kill far more people than war, genocide and terrorism
together. Thus, human security policy, they argue, should protect people
from these threats as well as from violence.
Question 6.
What is meant by security? Mention any four components of Indian Security
strategy. (Delhi 2015)
Answer:
Security mainly refers to freedom from threats. Existence of human being
and life of a country is full of threats, concludingly, security, is related to
extremely dangerous threats which could endanger the core values and
these values are not repairable.
Components of Indian Security
The security strategy of India involves four components:
1. Strengthening military capability: This is the very first component of
Indian security strategy because India has been involved in conflict with its
neighbours. It is surrounded by nuclear-armed countries in the South Asian
region, so India first tested a nuclear device in 1974 was justified.
2. Strengthening International Norms and Institutions: India took initiatives
to bring about a universal and non-discriminatory non-proliferation regime
in which all countries would have the same rights and obligations with
respect to weapons of mass destruction.

3. Internal security: The very third components of Indian security strategy is

geared towards meeting security challenges within the country. Several
militant groups from areas such as the Nagaland, Mizoram, Punjab and
Kashmir among others have, from time to time, sought to break away from
India.

4. Development of economy: India wants to develop its economy in a way

that the vast mass of citizen are lifted out of poverty and misery and huge
economic inequalities are not allowed to exist.

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