Class 12 Political Science Syllabus 2025
Class 12 Political Science Syllabus 2025
During the Cold War, India adhered to non-alignment, seeking to preserve autonomy in foreign relations, yet navigating complex ties with both power blocs. Post-Cold War, India recalibrated its foreign policy, moving closer to the US and forging strategic partnerships with Western and East Asian powers. These shifts reflected changes in India's economic priorities and global power structures, allowing for greater integration into the global economy .
The Green Revolution led to significant increases in agricultural productivity, particularly in Punjab and Haryana, which transformed India from a food-deficient to a food-surplus nation. Economically, it reduced rural poverty and strengthened India's self-sufficiency in grains. Politically, it exacerbated regional disparities and created strong agricultural lobbies, affecting the dynamics of party politics and policy-making .
China's economic ascendancy has allowed it to pursue assertive geopolitical strategies, focusing on regional dominance and global influence. This rise has led to strategic competition and rivalry with India, particularly concerning border disputes and influence in South Asia. Despite economic partnerships, these issues have strained Sino-Indian relations, prompting India to bolster its alliances with other global powers .
The Mandal Commission report's implementation, recommending reservations for OBCs in public sector jobs and educational institutions, was transformative as it redefined caste-based politics, challenging upper-caste dominance. It mobilized OBCs into a potent political force, altered electoral strategies, and sparked nationwide debates on affirmative action and social justice, cultivating a more inclusive but contentious political environment .
The rise of new social movements in India was driven by socio-economic inequalities, environmental challenges, and demands for democratic rights. These movements, such as the farmers' and women's movements, brought attention to issues like land rights, gender equity, and ecological impacts of development. They fostered greater political participation, policy reforms, and awareness, significantly impacting India's socio-political landscape .
In the unipolar world post-Cold War, international organizations like the UN sought restructuring to keep pace with new geopolitical realities. They adapted by broadening their mandates and increasing cooperation with non-state actors. However, they face structural challenges such as power imbalances, questions of legitimacy, and the need for more democratic governance amidst shifting power dynamics and the rise of multipolarity .
The 1977 elections were significant as they marked the end of the Emergency period, during which civil liberties were curtailed. The Congress Party faced backlash for its authoritarian measures, leading to its electoral defeat. The victory of the Janata Party, a coalition of anti-Congress parties, restored democratic norms and was seen as a repudiation of Indira Gandhi's policies. This transition highlighted the Indian electorate's commitment to democracy .
Post-1980, regional parties gained prominence by addressing local issues and regional aspirations that national parties often overlooked. This led to increased fragmentation of the electoral landscape and necessitated coalition governments at the center. The rise of parties like DMK, Akali Dal, and TMC shifted power dynamics, influenced national policies, and reflected the federal nature of Indian politics .
Globalization significantly influenced Indian politics and society by accelerating economic liberalization, fostering growth, and increasing foreign investments. Politically, it created debates over sovereignty and economic policy, with opposition from certain sectors fearing cultural erosion and economic inequality. Socially, globalization led to modernization and opened up global cultural exchanges. However, it also incited anti-globalization movements due to perceived threats to traditional livelihoods .
Nehru's approach to nation-building focused on establishing a secular, socialist framework to unify a diverse and partition-stricken India. Major challenges included the resettlement of millions of refugees post-partition, addressing the complex Kashmir issue, and linguistic reorganization of states to accommodate diverse languages. Nehru emphasized democratic institutions, socio-economic reforms, and state-driven economic planning through the Five-Year Plans to stabilize and develop the nation .