Q1. Trace the evolution of the European Union (EU) and examine its role as a contemporary centre of power.

Introduction:
The EU emerged after WWII to rebuild Europe and avoid future conflicts through integration.

Body:
1. Historical roots – Marshall Plan, OEEC, Council of Europe, EEC.
2. Maastricht Treaty (1992) – EU created with Euro, foreign/security policy.
3. Economic power – world’s largest trading bloc, Euro rivaling US dollar.
4. Political influence – UN, WTO, global diplomacy, climate talks.
5. Military dimension – combined defence spending, French nuclear weapons.
6. Challenges – Brexit, internal divisions.

Conclusion:
The EU demonstrates regional integration’s success, balancing US hegemony despite internal issues.

Q2. Discuss the objectives and significance of ASEAN in regional and global politics.

Introduction:
ASEAN was founded in 1967 to foster peace, cooperation, and growth in Southeast Asia.

Body:
1. Bangkok Declaration (1967) – founding members and objectives.
2. ASEAN Way – consensus, informality, sovereignty.
3. Economic role – FTAs with India, China, US; ASEAN Economic Community.
4. Security role – ASEAN Regional Forum (1994), conflict mediation.
5. Vision 2020 – cohesive, outward-looking ASEAN.

Conclusion:
ASEAN shows how small states can gain collective strength though it lacks EU-style supranationalism.

Q3. Analyse the rise of China as an economic power and its implications for global politics.

Introduction:
Deng Xiaoping’s 1978 reforms transformed China into a global economic power.

Body:
1. Reforms – Open Door Policy, SEZs, privatisation, WTO entry.
2. Growth – high GDP, FDI magnet, forex reserves.
3. Challenges – inequality, unemployment, corruption, environment.
4. Regional role – engine of Asian growth, investor in Africa & Latin America.
5. Global impact – seen as rival to US, supporter of multipolarity.

Conclusion:
China’s rise is reshaping geopolitics, both opportunity and challenge for world order.

Q4. Examine the nature of India–China relations since the 1962 conflict.

Introduction:
The 1962 border war damaged ties, but relations gradually improved post-1980s.

Body:
1. Stalemate post-1962, normalisation after 1976.
2. Rajiv Gandhi’s 1988 visit – start of thaw.
3. Economic ties – trade boom from 1990s.
4. Cooperation – WTO, energy deals.
5. Tensions – border disputes, China-Pakistan nexus, CPEC.

Conclusion:
India–China ties remain a mix of cooperation and rivalry requiring careful diplomacy.

Q5. Compare the roles of Japan and South Korea as contemporary centres of power in Asia.

Introduction:
Both Japan and South Korea are economic giants that rose after WWII and Korean War respectively.

Body:
1. Japan – 3rd largest economy, tech hub, OECD member, US ally.
2. South Korea – Miracle on Han River, 11th largest economy, tech powerhouse.
3. Similarities – export-driven, US allies, OECD members.
4. Differences – Japan has global reach, SK more regional.

Conclusion:
Both add to Asia’s weight in global economy, supporting multipolarity.

Q6. How did ASEAN balance the influence of big powers in Asia after the Cold War?

Introduction:
ASEAN emerged as a stabilising force during Cold War rivalries in Asia.

Body:
1. Non-alignment – neutrality among US, USSR, China.
2. ASEAN Regional Forum – platform for dialogue.
3. FTAs – diversified ties with multiple powers.
4. Mediation – Cambodia peace, East Timor crisis.
5. Collective diplomacy – enhanced bargaining power.

Conclusion:
ASEAN balanced superpowers by collective neutrality and constructive engagement.

Q7. Evaluate the significance of regionalism as seen in the EU and ASEAN models.

Introduction:
Regionalism has become a key feature of contemporary politics.

Body:
1. EU model – deep integration, supranational institutions.
2. ASEAN model – consensus, sovereignty, limited integration.
3. Economic strength – EU global trade, ASEAN growth.
4. Political roles – EU in diplomacy, ASEAN in conflict resolution.
5. Challenges – EU internal divisions, ASEAN lack of enforcement.

Conclusion:
Both show regionalism’s potential, though models differ in depth and scope.

Q8. Discuss the challenges faced by China in sustaining its rise as a global power.

Introduction:
China’s rise is impressive but not without problems.

Body:
1. Economic inequality – rural-urban, coastal-inland divides.
2. Employment issues – surplus labour, jobless growth.
3. Environmental degradation – pollution, climate impact.
4. Governance – corruption, lack of political reforms.
5. External suspicion – neighbours wary, US rivalry.

Conclusion:
China must overcome internal and external challenges to sustain its global role.

Q9. Explain how Japan rebuilt itself as an economic power after World War II.

Introduction:
Japan’s post-war rise is a model of reconstruction.

Body:
1. US assistance and reforms post-1945.
2. Industrial focus – technology, exports.
3. OECD membership (1964), integration with world economy.
4. Innovations – electronics, automobiles.
5. Constraints – Article 9 limited military role.

Conclusion:
Japan rose as an economic giant despite military restrictions, contributing to global economy.

Q10. Assess the importance of South Korea’s development model for other developing countries.

Introduction:
South Korea transformed from poverty to prosperity in a few decades.

Body:
1. Miracle on Han River – rapid industrialisation, 1960s–80s.
2. Export-led growth – Samsung, Hyundai, LG.
3. Equitable policies – education, social welfare.
4. OECD membership (1996), 11th largest economy.
5. Lessons – governance, investment in human capital, innovation.

Conclusion:
South Korea’s model shows how discipline, governance, and innovation can lift developing nations quickly.