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Contemporary World Politics: NCERT Class 12 Political Science Book

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Chapter-wise Summary and Notes for Contemporary World Politics Class 12

Discover the trusted resource for your studies with NCERT Books Class 12 political 2025-26. The content is clear, accurate, and perfectly suited to help you understand important political concepts.


Designed for the current academic year, these books follow the latest syllabus and include all the essential topics. Enjoy a structured, exam-aligned reading flow that builds your confidence step by step.


Download free NCERT book PDFs easily and get ready for classroom learning, revision, or board preparation. Stay ahead with content that supports your success in Political Science.


S. No. NCERT Book
1 NCERT Books Class 12 political Free PDF Download

Chapter-wise Summary and Notes for Contemporary World Politics Class 12

In Class 12 Political Science, NCERT books guide students through key global political events and institutions that have shaped the modern world. The latest NCERT Books Class 12 political 2025-26 edition covers international relations, global changes after the Cold War, emerging challenges, and important political concepts, making it vital for CBSE exam success.


Chapters in this subject are arranged to build your knowledge from historic shifts to contemporary scenarios, ensuring students grasp both fundamentals and advanced topics. Studying through each chapter strengthens understanding, supports analytical thinking, and prepares you for all question formats in the CBSE exam.


NCERT Books Class 12 political Chapter-wise Overview

Each chapter in the NCERT covers a new theme or event, gradually developing your grasp on world politics. This step-by-step progression keeps learning smooth and effective for board exam readiness.


Chapter 1: The End of Bipolarity

This chapter reviews the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the spread of new democracies. Understand how this global shift gave rise to new world powers. Focus on differences between old and emerging political systems mentioned by NCERT.


Chapter 2: Contemporary Centres of Power

It highlights the rise of new power centres like the European Union and China. Learn how these regions influence today’s international relations. Pay attention to factors that contribute to their growth as per NCERT analysis.


Chapter 3: Contemporary South Asia

Explore key political themes and conflicts in South Asia, including India’s role in the region. The chapter explains cooperation, challenges, and future prospects. Remember main points of regional interdependence and NCERT examples.


Chapter 4: International Organisations

This chapter discusses UN agencies and other international groups shaping world politics. Focus on how these organisations help manage conflicts and promote development. Note the structure and role as explained in the NCERT.


Chapter 5: Security in the Contemporary World

Learn about changing definitions of security—military, economic, and human. The chapter explains traditional and modern issues affecting global safety. Review the NCERT sections on non-traditional threats especially.


Chapter 6: Environment and Natural Resources

It covers global environmental concerns and political responses to resource management. Understand issues like climate change and international cooperation from the NCERT’s point of view. Key agreements and policies are summarised here.


Chapter 7: Globalisation

Study how globalisation connects economies and societies, and changes cultures and policies. The NCERT highlights positive and negative impacts for exam clarity. Focus on examples of economic integration and national identity issues.


Why Class 12 political NCERT Books by Vedantu Are Useful for CBSE Students

NCERT books simplify complex political ideas with direct, student-friendly explanations. These texts are trusted for board exam preparation and quick revision. Following the NCERT approach ensures a strong core understanding for scoring well in school and CBSE exams.


  • Directly aligned with CBSE syllabus.
  • Clear explanations and authentic definitions.
  • Helpful for school exams and board preparation.
  • Strong base for revision and reference.

How Class 12 political NCERT Books Help in CBSE Exam Preparation

NCERT books remain essential for concept revision and board readiness in Political Science, as many CBSE questions are based directly on textbook content and case studies. The systematic structure supports understanding of international relations and globalisation topics thoroughly.


  • Concepts asked directly in CBSE exams.
  • Supports descriptive and application questions.
  • Ideal for last-minute revision.

Read NCERT chapters consistently and use the book for final revision to build confidence. Stay regular with your preparation and you’ll feel ready for every exam question.


S. No. Study Material
1 NCERT Solutions for Class 12
2 CBSE Syllabus for Class 12
3 CBSE Sample Papers for Class 12
4 CBSE Class 12 Worksheets
5 CBSE Important Questions for Class 12
6 CBSE Revision Notes for Class 12
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FAQs on Contemporary World Politics: NCERT Class 12 Political Science Book

1. What is the significance of the NCERT Class 12 Political Science book ‘Contemporary World Politics’?

The NCERT Class 12 Political Science book ‘Contemporary World Politics’ introduces students to major global events since the end of the Cold War and their impact on world politics. Key features include:

  • Explains globalisation and its effects
  • Discusses Cold War, unipolar world, and key international institutions
  • Focuses on contemporary international issues like terrorism, environment, and human rights
  • Helps students understand India’s foreign policy in a changing world
This book is vital for building a foundation for Civil Services, CBSE exams, and overall understanding of international relations.

2. What chapters are included in the NCERT Class 12 Political Science Contemporary World Politics syllabus?

The syllabus of NCERT Class 12 Political Science ‘Contemporary World Politics’ includes important chapters such as:

  1. The Cold War Era
  2. The End of Bipolarity
  3. US Hegemony in World Politics
  4. Alternative Centres of Power
  5. Contemporary South Asia
  6. International Organizations
  7. Security in the Contemporary World
  8. Environment and Natural Resources
  9. Globalisation
Each chapter covers major international relations concepts and current world events relevant for CBSE board exams.

3. What are the main topics and key concepts covered in ‘Contemporary World Politics’?

Contemporary World Politics’ covers a wide range of topics in international relations relevant for students. Main areas include:

  • The origin and impact of the Cold War
  • The rise of the unipolar world and US dominance
  • Emergence of alternative centres of power like the EU, China, and ASEAN
  • Issues in South Asia (India’s relation with neighbours)
  • The role of international organizations like the UN, IMF, and World Bank
  • Security, terrorism, and disarmament challenges
  • Environmental concerns and global policies
  • Debate on globalisation and its dimensions
These topics form the foundation for competitive examinations and higher studies in Political Science.

4. How does Chapter 1 – The Cold War Era analyse the nature of the Cold War?

Chapter 1, The Cold War Era, offers an overview of key features and events that defined the Cold War period between the US and USSR. Highlights include:

  • Origins and ideology of bipolarity
  • Formation of military alliances (NATO, Warsaw Pact)
  • Major confrontations – Cuban Missile Crisis, Korean War, Vietnam War
  • Emergence of non-aligned movement (NAM)
  • Impact on global peace and politics
This chapter helps students analyse international rivalry, diplomacy, and peace efforts during the second half of the 20th century.

5. What is globalisation, and what are its effects according to the NCERT syllabus?

According to the NCERT syllabus, globalisation refers to intensified interactions across borders in areas like economy, culture, and politics. Its major effects are:

  • Increased international trade and economic integration
  • Spread of technology and global communication
  • Challenges to sovereignty and local cultures
  • Both positive (growth, knowledge sharing) and negative (inequality, environmental impact) consequences
Globalisation is a key theme for understanding today’s interconnected world.

6. What are key international organizations discussed in Class 12 Political Science?

Important international organizations discussed in NCERT Class 12 include:

  • United Nations (UN)
  • International Monetary Fund (IMF)
  • World Bank
  • World Trade Organization (WTO)
  • ASEAN
The book explains each organization’s structure, functions, role in maintaining peace, security, and development, as well as India’s participation in these bodies.

7. What is the relevance of the NCERT Class 12 Political Science book for CBSE board exams?

The NCERT Class 12 Political Science book is highly important for CBSE board exams. Major reasons are:

  • Direct questions from book chapters, case studies, and summary points
  • Comprehensive coverage of syllabus topics
  • Helps in answering short, long, and value-based questions
  • Provides analytical frameworks for preparing project work and assignments
Referring to NCERT ensures syllabus alignment and boosts exam performance.

8. Explain India’s role in international organizations as per Contemporary World Politics.

India plays a proactive role in international organizations as highlighted in the NCERT book. Key aspects include:

  • Founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
  • Permanent participant in major UN missions
  • Significant contributor to peacekeeping forces
  • Vocal on climate change, global health, and trade negotiations
India’s engagement promotes its strategic interests and furthers international cooperation.

9. How does the NCERT Class 12 book ‘Contemporary World Politics’ help in understanding current world events?

Contemporary World Politics’ offers frameworks and historical context to analyse current world events such as:

  • Conflicts and peace processes (e.g., Russia-Ukraine, Middle East)
  • Globalisation-related issues
  • Role of international organizations
  • Impact of climate change and pandemics
By linking theory with ongoing developments, the book strengthens exam answers and real-world understanding.

10. What is the Non-Aligned Movement, and why is it important in world politics?

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is a group of states not formally aligned with any major power bloc. Its importance lies in:

  • Promoting sovereignty and independence of nations
  • Opposing colonialism and imperialism
  • Encouraging peaceful cooperation and development
  • Providing a collective voice for developing nations
NAM features prominently in the syllabus for its role in world peace and India’s foreign policy.