Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) traces its origins to the complex geopolitical landscape of
the Cold War era. As the world became divided between the capitalist West, led by the United
States, and the communist East, led by the Soviet Union, many newly independent nations in Asia,
Africa, and Latin America found themselves in a precarious position. Eager to assert their
sovereignty and independence, these countries sought to avoid being drawn into the ideological
and military struggles between the superpowers. Instead, they envisioned a path of neutrality that
would allow them to pursue their own development agendas and promote peace on their own terms.
The Bandung Conference of 1955 stands out as a pivotal moment in the formation of the NAM.
Held in Indonesia, the conference brought together leaders from 29 Asian and African countries
who shared a common vision of solidarity and cooperation. Among the prominent figures were
Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia who Advocated for a neutral stance between the East and West.,
Jawaharlal Nehru of India who promoted the idea of an independent foreign policy and peaceful
coexistence., Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt who Championed Arab unity and independence from
colonial and foreign domination, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana who stressed the importance of pan
Africanism and fought against imperialism, and Sukarno of Indonesia who pushed for Asian-
African solidarity and economic cooperation. Together, they discussed pressing issues such as
colonialism, racism, and the need for economic and cultural collaboration. The Bandung
Conference laid the groundwork for the principles that would come to define the NAM, including
mutual respect for sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality, and
mutual benefit.
The Ten Principles of Bandung:
i. Respect for fundamental human rights and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
ii. Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.
iii. Recognition of the equality of all races and equality among all nations, large and small.
iv. Abstention from intervention or interference in the internal affairs of another country.
v. Respect for the right of each nation to defend itself singly or collectively, in conformity
with the UN Charter.
vi. Non-use of collective defense pacts to benefit the specific interests of any of the great
powers.
vii. Refraining from acts or threats of aggression or the use of force against the territorial
integrity or political independence of any country.
viii. Settlement of all international disputes by peaceful means.
ix. Promotion of mutual interests and cooperation.
x. Respect for justice and international obligations.
However, it was not until the Belgrade Conference of 1961 that the NAM was formally established.
Hosted by Yugoslavia, the conference brought together leaders from 25 countries who signed a
declaration affirming their commitment to world peace and security, disarmament, and
development. The NAM emerged as a platform for countries to assert their independence and
promote their interests on the global stage without aligning with either of the Cold War blocs.
Objectives of NAM
i. To ensure national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of non-
aligned countries.
ii. To fight against imperialism, colonialism, neo-colonialism, racism, and all forms of foreign
aggression, occupation, domination, interference, or hegemony.
iii. To advocate for disarmament and global peace.
iv. To promote economic development and cooperation among developing countries.
Over the years, the NAM experienced significant growth in membership, eventually including over
120 member states representing more than half of the world's population. It provided a collective
voice for developing countries in international forums, advocating for fair economic practices,
disarmament, and political sovereignty. The movement played a crucial role in shaping global
discourse on issues such as apartheid, colonialism, and economic inequality, exerting influence far
beyond its initial origins.
However, the end of the Cold War brought new challenges to the NAM. With the collapse of the
Soviet Union and the emergence of a unipolar world order dominated by the United States, some
questioned the relevance and cohesion of the movement. Internal divisions and differing national
interests sometimes undermined its collective impact. Yet, the principles of non-alignment remain
relevant in promoting a multipolar world and addressing contemporary global challenges. The
NAM continues to serve as a reminder of the importance of sovereignty, independence, and
solidarity in international relations.
Achievements of NAM
i. Promotion of Sovereignty and Independence:
One of the primary achievements of the NAM has been its role in promoting the
sovereignty and independence of member states, particularly during the era of
decolonization.
By advocating for non-alignment with major power blocs during the Cold War, the NAM
helped many countries maintain their autonomy and pursue their own development paths.
ii. Advocacy for Global Peace and Disarmament:
The NAM has consistently advocated for global peace and disarmament, emphasizing the
importance of dialogue, negotiation, and non-violence in resolving conflicts.
Through its resolutions and statements, the movement has contributed to raising awareness
about the dangers of nuclear proliferation and the need for nuclear disarmament.
iii. Solidarity and South-South Cooperation:
The NAM has facilitated solidarity and cooperation among developing countries, fostering
what is known as South-South cooperation.
By sharing experiences, expertise, and resources, NAM members have been able to address
common challenges and pursue shared goals, such as economic development, poverty
reduction, and social progress.
iv. Advocacy for Decolonization and Anti-Imperialism:
The NAM played a significant role in advocating for decolonization and independence
movements in Africa, Asia, and Latin America during the mid-20th century.
By condemning colonialism, imperialism, and racism, the movement contributed to the
dismantling of colonial empires and the emergence of new sovereign states.
Failures of NAM
i. Ineffectiveness in Resolving Conflicts:
Despite its commitment to peace and conflict resolution, the NAM has sometimes been
ineffective in mediating or resolving conflicts among its member states.
Internal divisions, competing interests, and geopolitical pressures have often hindered the
movement's ability to take decisive action in conflict situations.
ii. Challenges in Economic Development:
While the NAM has emphasized economic cooperation and development, member states
have faced challenges in achieving sustainable economic growth and development.
Factors such as poverty, inequality, corruption, and weak governance have limited the
effectiveness of economic initiatives promoted by the NAM.
iii. Relevance in a Changing Global Landscape:
The end of the Cold War and the emergence of new geopolitical dynamics have raised
questions about the relevance and effectiveness of the NAM in the 21st century.
Some critics argue that the movement has struggled to adapt to changing global realities
and address emerging challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and transnational
threats.
iv. Internal Divisions and Fragmentation:
Internal divisions and disagreements among member states have undermined the cohesion
and unity of the NAM, making it difficult to pursue collective action on key issues.
Differences in ideology, political systems, and national interests have sometimes led to
tensions and conflicts within the movement, weakening its influence on the global stage
