Non-Aligned Movement; Objectives & Achievements of NAM

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

Definition: It is a foreign policy initiated by the developing and independent states of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East in their relationship, with the two major power blocs (USA, USSR, and their allies)

  • It is the policy of not aligning or taking sides with any of the two power blocs
  • It stands for neutralism of policy in international affairs
  • It upholds peaceful co-existence with other countries
  • It expresses freedom in decision making on international issues.

Non-Aligned Movement Founders

The movement developed in the 1950s following the independence of Asian nations (India, Pakistan e.t.c.) and African states

  • 1955 — Asian and African states convened a conference in Bandung, Indonesia.

Conveners of the conference

  1. Jawaharlal Nehru India
  2. Surkano — Indonesia
  3. Marshal Tito — Yugoslavia
  4. Gamal Nasser — Egypt
  5. Chou En-Lai – China

Note:

Ethiopia, Libya, and Liberia sent delegates. During this conference, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was launched

Reasons for the rise of Non-Aligned Movement

  • The newly independent states did not want to be entangled in the superpower rivalry between the USA and USSR. 
  • They wanted to establish a forum to enable them to exert their influence in world politics
  • They wanted to avoid the arms race between the superpowers
  • To enhance friendly relations! peace in the world
  • To break off the colonial yoke and safeguard their independence
  • To enable them to acquire aid from both power blocs (e.g.Manpower, finance).

Objectives of Non-Aligned Movement

  • Safeguard sovereignty of member states
  • Fight for decolonization
  • Fight against racial discrimination
  • Get better terms of trade
  • Improve agriculture and raise food production by availing funds
  • Discourage neo-colonialism
  • Work towards the disarmament of superpowers
  • Participate in UNO programs
  • Have one voice in international affairs
  • Discourage bilateral and multilateral military alliances with the superpowers
  • Pursue an independent policy based on peaceful co-existence
  • Establish a new world economic order
  • Promote neutrality among member states by not aligning with any power block.

Performance and Achievements of Non-Aligned Movement

  • Non-aligned countries have gained influence in world affairs. They have increased their voting power in the UNO
  • NAM members have attempted to gain neutrality in world affairs. They can seek aid from either the West or East power blocs.
  • Facilitating the attainment of independence in previously colonized countries
  • Has enabled members to safeguard their independence and territorial integrity
  • Promoting peace and international cooperation
  • Provides an international forum where the emergent nations can air their views/acts as the spokesman of developing nations
  • It has supported disarmament conferences and discourages arms competition
  • Have mediated in international disputes
  • Has strengthened the economic base of member states by trading with members from the two superpower blocs
  • Has made great strides in the development of science and technology
  • Has minimized the dominance of the two superpowers over third world countries
  • Has discouraged neo-colonialism
Non aligned Movement
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Challenges Facing the Non-Aligned Movement

  • Shortage of funds — Due to economic problems in some member countries, they have not been able to remit contributions.
  • Personality differences among some leaders
  • Lack of commitment since NAM members owes allegiance to other organs e.g. OAU, UNO, Commonwealth e.t.c.
  • Member countries still retain ties with former colonial masters and hence find it difficult to pursue independent policies
  • Political instability e.g. civil wars, coup d’etats
  • Border disputes between member states hinder their cooperation e.g. India and Pakistan over Kashmir, Somalia vs Ethiopia.
  • Affairs of NAM are not well coordinated due to the lack of a secretariat
  • Individual national interests conflict with those of NAM
  • Ideological differences between member states
  • The collapse of the USSR destabilized the movement. There was no longer any need to align with her.
  • Relies on the goodwill of member states to implement decisions
  • Weak economies of member states and hence failure to remit funds to NAM

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