Definition and Origins
Non-Aligned Movement: International movement of countries that chose not to align with either USA or USSR during Cold War; sought independent development path.
NAM principle: Countries can be independent while accepting aid from both blocs; don't need to choose sides.
Origins: Bandung Conference (1955) - initial gathering in Indonesia
First Summit: 1961 in Belgrade
Historical Context
Why NAM Emerged
Post-WWII decolonization:
- Former colonies becoming independent
- Many newly independent countries poor and weak
- Both superpowers pressured them to align
- Leaders wanted independence of foreign policy
Developing countries' perspective:
- Why align with superpower?
- Can maintain independence
- Play superpowers against each other
- Get aid from both sides
- Pursue own development
India's leadership:
- Jawaharlal Nehru advocated non-alignment
- India wouldn't join US-led Western bloc
- Wouldn't join Soviet bloc either
- Maintained independent foreign policy
Bandung Conference (1955)
Significance: First large gathering of African and Asian countries
Attendees: 29 countries from Asia and Africa
Purpose: Discuss post-colonial issues, anti-colonialism, non-alignment
Famous speech: Indian PM Nehru articulated non-alignment
Outcome: Set stage for formal NAM
Principles of NAM
Key Principles
1. Respect for sovereignty:
- National independence and sovereignty paramount
- No superpower interference
2. Independence in foreign policy:
- Countries decide policies independent of superpowers
- No requirement to choose sides
3. Non-aggression:
- Commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes
- No military aggression
4. Respect for territorial integrity:
- Borders should be respected
- Colonial borders accepted (flawed but stable)
5. Non-intervention in internal affairs:
- Countries shouldn't interfere in others' internal matters
- Respect for differences
6. Equality of nations:
- Large and small nations equal
- Reject great power hierarchy
7. Anti-colonialism:
- Oppose remaining colonialism
- Support decolonization
- Neo-colonialism also condemned
8. Anti-imperialism:
- Oppose imperial domination
- Support national liberation movements
Key Figures in NAM
India - Jawaharlal Nehru
Role: Primary advocate of non-alignment
Perspective:
- India independent country shouldn't be client state
- Can benefit from both superpowers without alignment
- Panchsheel (Five Principles) basis for relations
- NAM expression of Indian independence
Egypt - Gamal Abdel Nasser
Role: Key Arab leader in NAM
Influence:
- Embodied Arab nationalism
- Anti-imperialism
- Suez Crisis (1956) showed superpower pressure
- Coordinated with India on non-alignment
Yugoslavia - Josip Broz Tito
Role: European communist country in NAM
Significance:
- Showed communist countries could be non-aligned
- Broke from Soviet bloc
- Demonstrated independence from superpowers
- Hosted first NAM summit in Belgrade (1961)
NAM Development
Growth
1961: First summit, Belgrade - 25 members 1970: Lusaka summit - expanding 1975: Colombo summit - 84 members 1980: Havana summit - peak membership era Present: ~120-130 member countries