The Non-Aligned Movement

Factor Responsible for the Formation of Non-Aligned Movement: 1. 2. 3. 4. Reaction Against Cold War Tensions and the System of Military Alliances An Assertion of the National Independence Economic Development Need for Peace

Formation and Growth of the Non-Aligned Movement: Asian Relations Conference: The first large scale Asian-African or Afro-Asian Conference- also known as the Bandung conference-was a meeting of Asian and African states, most of which were newly independent which took place on April 18-24, 1955 in Bandung, Indonesia. The Bandung Conference: The 25 countries that participated at the Bandung Conference represented nearly one-fourth of the Earths Land surface and a total population of 1.5 billion people. The conference was organized by Indonesia, Burma, Pakistan, Ceylon and India. Achievements of the Conference: To promote Afro-Asian economic and cultural cooperation and to oppose colonialism by any nations. Belgrade Conference (1961): Belgrade Conference led to the establishment of the NonAlignment movement. 27-Point Declaration : Respect of fundamental human rights and of the objectives and principles of the charter of the United Nations. Respect of the Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. Recognition of the equality among all races. Peaceful solution of all international conflicts Promotion of mutual interests and of cooperation Respect of justice and of international obligations. Objectives of the Non-Aligned Movement: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Abolition of Imperialism and Colonialism Maintenance of International Peace An End to Racism Disarmament Helping the United Nations Creation of a New International Economic Order (NIEO)

7. Protection of Environment 8. Cultural Equality 9. Enforcement of Human Rights Organizational structure and membership: The movement stems from a desire not to be aligned within a geopolitical/military structure. Some organizational basics. Principle organ of NAM: NAM does not have a formal constitution permanent secretariat and its administration is non-hierarchical and rotational. Decision is made by consensus which requires substantial agreement. Nehrus Role in the Non-Aligned Movement: Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the Prime minister of India was the first and the greatest apostle of the Non-Aligned Moment. In March 1947, Nehru said for too long, we of Asia have been petitioners in western courts and chancelleries. Nehru made a conspicuous contribution to the evolution and growth of the Non Aligned Movement. Nehru ridiculed the suggestion that non-aligned was a sign of weakness. He was of the firm conviction that the non-aligned countries could play role as mediators. 1. 2. 3. 4. Asian Relations Conference Enunciated the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence Nehrus Contribution to Deliberations at Belgrade Opposition to the very Idea of Power Blocs and Strong Condemnation of Acts of Aggression 5. His Cool Handling of the Situation 6. India established Itself as a Powerful Force in World Affairs and World Peace Role of the Non-Aligned Movement in a Changing World: ROLE IN 1960s: Attacking Colonization and Calling for Disarmament ROLE IN 1970s : Stress on a New International Economic Order ROLE IN 1980s: Condemning Foreign Intervention and Racial Discrimination ROLE IN 1990s: Condemning Terrorism, Calling for an Expansion of Security Council and a Plea for Economic Cooperation ROLE from 2000 Onwards Relevance of the Non Aligned Movement: It has been several years since the cold war ended. In this current scenario the USA remains a major super power and China is in the process of becoming biggest threat to US supremacy on world affairs. Russia. Russia is also slowly climbing back for its joint policy of respecting anti-US policy in the Security Council. The NAM can also act as a guide and overseer of the condition of Human Rights in some of the member states.

Nams role in the Post-Cold War Period Indias Role in the Non-Aligned Movement: India played an important role in the multilateral movements of colonies and newly independent countries that developed into the Non Aligned movement. Non alignment had its origin in Indias colonial experience and the nonviolent Indian Independence struggle led by the congress and its Activities: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Opposed Colonization and Imperialism Called for Economic Cooperation and a New International Economic Order Condemned Racial Discrimination Fighting Pollution to protect the Environment Emphasis on International Cooperation on Combat Terrorism Allayed Fears of an Arms Race in the Indian Subcontinent No Third-Party Mediation in Bilateral Disputes

Responsibilities of NAM Chair: The chair is at same time delegated certain responsibilities for promoting three principles and activities of the Movement. To facilitate the chairs responsibilities a number of structures aimed at improving the coordination. Since the Non-Aligned countries meet regularly at the UN and conduct much of their work there, the Chairs permanent represented to the United Nations in New York functions as the chair of the Cob. The Bureau reviews and facilitates the harmonization of the work of the NAM working group, Contact group, Task forces and committees. Political issues: The Movement creates an independent path in politics that would not result in member states between the major powers. This resulted in a large part of its history being influenced by the Global tension of the cold war between the two super powers. Economic issues: During the cold war Era because of great power rivalry many economic projects were set up in developing countries as part of rivalry. During the years the focus of Nonaligned Summits shifted away from politically issues to the advocacy of solutions to global economic and other problems. Consequences: The cold was system of alliance had been rendered meaningless by the collapse of the Eastern European communist states, the dissolution of the Warsaw Treaty Organization and the demise of the Soviet Union. In the early 1990s, most colonies had become independent and apartheid in South Africa was being dismantled, diminishing the value of ant colonialism

and making it impossible for antiracism to serve as a rallying point for international political action, peaceful resolution of internal disputes which was being enhanced by domestic economic reforms were broad objectives in a changing world. Non-Aligned Security Council Caucus: The Caucus consists of NAM countries who are elected to the UN Security council as rotating members. These states seek to adopt unified position and to reflect the position and decision adopted at NAM Summits and ministerial Conference. NAM Membership: 120 members Observe states: 17 observe states Observer organizations: 10 observers Organization