The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

The Non-Aligned Movement  (NAM)

 

Introduction

The Non-Aligned Movement, or NAM, is a major international organization in which India has played a key role since its founding. The NAM was established in the Belgrade Conference in 1961 under the Presidency of Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia.

 

The History of Non Aligned Movement – NAM

  • The end of World War II was followed by various incidents like strengthening of Socialist bloc, collapse of colonial empires, the emergence of a bipolar world and the formation of two military blocks (NATO and the Warsaw Pact).
  • In this context, the underdeveloped countries felt the need to take joint efforts for the common defense of their interests, the strengthening of their independence and sovereignty, and also to express a strong commitment with peace by declaring themselves as “non-aligned” from either of the two military blocks.
  • Bandung Conference 1955 : The concept of NAM has its origin in the Asia-Africa conference held in Bandung, Indonesia.
  • Belgrade Conference 1961 : NAM was founded and held its 1st Conference in Belgrade, Yugoslavia under the leadership of Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, and Sukarno of Indonesia.
  • The purpose of the organization was enumerated in the Havana Declaration of 1979: to ensure “the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of non-aligned countries” in their struggle against imperialism, colonialism, neo-colonialism, racism, and all forms of foreign subjugation.

 

About Non-Aligned Movement(NAM)

  • It is an alliance of developing nations that refuses to identify with any major superpower.
  • Under the leadership of Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, and Sukarno of Indonesia, the Non-Aligned Movement was founded and held its first conference (the Belgrade Conference) in 1961.
  • During the Cold War, the Non-Aligned Movement was created as a group of countries that did not want to openly identify themselves with either the US or the Soviet Union, preferring to stay independent or neutral.
  • The Havana Declaration of 1979 said that the organization's goal was to protect "national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of non-aligned countries" in their fight against imperialism, colonialism, neocolonialism, racism, and all forms of foreign enslavement.

Current members:

○120 countries: 53 from Africa, 39 from Asia, 26 from Latin America and the Caribbean and two from Europe.

○It also includes the non-UN member state of Palestine, 17 other observer countries, and 10 observer organizations.

○India is one of the founding members.

  • After the United Nations, NAM is the second-largest grouping of nations.
  • NAM does not have a permanent secretariat or a formal founding charter, act, or treaty
  • The summit usually takes place every three years.

 

Principles of NAM

Jawahar Lal Nehru was one of the founding members of the NAM, therefore the principles of NAM were based greatly on the Panchsheel Principe. Some of them are listed below

●Respect for the values embodied in the United Nations Charter and international law.

●Respect for all states' sovereignty, sovereign equality, and territorial integrity.

●All international conflicts should be resolved peacefully in conformity with the United Nations Charter.

●Respect for countries' and peoples' political, economic, social, and cultural variety.

●On the basis of mutual respect and equality of rights, the defense and promotion of shared interests, justice, and collaboration, despite disparities in the political, economic, and social systems of the States.

●In conformity with the United Nations Charter, respect for the fundamental right of individual or collective self-defense.

●Interference in a country's internal affairs is prohibited.No state or group of states has the authority to engage in the internal affairs of another state, either directly or indirectly, for whatever reason.

●Promotion and defence of multilateralism and multilateral organizations as appropriate frameworks for resolving human-caused problems through conversation and collaboration.

 

Objectives of NAM

  • NAM has sought to “create an independent path in world politics that would not result in member States becoming pawns in the struggles between the major powers”.
  • The primary objectives focused on support of self-determination; national independence; the struggle against colonialism, neo colonialism; disarmament; socioeconomic development and the restructuring of the international economic order; as well as international cooperation on an equal footing.
  • However, the disintegration of the USSR led to the formation of a Unipolar world dominated by the US. With the end of the cold war and end of colonialism & apartheid, it was seen that non-alignment lost its relevance as it failed to adjust itself to the changing global order.

 

Why did India join NAM?

India joined the non-aligned movement for the following reasons:

Sovereignty

India wanted to protect its sovereignty. Aligning with any of the military blocks would have potentially compromised sobering decision making.

Self- Reliance

Alignment with the military blocks came with the fallacy of dependence on one or the other international powers. USA came with its economic aid package called the Marshall plan while USSR came up with the Molotov Plan. India decided to not depend on any such package and choose the path of self-reliance.

Focus on Economic Development

In the Cold War era, there was always a threat of Third World War breaking out and the world came close to it on a couple of occasions (e.g. The Cuban Missile Crisis). India didn’t want to engage in a war when it was facing multiple economic challenges.

Independent Role in World Affairs

By aligning with one or the other military blocks, many nations had given up their independence to determine their foreign policy. India rather wanted an independent role in World Affairs.

Universal Brotherhood

Through NAM, India propagated its principle of universal brotherhood or Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

 

Challenges faced by NAM

  • Change in world order from bipolar to a more complex and multipolar global system.
  • Evolving alliances in the form of plurilateral partnerships such as QUAD, I2U2, etc.
  • Many NAM members support ideas of socialism and state control; and are dependent on the US.
  • Regional organizations such as ASEAN, SCO and BRICS address specific regional challenges more effectively.
  • Emerging global issues such as climate change, cyber security, and pandemics.
  • Lack of leadership, internal disagreements, and a failure to take clear positions on global issues.
  • Approach of multi-alignment presents a more pragmatic approach for the contemporary geopolitical landscape.

 

Current Relevance of NAM

  • It advocates for expediting reform of the United Nations Security Council to make it a more democratic, transparent and representative organ of the United Nations.
  • NAM countries support the principles of self-determination, respect for territorial integrity, non-aggression, and safeguarding the independence and autonomy of member states.
  • Many developing countries like India still follow the NAM policy, as ‘independence of action’ in foreign policy is enshrined in NAM.
  • NAM is still applicable as a strict measure to prevent colonization and imperialism of small and developing countries.
  • It provides a platform for developing countries to come together and discuss common challenges and interests and exert influence in global affairs.
  • NAM upholds the principles of multilateralism, diplomacy, and peaceful coexistence.
  • NAM’s advocating for democratizing the UN and condemning Israel’s war is a testament to this.
  •  It embodies a proactive attitude (instead of passive neutrality) which is aimed at solving problems and generating the much-needed solutions for the troubled world.

 

Importance of Non Aligned Movement NAM for India

  • Support for India’s candidature in UNSC – NAM’s total strength comprises 120 developing countries and most of them are members of the UN General Assembly.
  • Thus, NAM members act as an important group in support of India’s candidature as a permanent member in UNSC.
  • Global South Cooperation – India is widely perceived as a leader of the developing world. Thus, India’s engagement with NAM will further help in the rise of India’s stature as the leader of the developing world or global south.
  • In times of increasing protectionism, NAM can provide a platform for South-South cooperation.
  • Strengthening of Multipolar World Order – A multipolar world order is in concurrence with Indian foreign policy.
  • NAM can help in the formation of a multipolar world with India becoming a major pole.

 

Failure of NAM

  • Respect for sovereign home jurisdiction was one of NAM's guiding principles. Due to the lack of a unified structure, this resulted in numerous alignments among the countries.
  • Some of the human rights crimes committed by member countries have been overlooked by the NAM.
  • The Non-Aligned Movement was unable to halt the arms race and put an end to nuclear proliferation.
  • It was unable to prevent regional clashes.
  • The failure to develop an international economic order, as well as a lack of collective action and self-reliance.
  • When it comes to economic and trade issues, NAM now competes with more effective organizations such as the Commonwealth.
  • NAM isn't involved in economic or commercial matters, and it doesn't take on any diplomatic initiatives.

 

 Way to  Forward

  • NAM as a concept will never be obsolete because it provides a solid foundation for its members' foreign policy.
  • It should be viewed as "Strategic Autonomy," which is a necessity in today's world. The principles of NAM can still guide nations toward it.
  • It is a platform on which India can assert its soft power and provide active leadership, as well as serve as a torchbearer for smaller countries on multilateral platforms.
  • The conference of Non-Aligned Movement Heads of State or Government, also known as the Non-Aligned Movement Summit, will be held in Azerbaijan in June 2019. The platform should be used to reach agreements on a wide range of global issues.
  • It should be used as a forum to discuss global issues such as terrorism, climate change, trade protectionism, and so on.
  • This platform can be used to rally South-East Asian countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines against Chinese claims in the South China Sea and related island and border disputes.
  • It can provide a platform for Afro-Asian cooperation as well as a strong position for poor African nations to engage in healthy economic development negotiations with China and the US without jeopardizing their sovereignty over their land.

 

 

 

  • Discuss the importance of the Non-Alignment Movement in India’s foreign policy, in contemporary times.
  • Critically discuss the role of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in the cold-war era. How far NAM is relevant in the present multi-polar era?