Chapter 8: Non-Alignment Movement and its impact on international peace and order.

Chapter 8: Non-Alignment Movement and its impact on international peace and order. 

A. Origin and Development of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

Introduction

• Non-Aligned Movement (NAM): Association of countries during the Cold War, not formally committed to US or USSR blocs.
• Non-Alignment: Refusal to take sides or enter military alliances with either superpower bloc.
• Independence in Foreign Policy: Promotes peace and friendship, not opportunism or ideology based.
• Active Participation: Unlike neutrality, non-alignment involves active involvement in international affairs.

Background and Origin

• Post-WWII Context: African and Asian nations sought independence from colonial rule and active involvement in world affairs.
• Two Rival Blocs: US-led Western bloc and USSR-led communist bloc.
• Independent Position: Newly independent states chose non-alignment to preserve independence and prioritize economic development.
• Economic Relations and Peace: Non-alignment facilitated trade and peace, crucial for development.
• Bandung Conference (1955): Asian and African states met, adopting a declaration for world peace and cooperation.
• Five Principles of Nehru (Panchasheela):
  1. Mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty.
  2. Mutual non-aggression.
  3. Mutual non-interference in domestic affairs.
  4. Equality and mutual benefit.
  5. Peaceful coexistence.

Establishment and Membership

• Founding Members: India, Yugoslavia, Indonesia, Egypt, and Ghana.
• Belgrade Conference (1961): Official formation of NAM with 25 countries.
• Membership Criteria (Cairo Preparatory Meeting 1961):
  • Adopting peaceful coexistence and non-alignment.
  • Supporting independence movements.
  • Not part of Cold War military alliances.
  • No bilateral military treaties with superpowers.
  • No foreign military bases on their territory.

Goals:

• End Colonialism: Supported national liberation movements and decolonization.
• Disarmament: Called for banning chemical weapons and reducing arms race.
• Racial Discrimination: Condemned racial injustice, such as in South Africa.

Organizational Structure:

• No Permanent Secretariat: Movement without a permanent base.
• Major Institutions:
  • Summits: Every three years, addressing international issues.
  • Conferences of Foreign Ministers: Between summits, setting agendas.
  • New York Ministerial Meetings: Annually during the UN General Assembly session.
• Coordination: Summit organizer coordinates until the next summit.

B. Achievements and Impact of NAM

Successes

• Prevented World War: Reduced Cold War tensions by avoiding alliance systems.
• Alternative to Bloc System: Promoted disarmament and peaceful dispute resolution.
• Economic Cooperation: Fostered cooperation among developing countries and advocated for a new international economic order.
• UN Influence: Used majority in the UN to shift focus to developing countries’ needs and enhance UN’s role.

Limitations and Weaknesses

• Opportunism Critique: Viewed by some as opportunistic and leader-centric.
• Deviations: Conflicts among members (e.g., India-Pakistan, India-China) and lack of strong unity.
• Leadership Vacuum: Post-Cold War challenges in maintaining relevance.
• Membership Issues: Liberal criteria often violated.

Current Significance of NAM

• Relevance Debate: Some argue NAM is outdated post-Cold War, while others see it as a platform against neo-colonialism.
• Continued Importance: Still relevant for developing countries against big-power interference.
• Economic Challenges: Platform for collective bargaining against economic exploitation by developed nations.
• Enhanced Role: Growing importance in 21st-century economic conflicts and potential North-South collisions.

C. Nepal’s Role in Non-Aligned Movement

Historical Context

• Founding Foreign Policy: Established by King Prithvi Narayan Shah to avoid confrontation with China and British India.
• Rana Regime Alignment: Aligned with British India; ended in 1951, leading to Nepal’s international engagement.
• Relevance for Nepal: Non-alignment crucial for maintaining independence between India and China.

Participation and Contributions

• Early Participation: Attended Bandung Conference (1955) and Belgrade Summit (1961).
• King Mahendra’s Involvement: Emphasized peace, equality, and economic development.
• Advocacy for Land-Locked States: Highlighted transit rights and trade policies for less developed countries.

Later Contributions

• King Birendra’s Leadership: Advocated for shared resources, peace, and development.
• Independent Foreign Policy: Non-alignment allowed Nepal to avoid power politics and maintain sovereign independence.

Criticisms and Challenges

• Non-Alignment Practice: Criticized for perceived tilts towards neighboring countries.
• Economic Impact: Boosted international status but limited impact on living standards in Nepal.

                                                                                                                                                                                            Prepared and Edited By: Manish Rajak & Madhu Dahal