The non-aligned movement was conceived in the context of the struggle against colonialism and the polarisation of international relations, resulting from military blocs and alliances and the cold war.
It was the inevitable result of the imperative need felt by the newly independent countries in all parts of the world to protect and strengthen their national independence and exercise full sovereignty in political and economic matters.
Over the years, despite many obstacles, the movement and the policy of non-alignment have achieved significant successes, though of late, a vital and catalytic role in efforts to promote peace and peaceful coexistence independence, disarmament and accelerated economic advancement of developing countries and the continued struggle for an equitable world economic order which are the central issues of our times.
Image Source: scottlong1980.files.wordpress.com
ADVERTISEMENTS:
The non-aligned movement is committed to taking constructive action towards halting and reversing the dangerous trends in the current international situation as well as creating conditions conducive to the promotion of relations of cooperation, good neighborliness and friendship amongst states.
It has striven over the years for the maintenance of peace based on justice, the promotion of disarmament, the relaxation of international tension, the encouragement of just and peaceful solutions to international issues.
The policy and the movement of non-alignment have exerted a significant influence in evolution of international political and economic relations as a whole, thus expressing the need for the contemporary world for peace, freedom, independence, equality, development and prosperity for all.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
The first conference of the non-aligned nations took place in 1961 in Belgrade, the second in Cairo in 1964, the third in Lusaka in 1970, the fourth in Algiers in 1973, the fifth in Colombo in 1976, the sixth in Havana in 1979, the seventh in New Delhi in 1983, the eighth in Harare in 1986, ninth in Belgrade again in 1989 and the tenth in Jakarta in 1992.
The eleventh NAM conference was held in Cartagena (Colombia) in 1995, the twelfth in South Africa in 1998, 13th in Kuala Lumpur in Feb. 03, 14th took place in Havana, Cuba, in Sept. 2006, the fifteenth Summit took place in Sharmasheikh Egypt in July 2009.
Achievements:
In 1961, European colonialism still existed in Africa and elsewhere. The non-aligned nations were interested in speeding up decolonisation all over the world. Also, the non-aligned nations were grimly aware of the tension which had been building up in the 1950s. The tension existed especially over Berlin, Indo- China, the Congo, and over nuclear weapon tests.
In the early 1960s there were grave provocations from both the superpowers to go in for an all-out nuclear war. The non-aligned nations were aware of their moral role and were keen to avoid a conflagration. The non-aligned nations appealed to the two super powers and their allies to slow down the intensity of the cold war and to give the Third World a voice in international debate.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
They can claim with some satisfaction that about 50 former colonies have become independent since 1961, and non-aligned countries are listened to with respect now on account of the growing power of the oil-exporting countries, at major world fora.