14.3 The Non-Aligned Movement
3 min read•june 24, 2024
The emerged as a powerful force during the , offering a third path for nations caught between the US and Soviet spheres. Led by charismatic leaders like Yugoslavia's Tito and India's Nehru, it championed independence, cooperation, and .
This movement shaped global politics, influencing and promoting economic development among member states. Despite challenges, it provided a platform for newly independent nations to assert their sovereignty and navigate the complex Cold War landscape.
The Non-Aligned Movement and Cold War Dynamics
Yugoslavia's Role
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- Yugoslavia's unique position pursued an independent socialist path refusing to align with either the Soviet Union or the United States led by
- Tito-Stalin Split in 1948 resulted in Yugoslavia's expulsion from the Cominform due to ideological differences demonstrating the possibility of a socialist state existing outside Soviet control
- Yugoslavia co-founded the Non-Aligned Movement alongside India, Egypt, and Indonesia hosting the first Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Belgrade in 1961
Bandung Conference
- held in Bandung, Indonesia in 1955 with 29 Asian and African countries participating aimed to promote Afro-Asian economic and cultural cooperation and oppose (, racism)
- Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (Panchsheel) included mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence
- Non-Aligned Movement goals maintained and independence from the Cold War power blocs (United States, Soviet Union), promoted economic development and cooperation among member states, and supported decolonization and for newly independent nations (Africa, Asia)
India's Neutrality and Regional Conflicts
India's Neutrality
- 's non-alignment policy pursued an independent foreign policy avoiding entanglements with Cold War alliances emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence and international cooperation
- India co-founded the Non-Aligned Movement alongside Yugoslavia, Egypt, and Indonesia hosting the seventh Non-Aligned Movement Summit in New Delhi in 1983
- Challenges to India's neutrality included the Sino-Indian War in 1962 necessitating military assistance and India's reliance on Soviet support during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971
Arab-Israeli Conflicts
- Arab-Israeli War in 1948 followed the establishment of the State of Israel with Egypt and other Arab states (Jordan, Syria, Lebanon) invading Israel but being defeated
- Suez Crisis in 1956 resulted from Egypt nationalizing the Suez Canal leading to an invasion by Israel, France, and the United Kingdom until international pressure forced the invading powers to withdraw
- Six-Day War in 1967 involved Israel preemptively attacking Egypt, Jordan, and Syria occupying the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Golan Heights demonstrating Israel's military superiority and reshaping the regional balance of power
- Yom Kippur War in 1973 saw Egypt and Syria launching a surprise attack on Israel to regain lost territories with Israel eventually repelling the attack but the war leading to increased Arab unity and the use of oil as a political weapon (OPEC embargo)
- Egypt's role under championed and opposed Western influence in the region seeking to lead the Arab world in the struggle against Israel and assert Egypt's regional dominance
Key Terms to Review (24)
Angolan Civil War: The Angolan Civil War was a protracted conflict that lasted from 1975 to 2002 in Angola, following the country's independence from Portugal. The war was primarily fought between two main factions: the MPLA (People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola) and UNITA (National Union for the Total Independence of Angola), each supported by different foreign powers, reflecting Cold War dynamics and the broader context of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Arab nationalism: Arab nationalism is a political and cultural ideology that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, promoting the unity and identity of Arab peoples based on shared language, culture, and history. This movement sought to establish independent Arab states free from foreign domination and to foster a sense of solidarity among Arabs across national boundaries. Arab nationalism played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the Middle East, especially during the era of decolonization and the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Bandung Conference: The Bandung Conference was a historic meeting held in April 1955 in Indonesia, where representatives from 29 Asian and African countries gathered to discuss mutual interests and cooperation, promoting solidarity among newly independent nations. This conference marked a significant moment for the Non-Aligned Movement, as it aimed to create a collective stance against colonialism and imperialism while asserting the importance of self-determination and peaceful coexistence among nations.
Belgrade Conference: The Belgrade Conference was a significant diplomatic meeting held in 1961 where leaders from various countries convened to discuss the principles and future of the Non-Aligned Movement. This conference marked a key moment in the Cold War era, emphasizing the desire of countries to remain independent from the influence of both the Western and Eastern blocs. The discussions aimed to promote peace, solidarity, and cooperation among nations that did not wish to align themselves with either major power during a time of global tension.
Cold War: The Cold War was a prolonged period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, along with their respective allies, that lasted from the end of World War II until the early 1990s. This era was characterized by ideological conflict, nuclear arms races, and proxy wars, deeply influencing global politics and shaping international relations.
Colonialism: Colonialism is the practice of acquiring and maintaining control over foreign territories, often by settling populations and exploiting resources for economic gain. This process has significantly influenced global relationships, economies, and cultures from the 15th century onward, leading to dramatic shifts in power dynamics and societal structures worldwide.
Congo Crisis: The Congo Crisis was a period of political turmoil and conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Belgian Congo) from 1960 to 1965, following the country's independence from Belgium. This crisis involved violent struggles for power among various factions, including the central government, regional leaders, and foreign interests, impacting the broader context of Cold War geopolitics and the Non-Aligned Movement as countries navigated their positions in the face of colonial legacies and superpower competition.
Decolonization: Decolonization refers to the process through which colonies gain independence from colonial powers, transitioning from imperial control to self-governance. This movement was significantly influenced by the global context of power dynamics, anti-colonial sentiments, and the struggles for rights and resources by colonized peoples, leading to a reshaping of national boundaries and identities worldwide.
Gamal Abdel Nasser: Gamal Abdel Nasser was an Egyptian military officer and politician who became the second President of Egypt, serving from 1956 until his death in 1970. He was a prominent leader of the Arab nationalist movement and played a crucial role in the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement, which sought to establish a third way in international relations, separate from the influence of both the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Global South: The Global South refers to a group of countries primarily located in the Southern Hemisphere that are often characterized by lower levels of economic development, social inequality, and political instability compared to their counterparts in the Global North. This term encompasses a diverse range of nations, including those in Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia, and highlights the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism, globalization, and economic disparities in shaping their development trajectories.
Imperialism: Imperialism is the policy or practice of extending a nation's authority by territorial acquisition or by establishing economic and political dominance over other nations. This concept has been critical in shaping global dynamics, influencing everything from international relations to cultural exchanges and conflicts.
Jawaharlal Nehru: Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of India, serving from 1947 until his death in 1964. He was a key figure in the Indian independence movement and a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement, advocating for a third path in international relations that sought to avoid alignment with either the Western or Eastern blocs during the Cold War.
Josip Broz Tito: Josip Broz Tito was a Yugoslav revolutionary and statesman who served as the Prime Minister and later as the President of Yugoslavia from 1945 until his death in 1980. He was a key figure in the Non-Aligned Movement, promoting a third path in international relations that avoided alignment with either the United States or the Soviet Union during the Cold War, advocating for independence and self-determination for nations.
Neutrality: Neutrality is the policy or practice of not taking sides in a conflict or dispute, particularly in international relations. This concept is vital for states that wish to maintain peace and avoid entanglements in wars or alliances that could threaten their sovereignty or stability. Neutrality allows countries to focus on their own interests while promoting diplomacy and dialogue.
Non-Aligned Movement: The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is a group of states that chose not to formally align with either the Western or Eastern blocs during the Cold War, promoting peace, sovereignty, and cooperation among nations. This movement emerged as many countries sought to assert their independence from the influence of superpowers and address issues related to decolonization and global tensions. It played a significant role in international relations by providing a platform for newly independent nations to express their interests and promote a multipolar world.
Non-Aligned Nations: Non-Aligned Nations refer to countries that chose not to formally align themselves with either the Western bloc led by the United States or the Eastern bloc led by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. This movement emerged as a response to the polarization of global politics and aimed to promote peace, independence, and cooperation among nations without taking sides in the ideological conflict between capitalism and communism.
Peaceful coexistence: Peaceful coexistence refers to the idea that nations with different political systems, ideologies, and cultures can live together in harmony and avoid conflict. This concept gained prominence during the Cold War, particularly as a strategy adopted by nations seeking to navigate tensions between capitalist and communist powers without resorting to warfare. It emphasizes diplomacy, mutual respect, and collaboration as means to maintain stability and foster positive relations among diverse nations.
Post-colonial: Post-colonial refers to the period and the ideas that emerged after the end of colonial rule, focusing on the cultural, political, and social impacts of colonization and the ongoing challenges faced by formerly colonized nations. It highlights the struggles for identity, independence, and self-determination as well as the effects of exploitation and resistance against colonial powers. The post-colonial perspective critically examines how past colonial experiences shape contemporary global relations and national identities.
Self-determination: Self-determination is the principle that a group of people has the right to determine their own political status and pursue their own economic, social, and cultural development. This idea is closely tied to nationalism, as it encourages groups to seek autonomy or independence, often leading to the formation of nation-states and influencing global political dynamics, particularly after conflicts.
Solidarity: Solidarity refers to the unity and mutual support among individuals or groups, often in pursuit of common goals or interests. In the context of the Non-Aligned Movement, solidarity emphasizes the importance of cooperation and collective action among nations that choose not to align with major power blocs, advocating for shared development, peace, and independence from external domination.
Suez Canal Crisis: The Suez Canal Crisis was a diplomatic and military conflict in late 1956, stemming from Egypt's nationalization of the Suez Canal, which had previously been controlled by British and French interests. This crisis highlighted the geopolitical tensions of the Cold War and the struggle for influence in the Middle East, especially among newly independent nations seeking to assert their sovereignty and resist colonial powers.
Sukarno: Sukarno was the first President of Indonesia, serving from 1945 to 1967, and a pivotal figure in the country's struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule. He was instrumental in establishing the Non-Aligned Movement, promoting a third way in global politics that sought to balance power between the East and West during the Cold War.
Third World: The term 'Third World' originally referred to countries that were not aligned with either the Western bloc led by the United States or the Eastern bloc led by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Over time, it evolved to describe nations that faced economic challenges, lower industrialization, and higher poverty rates, often situated in Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia. This categorization played a significant role in the context of the Non-Aligned Movement, which sought to represent and advocate for these nations' interests on the global stage.
Third-worldism: Third-worldism is a political and ideological framework that emerged during the Cold War, advocating for the interests and solidarity of countries classified as 'third world'—typically those that were economically underdeveloped and politically marginalized. This concept emphasizes anti-colonialism, economic independence, and social justice, seeking to empower nations that were historically oppressed by colonial powers or caught in the global rivalry between superpowers.