Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

In this article we are going to talk about NAM i.e. Non- Aligned Movement. Many people often got confused with the similar word like neutrality, neutralism etc. The term neutrality is taken in a negative sense while NAM is quite positive. It often mean following independent policy in international affairs within its principles and objectives. NAM doesn't mean to maintain neutral position or keeping away from international affairs. Nehru said in a Lok Sabha meeting that "I do not like India's policy, being referred as 'positive neutrality' in some countries. Without doubt we are unaligned; we are uncommitted to military blocks; but the important fact is that we are committed to various policies, various urges, various objectives and various principles; very much so…." So ultimately we can say that it follows the principle of self-interest and to take independent decision.

The formation of NAM was also done in order to remain independent only. After the II-world war international politics got started between the two super powers the US and the Soviet Union. The countries of the world are either at the side of US or of Soviet Union, but there were few countries who want to exercise their foreign policies independently so they formed a separate group which we called as NAM. This is also the reason why NAM is referred as 'Third World'. The US is refer as 'First world' where as Soviet Union as 'Second World'. NAM is a group of developing countries like countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America, which were long ago subjected to the colonial rule. Till 2011 total members of NAM were 118 and 20 observers.

India's first PM Jawaharlal Nehru is the propounder as well as the best representative of NAM. He was joined by col. Nasser of Egypt and Marshal Tito of Yugoslavia to make NAM an international movement.

The meetings of NAM generally held after every three years. The country where summit is held holds the chairmanship of NAM till the next Summits. Till now 16 summits of NAM had got happened and they are:
1) 1961 – Belgrade (Yugoslavia)
2) 1964 – Cairo (Egypt)
3) 1970 – Lusaka (Zambia)
4) 1973 – Algiers (Algeria)
5) 1976 – Colombo (Sri Lanka)
6) 1979 – Havana (Cuba)
7) 1983 – New Delhi (India)
8) 1986 – Harare (Zimbabwe)
9) 1989 – Belgrade (Yugoslavia)
10) 1992 – Jakarta (Indonesia)
11) 1995 – Cartagena (Columbia)
12) 1998 – Durban (South Africa)
13) 2003 – Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
14) 2006 – Havana (Cuba)
15) 2009 – Sharm El Sheikh ( Egypt)
16) 2012 – Tehran (Iran)

The main objectives of NAM are:-
1) All countries within NAM use to oppose colonialism, imperialism, and neo-colonialism.
2) These countries have to contribute in world peace and security.
3) Countries within NAM use to oppose Apartheid and all forms of social discrimination.
4) These countries use to promote disarmament
5) NAM countries use to promote cooperation and development among developing countries.
6) They promote NIEO i.e. new international Economic Order.

For being a member of NAM a country must follow the below conditions:-
1) The members should follow the independent policy in international relations.
2) The counties must oppose the colonialism
3) To be a member of any military alliance is prohibited.
4) Country should not signed and military treaty with any other country in order to be a superpower military rivalry.
5) The country cannot allow any foreign military to establish foreign military base.