“NAM: Shaping Global Diplomacy in the 21st Century”

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) emerged during the Cold War as a coalition of nations advocating for Peace and independence from the major power blocs. Today, NAM continues to hold relevance by promoting multilateralism, South-South cooperation, and the pursuit of global peace, development, and the protection of sovereign rights in an ever-changing world 

The NAM, consisting of 120 developing states, was established during the Cold War as an organization that aimed to maintain independence and not align with either the United States or the Soviet Union (USSR). Non-alignment, a phenomenon of the Cold War era, refers to the stance taken by countries that chose not to join either of the two power blocs. This policy goes beyond neutrality and is action-oriented, allowing countries to make their own decisions without being dictated by the superpowers. 

In terms of state membership, the NAM is the second-largest grouping worldwide after the United Nations. The idea for this group was first discussed during the Asia-Africa Bandung Conference held in Indonesia in 1955, and it was formally established in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, during the first NAM Summit Conference in September 1961. The initiative was led by Jawaharlal Nehru, the Prime Minister of India, along with the Presidents of Ghana, Indonesia, Egypt, and Yugoslavia—Kwame Nkrumah, Sukarno, Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Josip Broz Tito, respectively. 

The organization’s objectives, as outlined in Fidel Castro’s Havana Declaration of 1979, include safeguarding the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of non-aligned countries in their struggle against imperialism, colonialism, neo-colonialism, racism, foreign aggression, occupation, domination, interference, hegemony, as well as against great power and bloc politics.

During the Cold War, the NAM’s policy and objectives played a crucial role in promoting global stability, peace, and security. The organization aimed to foster cooperation among countries in the Global South and did not advocate for neutrality or inaction on global issues. Instead, it advocated for peaceful interventions in world politics. 

The ten principles of the Bandung Conference are as follows:

Emphasizing the importance of fundamental human rights and adhering to the principles and goals of the United Nations Charter.

1. Respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.
2. Recognizing the equality of all races and nations, regardless of size.
3. Non-interference in the domestic affairs of other nations.
4. Recognizing the right of all nations to self-defense, individually or collectively, in accordance with the United Nations Charter.
5. Rejecting the use of collective defense agreements to advance the interests of any specific great power and refraining from exerting pressure on other countries.
6. Refraining from engaging in or threatening acts of aggression or the use of force that would undermine the territorial integrity or political independence of any nation.
7. Advocating for peaceful resolutions to all international conflicts in accordance with the United Nations Charter.
8. Promoting mutual interests and cooperation among nations.
9. Respecting justice and international obligations.

These principles encapsulate the NAM’s commitment to promoting peace, justice, and cooperation among nations while respecting their sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Hence, the principles of the NAM were largely influenced by the Panchsheel principles, also known as the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which were introduced by Nehru to depict India-China relations in 1954. These principles include:

a. Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. 

b. Mutual non-aggression. 

c. Mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. 

d. Equality and mutual benefit. 

e. Peaceful coexistence.

During the seventh summit held in New Delhi in March 1983, the NAM referred to itself as the “biggest peace movement in history.” Throughout the Cold War era, the NAM supported various causes, including:

Opposition to Apartheid, Disarmament, United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms, New International Economic Order (NIEO) – based on principles of economic justice, fostering dialogue between the North and the South, as well as promoting cooperation among countries in the Global South.

In 2019, the 18th NAM summit took place in Baku, Azerbaijan. Theme of the summit was Upholding Bandung principles to ensure a concerted and adequate response to the challenges of the contemporary world. The theme relates to the forthcoming 65th anniversary of Bandung Principles (2020) and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement (2021)

On May 4, 2020, a virtual summit called “United Against Covid-19” was organized under the leadership of HE Ilham Aliyev, the Chairman of the NAM and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for the 2019-2022 period. The summit primarily focused on the global efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and support the NAM in playing a more significant role in addressing and mitigating the impact of the disease on NAM member countries and beyond. The event also served as a commemoration of the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace.

Prime Minister Modi participated in the summit, where he highlighted the importance of a coordinated, inclusive, and equitable response from the international community to tackle the crisis. He outlined the steps taken by India domestically and internationally and expressed India’s willingness to provide assistance in solidarity with the NAM, to the extent possible. The Prime Minister also emphasized the continued global efforts against other challenges such as terrorism and fake news.

After the summit, leaders unanimously adopted a Declaration that emphasized the crucial role of international solidarity in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, they announced the establishment of a Task Force aimed at identifying the needs and requirements of member states. This Task Force would create a shared database reflecting the basic medical, social, and humanitarian needs necessary in the fight against COVID-19.

Relevance of NAM in Contemporary world 

In terms of its current relevance, the NAM continues to hold great significance in promoting various principles and objectives, including:

Advocacy for sovereignty and independence: The NAM emphasizes the principles of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. In an era marked by power struggles, conflicts, and interventions, the NAM’s commitment to these principles holds relevance for countries seeking to maintain their independence and autonomy.

Promoting multilateralism: The NAM serves as a platform for developing countries to voice their concerns and interests on global issues. It advocates for a more equitable and inclusive international order, highlighting the importance of multilateralism and the role of the United Nations in addressing global challenges. In an era where multilateralism is increasingly being tested, the NAM provides a space for collective action and cooperation.

South-South cooperation: The NAM encourages cooperation among its member states, particularly through South-South cooperation. It promotes economic, technical, and cultural exchanges between developing countries, aiming to foster self-reliance, reduce dependence on developed nations, and bridge development gaps. In a world where many countries face similar challenges, the NAM’s focus on South-South cooperation can help facilitate mutual support and exchange of best practices.

Influence in global decision-making: With a significant number of member countries, the NAM holds the potential to influence global decision-making processes. By collaborating and presenting common positions, member states can amplify their voices on international issues, such as peace and security, development, climate change, and disarmament. The collective weight of the NAM can serve as a platform to advance shared interests and perspectives.

Addressing contemporary challenges: The NAM addresses contemporary challenges faced by developing countries, including poverty, inequality, climate change, and social justice. It provides a platform for member states to exchange ideas, share experiences, and work together to find common solutions to these global problems. In an interconnected world, the NAM’s focus on inclusive development and addressing the needs of the marginalized can be relevant and impactful.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the Non-Aligned Movement continues to hold relevance by fostering cooperation, promoting equality, and advocating for the interests of developing nations. It remains an important platform for dialogue, diplomacy, and collective action in an ever-evolving global landscape.