Non-Aligned Movement
About NAM:
- The Non-Aligned Movement(NAM) is a forum of 120 countries that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc.
- After the United Nations, it is the largest grouping of states worldwide.
Members and Observers of the NAM
Background of the NAM:
- The term ‘Non-Alignment’ was used for the first time in 1950 at the United Nations by India and Yugoslavia, both of which refused to align themselves with any side in the multi-alliances involving Korean War.
- Drawing on the principles agreed at the Bandung Conference in 1955, the Non-Aligned Movement as an organization was founded on the Brijuniislands in Yugoslavia in 1956.
- The Movement advocates a middle course for states in the developing world between the Western and Eastern Blocs during the Cold War.
The five principles of the NAM were:
- Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
- Mutual non-aggression.
- Mutual non-interference in domestic affairs.
- Equality and mutual benefit.
- Peaceful co-existence.
Syllabus: Prelims + Mains; GS II – International Relations
