nonalignment

Nonalignment is a foreign policy stance characterized by avoiding formal military alliances and bloc politics with the major powers, particularly during the Cold War era when the United States and the Soviet Union led opposing security blocs. It emphasizes sovereignty, independent decision-making, and, often, support for decolonization and developing-country interests.

Origins lie in the mid-1950s, notably the Bandung Conference of 1955, which articulated principles of mutual respect, noninterference, nonaggression, equality, and peaceful coexistence. Building on this, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was founded in 1961 in Belgrade by leaders such as India's Nehru, Egypt's Nasser, Yugoslavia's Tito, Indonesia's Sukarno, and Ghana's Nkrumah, among others. NAM sought to create a platform for countries seeking to chart an independent course in international affairs, free from pressure to align with either of the two blocs.

Core principles include sovereignty and territorial integrity, anti-imperialism and anti-colonialism, and a commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes and restrained use of force. Practically, nonalignment has allowed states to pursue varied policies, voting in international forums like the UN based on national interests rather than bloc lines.

During the Cold War, nonalignment aimed to reduce pressure to choose sides, advocate disarmament, and support development and decolonization. After the Cold War, NAM functions as a loose forum for dialogue; it faces questions about coherence and effectiveness as members increasingly engage with major powers on a case-by-case basis.