POLITICAL SCIENCE PROJECT :

NON-Alignment

Submitted To:

Dr. Sarabjit

(Assistant Proffessor, UILS,

Panjab University, Chandigarh)

Submitted By:

Somnath Tayal

B.A.L.L.B (Hons.)

95/13

Semester: VIII

Page | 1
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I acknowledge with gratitude my indebtedness to Dr. Sarabjit for giving me the opportunity to
work on this project and gave valuable guidance for preparing the project.

I would like to thank those people who directly or indirectly helped me to enhance my practical
knowledge in the field of commerce and I express my sincere gratitude and to all those who
shared all those thoughts with me.

I am grateful to my teachers who guided me throughout the completion of this project report. I
would like to thank my parents for their unimpeachable trust in me and the moral support.
Finally, I would like to thank God, who helped me through those times when the completion of
this project seemed a hard nut to crack.

I would like to thank the respective library of UILS and the very humble library staff for their co-
operation and help.

Somnath

95/13

Page | 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction
History &; Origin
Features of Non-Alignment
Factors Responsible for the Adoption of Non-Alignment
Positive Factors
Negative Factors
Reasons of Non-Alignment
Non-Alignment in Present Times
Non-Alignment &; New International Economic Order
Conclusion
Bibliography

Page | 3
INTRODUCTION

Non-alignment : Nehru described Non-alignment as the principle of Independent Foreign

Policy. In simple words, Non-alignment means a foreign policy which while keeping herself free
from cold war and military alliances, actively participates in international relations, It means a
foreign policy based on national interest as well as on the demands of international objectives of
peace and security.

HISTORY & ORIGIN

Non-alignment as a movement traces its roots to First Indian Premier JL Nehru, who gave the
idea of an organization of newly independent states of Africa & Asia in a radio speech as early as
1946. The Nehruvian idea of Non-Alignment found favour with certain other newly independent
states like Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, Col. Abdul Nasser of Egypt, Sukarno of Indonesia &
Kwame of Ghana. These five leaders were known as founders of NAM.The Founders of NAM
have preferred to declare it as a movement but not an organization in order to avoid bureaucratic
implications of the latter.In 1960, 16 new African States became the members of UNO giving
voice to the third world states.

Cold war had divided the world into two blocs: USA & USSR. The end of Second World War
had seen the emergence of a bipolar world haunted by bloc rivalry between the two superpowers.
At this crucial juncture, there was collapse of colonial system & the independence struggles of
people of many countries of Asia, Latin America & Africa and other regions of the world was
instrumental in organizing Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). These were known as Third
World States. Most of these countries did not want to join any bloc or new military alliance as it
would have again ended their newly founded freedom. These countries therefore decided to
pursue the path of Non-Alignment for a new international order based on equality & co-
existence. Non-Alignment & New International Economic Order (NIEO), therefore emerged as
new challenges to Bipolarity.

Page | 4
FEATURES OF NON-ALIGNMENT

The policy of non-alignment which was adopted by most of the independent countries of Asia
and Africa possess certain basic features. These are as follows:

Non-involvement in power politics: Morgenthau and Schwarzen Berger regarded

international relations as a struggle for power. Power implies a particular man's control
over the minds and actions of other me. Non- alignment rejects at least in theory, this
game of power politics. Instead, it believes in influence politics. Influence politics differs
from power politics in the sense that influence believes in persuasion while power lies in
compelling other by the use of force to do what he would not have done otherwise. Non-
alignment is an anti-power-politics concept. It accepts the right of the nation to be more
powerful, but only for satisfying the goals of its national interest. It rejects unhealthy
struggle for local, regional, continental or world domination. It regards power-struggle as
a step towards violation of international peace and security.
Peaceful Co-existence and no-interference: These are the two main principles of the
concept ofPanchsheel. Non-alignment believes that cold war and its attempts to maintain
peace through preparation for war are unjust and harmful concepts. These should be
replaced by faith in peaceful coexistence and non-interference. Non-alignment accepts
that nations with different political systems can peacefully co-exist and co-operate and
work for mutual benefits; world peace and prosperity.That it is possible to maintain and
develop friendship between communist and non-communist countries.
Independent Foreign Policy:The origin of non-alignment was, to large extent, due to the
desire of new states to keep their foreign policy independent from the possible pressure
from the super powers and developed nations. It was felt that alignment with any bloc or
super power would limit the freedom of expression. It would lead to camp-following and
biased decision-making. Non-alignment is source of independence and freedom of each
action.
Against Racial Discrimination:Most of non-aligned countries are Asian and African and
they are opposed Racial Discrimination as they were subjected to discrimination

Page | 5
 by colonial rule for long time. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said We repudiate utterly Nazi
doctrine of racialism whosesoever and in whatever form it may be practiced. We seek no
domination over others and we claim no privileged position over other people. But we do
claim equal and honourable treatment of our people wherever they may go and we cannot
accept any discrimination against them. The non-aligned countries have sympathy for
people which have been exploited and economically dominated by other powers for a
long time.
Revolutionary approach in domestic sphere:The non-aligned nations have adopted
revolutionary approach tosecure economic freedom for their people. Colonial rule paid no
attention to the interest of people. After independence they resorted to socialization of
private capitals and estates. It was opposed by western powers but still non-aligned
nations undergo internal revolution. Prof. Burton says Non-aligned nations tend to
comprise those countries in which rapid social and economic reform has taken or is
taking place.
Non-Alignment distinguished from Isolationism & Neutrality:The policy of keeping
away from alliances cannot be termed as isolationism. Isolationism means to keep aloof
from global affairs. Isolationism was part of US foreign policy after the American War of
Independence, till the origin of First World War. In contrast to this, non-aligned countries
including India have played a vibrant and active role in mediating the cause of peace and
stability between the two cold rivals.Non-alignment is not even neutrality. Neutrality in
principle means not taking sides between two warring parties. European countries
pursued such a policy in the 18th century when France & Britain were involved in a
conflict for supremacy. States following this policy do not make efforts to end a war.
Non-aligned countries were infact involved in actual wars for a variety of reasons and
tried to end war between other nations of the world. Non-alignment was therefore
pursuance of an independent approach in world affairs.
Opposition to Cold War:The origin of non-alignment came at time when the war-time -
cooperation between America and the USSR had been forgotten in favour of cold war-
the war of nerves, the propaganda war, the ideological war and war in which instead of
bullets, accusations, charges and counter charges were leveled against each other by the
two super powers and attempts were made by each to isolate the other. The peace after

Page | 6
 the war came to be a tense peace. Each of these tried to win over the other states,
particularly the new emerging soverign states like India .International peace was
preached and toasted but cold war was practiced. The new states like India considered
cold war as a totally harmful exercise against international peace as well as against the
peace and security of each nation. As such, opposition to cold war was adopted by them
as a fundamental principle of foreign policies. It rejects cold war and upholds peaceful
co-existence and co-operation among nations.
Opposition to Political/Military Alliances: To quote Nehru,

when we say our policy is one of non-alignment, obviously we meant non-alignment with
military blocs.

Non-alignment has been opposing all types of military/security/political alliances like

NATO, SEATO, Warsaw Pact etc. which are nothing but means of tension and power
politics. These alliances are regarded as the agencies for conducting the cold war politics and
for perpetuating the control over other nations. These constitute serious and big limitation on
the rights of the members to act independently and to make them act with more prior
commitments and subject values.Non-alignment regards alliances as instruments of war,
imperialism and neo-colonialism, and hence has been totally opposed to them.

FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ADOPTION OF

NON-ALIGNMENT

Non-alignment is based on the widespread desire of national independence and non-involvement

in the conflicts of others. Many circumstances influence the countries to accept non-alignment as
the basis of their foreign policy.

Causes of Non-alignment: Non-alignment has two types of factors which are causes of Non-
alignment.

Page | 7
a) Positive factors

b) Negative factors

POSITIVE FACTORS

Nationalism:Nationalism was the most important feature of freedom movements in Asian

and African countries. It was not the nationalism of the West which means devotion to
ones own country or race. Nationalism in East was a movement to obtain freedom after a
long struggle. To preserve the freedom the nations were determined to follow a course
whereby they may not become tools in the hands of big powers. They preferred to follow
policy of non-alignment.
Anti-colonism:Anti-colonial feeling persisted in the countries of Asia and Africa after
they attained the independence. It is largely contributed to the growth of policy of non-
alignment. These powers were afraid they may be again subjugated by colonial powers.
They were determined to keep off these colonial powers by avoiding membership of
blocs and adopting an independent course of action, keeping out of all sorts of alliances.
Underdeveloped & economic aid:The countries of Asia and Africa who gained
independence were underdeveloped. They were keen to improve the standard of living of
their people and promote systematic development of their country. They needed capital
and financial assistance from the powers of both the blocs to achieve their objectives at a
fast rate. Therefore, they thought it proper to keep off from political alliances and pursue
the policy of non-alignment.
Racial & Cultural Aspects: Since long colonial powers had fed the Afro-Asian Nations
with the idea that they were racially as well as culturally backward. The feeling evoked
mutual sympathy among people of the newly emerged states of Africa and Asia. Being
common victims of economic exploitation and political domination by the European
countries they had a sense of affinity which led them to cooperate with each other.
Need of peace for development:Newly independent states wanted to live in peace.
Therefore, they concentrated on their development. They decided to keep off from
military alliances and the two power blocs.

Page | 8
 Strengthening of UNO:Lest it should meet the same fate as the league of Nations or fall
victims of cold war rivalry or become an arena of super power tug of war or a battlefield
of superpower polarization many Asian-African nations realized that they would be
strengthening the UNO and its principles by remaining non-aligned.

NEGATIVE FACTORS

Dissolution with Military Alliances:The single negative factor of non-alignment is its

opposition to the military alliances and cold war politics. These military pacts like
NATO, SEATO, CENTO, Warsaw Pact etc. accelerated arms race, enhanced rivalry and
tensions and thus were considered harmful for world peace.This was basic reason for
adopting the policy of non-alignment by the newly independent countries of Asia and
Africa.

REASONS FOR NON-ALIGNMENT

The main objective of the NAM was to keep away the newly independent countries of Asia and
Africa from the super power rivalry and to protect and preserve their newly acquired
independence.The basic objectives of the Non-Aligned Movement were laid down at the first
conference itself. Some of these objectives were later elaborated and made more specific. The
most important objectives included ending of imperialism and colonialism, promotion of
international peace and security and disarmament, creation of a New International Economic
Order, ending of racism and racial discrimination, and ending of information imperialism.

During the past forty-seven years, the membership of the Non- Aligned Movement has increased
to 118. South Africa had become the 109th member in 1994. Almost all of them are members of
the United Nations and thus constitute about sixty per cent of the total membership of the United
Nations. All countries of Africa are members of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Page | 9
 Elimination of all trace of colonization, racial segregation and neo-colonization in 3rd
world country.
Mounting opposition to issues and arms race and nuclear weapons for the elimination of
war heads and disbarment.
To support every move at resolutions of disputes among nations.
To create an avenue for states to interact freely within the comity of nations.
To allow nations to pursue their economic & political policies without any interference
from either the East or the West.
To create opportunities for discussion and assessment of international objectivity.
To strongly oppose the East and West ideology and the division of the world into two
opposing blocs. The West represents USA & Western European Countries (Capitalism)
and the East represents Russia & Eastern European Countries (Communism).
To allow nations work towards safeguarding their territorial integrity and non-
interference in the sovereignty of states.
To work & co-operate with other international bodies or organisations for peace and
security, globally.

NAM has sought to "create an independent path in world politics that would not result in
member States becoming pawns in the struggles between the major powers." It identifies the
right of independent judgment, the struggle against imperialism and neo-colonialism, and the use
of moderation in relations with all big powers.There were doubts about the relevance and future
of the Non- Aligned Movement after the end of the Cold War. These doubts were set at rest at
the Tenth Summit held at Jakarta in 1992. This was the first summit which was held in the new
world situation.It stressed that the improvements in the international political climate had
vindicated the validity and relevance of non- alignment. Pointing out that the world was still far
from being a peaceful, just and secure place, it conveyed a message which reiterated the
commitment of the Non-Aligned Movement to the shaping of a new international order, free
from war, poverty, intolerance and injustice, a world based on the principles of peaceful
coexistence and genuine interdependence, a world which takes into account the diversity of
social systems and cultures.

Page | 10
The UN Declaration asserted the principles by which the nations associated with the movement
will be guided. Some of these principles were,

1. No State of group of States has the right to intervene either directly of indirectly, whatever
the motives, in the internal affairs of any other State.

2. Rejection of attempts at regime change.

3. Rejection and opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, committed by
whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes, as it constitutes one of the most serious threats
to international peace and security.

In this context, terrorism should not be equated with the legitimate struggle of people under
colonial or alien domination and foreign occupation for self-determination and national
liberation.

Page | 11
CONCLUSION

Non-alignment has its political, economic and social roots in the anti-colonial struggles of the era
of post-World War II. It is a movement aimed at bringing in a new international order which is
just.

In this new order, the States should not be discriminated against because of their history, their
social origin and size. It means to be friendly with all but only on a footing of equality and
reciprocity and not be hooked to military alliance.

The membership of the Non-Aligned Movement comprises almost all the developing countries
of the world and notwithstanding differences on some specific issues, there are many issues,
including the fulfilment of the right to development that bind them together and make for the
continuing relevance of the movement.

Its purpose is to enlarge the areas of peace and co-operation. So, the essence of non-alignment
lies in the freedom and independence of a country to judge each issue as it arises on its own
merits, as it affects the national interests, of the country concerned and the interest of peace in
the world but not on the basis of a predetermined attitude because of alignment with one great
power or another.

Page | 12
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Books Referred:

Murthy, B.S., International Relations & Organizations, Eastern Book Company,

Lucknow, 2003.
Hoffman, S.H., Contemporary Theory in International Relation, Addison Wesley,
Massachusetts, 1979.
Burton, J.W., International Relations- a general theory, Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge, 1967.
Roy, Allison, The Soviet Union &The Strategy of Non-Alignment in the Third World.

Webliography:

http://www.zeepedia.com/read.php%3Fnon-
alignment_movement_origin_of_nam_nams_institutional_structure_international_relatio
ns_ir%26b%3D100%26c%3D17
http://www.preservearticles.com/201106208258/what-do-you-mean-by-non-
alignment.html
https://mea.gov.in/in-focus
article.htm?20349/History+and+Evolution+of+NonAligned+Movement
http://english.irib.ir/analysis/articles2/item/97440-objectives-of-non-aligned-movement
http://law-projects.blogspot.in/2013/04/emergence-of-third-world-and-non.html
http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/50774/11/11_conclusion.pdf
http://www.nti.org/learn/treaties-and-regimes/non-aligned-movement-nam/

Page | 13