Non-Aligned Movement

Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Non-Aligned Movement?

1. It is opposed to any kind of military alliances like NATO, SEATO etc.
2. It is aligned to any of the power blocs
3. It judges an issue on merit and upholds the rights of all people for freedom and justice
4. It does not remain aloof from international problems.

Answer

It is aligned to any of the power blocs

Reason — A key feature of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is that it does not align itself with any of the power blocs. Therefore, saying that it is aligned to any of the power blocs is not a feature of NAM.

Which of the following does NOT come under Panchsheel?

1. Mutual non-interference in internal affairs
2. Mutual aggression
3. Equality for Mutual benefit
4. Peaceful co-existence.

Answer

Mutual aggression

Reason — Panchsheel includes mutual non-aggression, not mutual aggression. Therefore, "Mutual aggression" is not a principle of Panchsheel.

Who, among the following, is NOT considered one of the 'founding fathers' of the Non-Aligned Movement?

1. President Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia
2. Prime Minister Nehru of India
3. President Nasser of Egypt
4. President Rajendra Prasad of India.

Answer

President Rajendra Prasad of India

Reason — The founding fathers of the Non-Aligned Movement were Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of India, President Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, and President Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt. President Rajendra Prasad was not one of them.

Which of the following is an objective of the Non-Aligned Movement?

1. To oppose colonialism, imperialism and racial discrimination
2. To advocate non-settlement of international disputes
3. To challenge the UN as an organ of world peace
4. None of the above.

Answer

To oppose colonialism, imperialism and racial discrimination

Reason — One of the main objectives of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is to oppose colonialism, imperialism and racial discrimination. It also supports the peaceful settlement of international disputes and seeks to strengthen the United Nations.

Which country amongst the following attended the NAM summits as an observer but did not join it?

1. Latin American nations
2. Sweden
3. Italy
4. Germany

Answer

Sweden

Reason — Some European countries like Austria, Finland and Sweden attended the NAM summits only as observers.

Which of the following became the guidelines for NAM?

1. Communist Manifesto
2. The UN Charter
3. Panchsheel
4. Warsaw pact

Answer

Panchsheel

Reason — In 1954, India and China signed an agreement containing five principles of peaceful co-existence, known as Panchsheel. These principles collectively became the guidelines for the Non-Aligned Movement to evolve.

The Non-Aligned Movement, founded in 1961 at the height of the Cold War, has membership of 120 countries — 53 from Africa; 39 from Asia; 26 from Latin America and the Caribbean; and 2 from Europe. What does Non-alignment mean?

1. Non-membership to military blocs
2. Non-alignment to power blocs
3. Active participation in international issues
4. All of the above.

Answer

All of the above.

Reason — Non-alignment means that a country does not align itself with any of the power blocs and is opposed to military alliances like NATO, SEATO and the Warsaw Pact. At the same time, it does not remain aloof from international problems but actively participates in world affairs. Hence, all the given options are correct.

(I) Non-alignment is a policy that allows a country the freedom to decide its own course of actions in terms of world politics.

(II) After the Second World War it was compulsory for the newly independent countries to join any one of the two power blocs.

1. (II) contradicts (I)
2. (II) is the reason for (I)
3. (I) is true but (II) is false.
4. (I) and (II) are independent of each other.

Answer

(I) is true but (II) is false

Explanation — Non-alignment gives countries the freedom to decide their own foreign policy. It was not compulsory for newly independent countries to join either of the two power blocs; many instead chose the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

(I) Post World War II, the newly independent countries in Asia and Africa decided to maintain a distance from the two power blocs.

(II) One of the objectives of the Non-Aligned Movement is to protect human rights and to protect the environment

1. (II) contradicts (I)
2. (II) is the reason for (I)
3. (I) is true but (II) is false.
4. (I) and (II) are independent of each other.

Answer

(I) and (II) are independent of each other.

Explanation — Statement I explains why the newly independent countries stayed away from the two power blocs after World War II, while Statement II states one of the objectives of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). The two statements are related to NAM but neither explains the other, so they are independent

(I) The First Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement was held in Belgrade in the erstwhile Yugoslavia in 1961.

(II) President Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia was one of the founding members of NAM.

1. (II) contradicts (I)
2. (II) is the reason for (I)
3. (I) is true but (II) is false.
4. (I) and (II) are independent of each other.

Answer

(II) is the reason for (I)

Explanation — President Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia was one of the founding fathers of NAM. Since the first NAM Summit was held in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, in 1961, his leadership explains why Belgrade was chosen as the venue.

(I) One of the objectives of NAM is to oppose the use of force and the use of nuclear weapons.

(II) NAM did not make any substantial efforts to prevent war between Russia and Ukraine or Israel and Palestine.

1. (II) contradicts (I)
2. (II) is the reason for (I)
3. (I) is true but (II) is false.
4. (I) and (II) are independent of each other.

Answer

(I) is true but (II) is false

Explanation — One of the objectives of NAM is to oppose the use of force and nuclear weapons. It also mentions that NAM appealed for peace and condemned the Russia–Ukraine and Israel–Palestine conflicts, so it is incorrect to say that NAM made no substantial efforts. Therefore, Statement II is false.

When did the concept of Non-alignment emerge? Why?

Answer

The concept of Non-alignment emerged after the Second World War during the Cold War. The world was divided into two power blocs—one led by the USA and the other by the erstwhile Soviet Union. Many newly independent countries of Asia and Africa decided not to join either bloc and to remain non-aligned.

Non-alignment emerged because of the following reasons:

1. The Cold War created global tension and threatened world peace.
2. To oppose imperialism and neo-colonialism.
3. To preserve the freedom of independent judgement in foreign policy.
4. To maintain friendly relations with all nations without aligning with any power bloc.
5. To achieve economic development by accepting assistance from any country without political conditions.
6. To work collectively for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Mention any four objectives of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Answer

Four objectives of the Non-Aligned Movement are as follows-

1. To oppose colonialism, imperialism and racial discrimination.
2. To advocate sovereign equality of all states,
3. To encourage friendly relations among countries.
4. To advocate peaceful settlement of international disputes.

What are the basic principles of Panchsheel?

Answer

The basic principles of Panchsheel are as follows-

1. Mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs
2. Mutual non-aggression
3. Equality for mutual benefit
4. Mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty
5. Peaceful co-existence

Where was the Non-Aligned Movement formally launched? Name three founder members of NAM.

Answer

The Non-Aligned Movement was formally launched at its first summit held in September 1961 at Belgrade in Yugoslavia.

Three founder members of NAM were:

1. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of India
2. President Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia
3. President Nasser of Egypt

What was Pt. Nehru's view about Non-alignment? What did he do to curb the mad race for armaments?

Answer

Pt. Nehru's view about Non-alignment:

1. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru believed in mutual respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.
2. He advocated democratic socialism and made it clear that non-alignment did not mean the creation of a third power bloc. It meant preserving the freedom to take independent decisions in international affairs for newly independent countries.

Pt. Nehru was against the mad race for armaments and called for disarmament and abolition of stockpiles of nuclear weapons. It was in pursuance of his policy of disarmament that India signed a treaty in 1963 for banning atomic tests.

Read the excerpt given below and answer the questions that follow:

'Cruel Genocidal Act': Non-aligned Movement
condemns Israel's assault on Gaza

The five-day summit of NAM member states which began on 15 January, 2024 was held in Uganda, where President Yoweri Museveni officially assumed the chairmanship of the summit and the NAM for the next three years.

The body "strongly condemn the illegal Israeli military aggression on the Gaza Strip, the indiscriminate attacks against Palestinian civilians, civilian objects, the forced displacement of the Palestinian population and further calls for an immediate and durable humanitarian ceasefire". It urged for the implementation of a UN Security Council resolution to allow humanitarian aid into the besieged strip.

The New Arab, January 21, 2024

(a) With reference to the above excerpt, state the relevance of NAM at present.

(b) Explain how Non-alignment is neither neutrality, nor isolation nor non-commitment.

(c) Give any four objectives of NAM.

Answer

(a) The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) continues to be relevant today as it:

1. Opposes the use of force and supports the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
2. Protects human rights and works for the protection of the environment.
3. Supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.
4. Strengthens the United Nations as an organ of world peace.
5. Continues to raise its voice against conflicts such as the Russia–Ukraine and Israel–Palestine wars by appealing for peace and humanitarian assistance.

(b) Non-alignment is neither neutrality, nor isolation nor non-commitment.

1. Non-alignment is not neutral as it does not remain aloof from international problems. It actively participates in the politics among nations. So, non-alignment stands for 'action' rather than passivism.
2. NAM is not aloof as it comes forward to help the underdeveloped and developing newly independent countries.
3. NAM is not committed to any military blocs but maintains friendly relations with the countries of the First and the Second World.

(c) Four objectives of the Non-Aligned Movement are as follows-

1. To oppose colonialism, imperialism and racial discrimination.
2. To advocate sovereign equality of all states,
3. To encourage friendly relations among countries.
4. To advocate peaceful settlement of international disputes.

State the role of Jawaharlal Nehru under the following heads:

(a) Vision in starting the NAM.

(b) Curbing the mad race for armaments.

(c) As the spokesman for the newly independent countries of Asia and Africa.

Answer

(a) Vision in starting the NAM

1. India was the first country to initiate the policy of Non-alignment under the leadership of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru.
2. Nehru realised that the greatest danger to the sovereignty and integrity of India and the newly independent countries of Asia and Africa lay in joining either of the two power blocs.
3. He urged these countries to remain away from bloc politics and to follow an independent foreign policy.
4. He advocated mutual respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.
5. He gradually led the countries of Asia and Africa towards the concept of Non-alignment.
6. He believed that these countries possessed great moral strength and could collectively influence issues relating to war and peace.
7. His vision finally took shape with the First NAM Summit held at Belgrade in 1961, where the Non-Aligned Movement was formally launched.

(b) Curbing the mad race for armaments

1. Pt. Nehru strongly opposed the race for armaments.
2. He advocated disarmament and the abolition of stockpiles of nuclear weapons.
3. In pursuance of this policy, India signed the 1963 treaty banning atomic tests.

(c) As the spokesman for the newly independent countries of Asia and Africa

1. Nehru was regarded as the greatest spokesman for the newly independent countries of Asia and Africa.
2. He opposed alignment with any power bloc and believed that every country should have the freedom to formulate its own foreign policy.
3. Although committed to democracy, he opposed military and economic alliances because they encouraged colonialism, imperialism and the arms race.
4. His policy of Non-alignment was not meant to create a third bloc, but to ensure the freedom of decision-making of newly decolonised countries.
5. Under his leadership, India played an important role in spreading the message of NAM and supported the freedom of countries in Asia and Africa that were still under foreign rule.

Study the picture and answer the following questions:

(a) Identify at least three persons in the picture. Name the organisation with which these persons were associated.

(b) Where was this organisation formed? State any three objectives of this organisation.

(c) Has this organisation been able to achieve its objectives? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer

(a) The persons in the picture are Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, President Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, President Sukarno of Indonesia and President Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia.
They are associated with the Non-Aligned Movement.

(b) The Non-Aligned Movement was formally launched at its first summit held in September 1961 at Belgrade in Yugoslavia.

Three objectives of NAM are as follows:

1. To oppose colonialism, imperialism and racial discrimination.
2. To advocate sovereign equality of all states.
3. To encourage friendly relations among countries.

(c) Yes, NAM has achieved its objectives as can be seen by the following achievements:

1. NAM has helped in easing of tension between the two power blocs and ultimately in bringing about the end of the Cold War.
2. NAM acted against the arms race of the superpowers during the Cold War years.
3. NAM has supported the cause of international peace, justice and freedom.
4. NAM has advocated New International Economic Order (NIEO) based on greater economic cooperation and justice. In fact, the first UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) held in 1964 was largely the outcome of the efforts made by the non-aligned countries.
5. NAM has made the developed countries realise that the continued deprivation of the third world would affect the economy of the world and their own prosperity.

NAM still continues to be positive, dynamic and constructive movement aimed at achieving universal peace, disarmament and development.

State any three issues which can be taken up by NAM in its forthcoming summit.

Answer

Three issues that can be taken up by NAM in its forthcoming summit are:

1. New Cold War — The Russia-Ukarine war may lead to a new Cold War between the west and Russia-China. The response of NAM can be on the agenda in its forthcoming summit.
2. Neo-Colonialism — The world is seeing a resurgence of colonialism in the form of Neo-colonialism. The military bases of USA located outside USA and China's Belt and Road initiative is criticized for being Neo-colonialism in nature. NAM can help in bringing together the member nations to take some collective action against this.
3. Combating Global Issues — Through the summit, NAM can mobilize international public opinion against terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, nuclear proliferation, ecological imbalance, safeguarding interests of developing nations in World Trade Organisation (WTO), etc.

What role does India have to play from the NAM platform to bring peace, justice and freedom in the Indian sub-continent?

Answer

India is widely perceived as a leader of the developing world. Thus, India can play a major role in bringing the nations of the Indian sub-continent closer and increase cooperation between them. We have seen the importance of being self reliant during the COVID-19 pandemic. India can play a major role from the NAM platform in making the Indian sub-continent self reliant collectively fighting against protectionism.
India can lead the NAM efforts in safeguarding the Indian sub-continent from neo-colonialism. India can support the nations of the Indian sub-continent in their fight against terrorism and protect their sovereignty and territorial integrity, thus, bringing peace, justice and freedom in the Indian sub-continent.

Compare the relevance of NAM during the Cold War with its significance in today's multipolar world. How has its role evolved? Give your views.

Answer

Relevance of NAM during the Cold War

1. The world was divided into two power blocs led by the USA and the erstwhile Soviet Union. NAM gave the newly independent countries the freedom to remain outside these blocs.
2. It safeguarded the sovereignty, independence and freedom of judgement of newly independent nations.
3. It opposed colonialism, imperialism and racial discrimination.
4. It advocated disarmament, opposed the arms race and contributed towards reducing Cold War tensions.

Significance of NAM in today's multipolar world

1. NAM continues to support international peace and the independence of foreign policy of sovereign states.
2. It provides a forum for promoting economic justice and the New International Economic Order (NIEO).
3. It helps developing countries resist neo-colonialism and economic domination.
4. It can use its collective strength to prevent the domination of any single power and promote cooperation among developing countries.

How its role has evolved
NAM began as a movement to keep countries away from Cold War bloc politics. Today, its focus has shifted towards economic development, international cooperation, peace, disarmament, human rights, and protecting the interests of developing countries.

My views
In my opinion, NAM remains relevant because it enables developing countries to protect their independence, promote peace, and work together for economic justice, equality, and a fair international order.