With reference to the Non-Aligned Movement explain the following:

(a) Meaning of the Non-Aligned Movement.

(b) Major objectives of the NAM.

(a) The strategy of the new independent states of Asia, Africa and South America to keep themselves away from the power blocs in order to protect their independence is known as Non-Alignment.

(b) The main objectives of the NAM are given below:

1. The new independent states should avoid alignment to preserve their independence because they are militarily weak.
2. The newly emerged states do not like to be involved in foreign wars in which they have no interest.
3. Colonialism and imperialism have encouraged the spirit of exploitation, so every attempt is made by the non-aligned countries to end colonialism and imperialism.
4. The Non-Aligned countries keep themselves away from power blocs so that they may do something to defuse the tense atmosphere and if there is any war they may act as mediators and prevent war and bring peace in the world.
5. The NAM is against the spirit of warfares. It has full faith in co-operation and peaceful co-existence.
6. The Non-Aligned countries have firm faith in the principle of equality. They condemn racial discrimination as negation of humanity.
7. The Non-Aligned countries want to establish economic relations between the nations based on equality because they are essential for economic and social reconstruction at home.
8. The NAM is against the manufacture of dangerous weapons because they poison the whole atmosphere.
9. The Non-Aligned countries have full respect for human rights because they are necessary for the development of the individuals.