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Summary
The chapter explains the emergence and significance of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), a policy adopted by several newly independent countries during the Cold War. After World War II, the world was divided into two major power blocs, one led by the United States and the other by the Soviet Union. The nations that had just gained independence, particularly in Asia and Africa, chose not to align with either bloc. Instead, they pursued a policy of non-alignment to maintain their sovereignty and avoid being drawn into the rivalries of the superpowers.
NAM is defined as a policy where a state does not formally align with any major power bloc while actively participating in global affairs to promote peace and cooperation. The movement opposed military alliances, allowed countries to make independent foreign policy decisions, and encouraged active involvement in international issues based on merit and justice.
Several factors influenced the adoption of non-alignment. These include the global tension caused by the Cold War, the desire to preserve newly acquired independence, and the need to avoid external interference. The newly independent nations sought to foster goodwill among themselves, promote economic development without external pressures, and collectively work towards global peace.
The principles guiding NAM, such as mutual non-interference and peaceful coexistence, were formalized in the Panchsheel Agreement between India and China in 1954. These principles were further emphasized during the Bandung Conference in 1955, which laid the groundwork for the formation of NAM in 1961 at Belgrade. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Joseph Tito of Yugoslavia, and Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt are regarded as the founding figures of NAM.
NAM aimed to protect the newly independent nations from superpower rivalry, eliminate the causes of war, oppose colonialism and racial discrimination, and promote peaceful relations among states. Jawaharlal Nehru played a pivotal role in advocating for non-alignment and promoting the movement’s principles, which sought to ensure that countries could maintain their independence and work together for global peace.
Video tutorial
Textbook (Total History) solutions
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Non-Aligned Movement?
A. It is opposed to any kind of military alliances like NATO, SEATO etc.
B. It is aligned to any of the power blocs
C. It judges an issue on merit and upholds the rights of all people for freedom and justice
D. It does not remain aloof from international problems.
Answer: B. It is aligned to any of the power blocs
2. Which of the following does NOT come under Panchsheel?
A. Mutual non-interference in internal affairs
B. Mutual aggression
C. Equality for Mutual benefit
D. Peaceful co-existence.
Answer: B. Mutual aggression
3. Which of the following is NOT considered as the founding fathers of the Non-Aligned Movement?
A. President Joseph Broze Tito of Yugoslavia
B. Prime Minister Nehru of India
C. President Nasser of Egypt
D. President Rajendra Prasad of India.
Answer: D. President Rajendra Prasad of India
4. Which of the following is an objective of the Non-Aligned Movement?
A. To oppose colonialism, imperialism and racial discrimination
B. To advocate non-settlement of international disputes
C. To challenge the UN as an organ of world peace
D. None of the above.
Answer: A. To oppose colonialism, imperialism and racial discrimination
5. Which amongst the following only attended the NAM summits as an observer but did not join it?
A. Latin American nations
B. Sweden
C. Italy
D. Germany
Answer: B. Sweden
6. Which of the following became the guidelines for NAM?
A. Communist Manifesto
B. The UN charter
C. Panchsheel
D. Warsaw Pact
Answer: C. Panchsheel
7. Non-alignment means
A. Non-membership to military blocs
B. Non-alignment to power blocs
C. Active participation in international issues
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Select the correct relationship
1. (A) Non-alignment is a policy that allows a country the freedom to decide its own course of actions in terms of world politics.
(B) After the Second World War, it was compulsory for the newly independent countries to join any one of the two power blocs.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (c) (A) is true but (B) is false.
Explanation: Non-alignment indeed allowed countries to decide their own course of actions in world politics without aligning with any major power bloc, as stated in (A). However, it was not compulsory for newly independent countries to join one of the two power blocs after the Second World War, which makes statement (B) false. Many countries chose to remain non-aligned to maintain their sovereignty and avoid being drawn into the Cold War rivalry, which is why (A) is true, but (B) is not.
2. (A) The newly independent countries in Asia and Africa decided to maintain a distance from the two power blocs.
(B) One of the objectives of the Non-Aligned Movement is to protect human rights and to protect the environment.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Explanation: Statement (A) describes the decision by newly independent countries to remain non-aligned, which was a strategic choice to avoid becoming entangled in the Cold War power blocs. Statement (B) outlines an objective of the Non-Aligned Movement, which is focused on broader global issues like human rights and environmental protection. While both statements are true, they address different aspects of the Non-Aligned Movement and its impact, making them independent of each other.
3. (A) The First Summit of the Non-aligned Movement was held in Belgrade in the erstwhile Yugoslavia in 1961.
(B) President Joseph Broze Tito of Yugoslavia was one of the founding members of NAM.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A).
Explanation: Both statements (A) and (B) are true, and there is a direct relationship between them. The first Non-Aligned Movement summit was indeed held in Belgrade, and one of the reasons for this was the significant role played by President Tito of Yugoslavia, who was a founding member of NAM. His leadership and support were crucial in organizing the summit, making (B) the reason for (A).
4. (A) One of the objectives of NAM is to oppose the use of force and the use of nuclear weapons.
(B) NAM did not make any substantial efforts to prevent war between Russia and Ukraine or Israel and Palestine.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Explanation: Statement (A) correctly states one of the core objectives of the Non-Aligned Movement, which is to oppose the use of force and advocate for nuclear disarmament. Statement (B) reflects a criticism of NAM’s effectiveness in recent conflicts, like those involving Russia and Ukraine or Israel and Palestine. However, these two statements address different issues: one concerns the goals of NAM, and the other critiques its actions (or inactions), making them independent of each other.
Short Answer Questions
1. When did the concept of non-alignment emerge? Why?
Answer: The concept of non-alignment emerged during the Cold War. After the Second World War, the world was divided into two power blocs—one led by the USA and the other by the erstwhile Soviet Union. It was during this period that many newly independent countries in Asia and Africa decided not to join any of the two blocs and to remain non-aligned.
2. Mention any four objectives of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Answer: (i) To eliminate all those causes which could lead to war. (ii) To protect the nascent freedom of the new-born independent countries of Asia and Africa from colonial domination. (iii) To oppose colonialism, imperialism and racial discrimination. (iv) To advocate sovereign equality of all states.
3. What are the basic principles of Panchsheel?
Answer: (i) Mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. (ii) Mutual non-aggression. (iii) Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. (iv) Peaceful co-existence.
4. Where was 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 Prime Minister Nehru of India, President Joseph Broze Tito of Yugoslavia, and President Nasser of Egypt.
5. What was Pt. Nehru’s view about non-alignment? What did Pt. Nehru do to curb the mad race for armaments?
Answer: Pt. Nehru was against alignment with any of the two power blocs; he opposed military pacts, armaments, the policy of racial discrimination, colonialism, imperialism, etc. 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.
Structured Questions
1. With reference to Non-Aligned Movement, answer the following:
a. Explain how Non-alignment is neither neutrality, nor isolation nor non-commitment.
Answer: Non-alignment is not neutrality because a neutral nation usually keeps itself away from international affairs, whereas non-aligned nations actively participate in world affairs to promote international peace and security. It is not isolation because the non-aligned nations do not isolate themselves from the rest of the world; they engage in diplomatic and economic relations with other countries, irrespective of their political ideologies. Non-alignment is not non-commitment because the non-aligned nations are committed to world peace, disarmament, and the eradication of colonialism and racial discrimination. They are also committed to supporting the liberation movements of the oppressed people.
b. State the five principles of Panchsheel.
Answer:
(i) Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
(ii) Mutual non-aggression.
(iii) Mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
(iv) Equality and mutual benefit.
(v) Peaceful co-existence.
c. Give any four objectives of NAM.
Answer:
(i) To eliminate all those causes which could lead to war.
(ii) To protect the nascent freedom of the new-born independent countries of Asia and Africa from colonial domination.
(iii) To oppose colonialism, imperialism, and racial discrimination.
(iv) To advocate sovereign equality of all states.
2. State the role of Jawaharlal Nehru under the following heads:
a. Vision in starting the NAM.
Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, played a pivotal role in the founding of the Non-Aligned Movement. He envisioned a world where newly independent nations of Asia and Africa could remain independent of the influence of the two major power blocs— the USA and the Soviet Union. Nehru believed that these nations should not align with either bloc but should instead follow a path that promoted peace, security, and cooperation. His vision was to create a collective force of nations that could exert moral pressure on international issues and contribute to world peace.
b. Curbing the mad race for armaments.
Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru was against the arms race that was being pursued by the major powers during the Cold War. He called for disarmament and the abolition of nuclear weapons. Nehru believed that the accumulation of arms was a threat to global peace and security. Under his leadership, India took the initiative to sign a treaty in 1963 for banning atomic tests, marking a significant step in the global movement towards disarmament.
c. As the spokesman for the newly independent countries of Asia and Africa.
Answer: Jawaharlal Nehru emerged as the leading spokesperson for the newly independent countries of Asia and Africa. He advocated for their rights and encouraged them to stay away from the politics of the two power blocs. Nehru promoted the principles of mutual respect, non-interference, and peaceful co-existence. He believed that these countries, with their collective moral force, could influence global politics and contribute to the establishment of a new world order based on equality and justice. Nehru’s leadership was instrumental in uniting these nations under the banner of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Picture Study
(a) Identify the persons in the picture. Name the organisation with which these persons were associated.
Answer: The persons in the picture are Prime Minister Nehru of India, President Joseph Broze Tito of Yugoslavia, and President Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt. They were associated with the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
(b) Where was this organisation formed? State any three objectives of this organisation.
Answer: This organisation was formed in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, in 1961. The three objectives of this organisation are:
(i) To eliminate all those causes which could lead to war. (ii) To protect the nascent freedom of the newly independent countries of Asia and Africa from colonial domination. (iii) To oppose colonialism, imperialism, and racial discrimination.
(c) Has this organisation been able to achieve its objectives? Give reasons for your answer.
Answer: Yes, the Non-Aligned Movement has been able to achieve some of its objectives. It has helped in easing tension between the two power blocs and bringing about the end of the Cold War. It has also supported the cause of international peace, justice, and freedom. However, it has faced challenges, such as being unable to prevent conflicts like the Iran-Iraq war or the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
Thinking Skills
1. State any three issues which can be taken up by NAM in its forthcoming summit.
Answer:
- Disarmament and the reduction of nuclear weapons.
- Addressing the impacts of climate change and promoting sustainable development.
- Ensuring equitable access to vaccines and healthcare in response to global pandemics.
2. What role India has to play from the NAM platform to bring peace, justice and freedom in the Indian sub-continent?
Answer:
India can play a significant role from the NAM platform by:
- Advocating for peaceful resolutions to regional conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.
- Promoting human rights and democratic values in the region.
- Strengthening regional cooperation in economic development, trade, and infrastructure.
Extra/additional MCQs
1. During which global conflict did the concept of non-alignment emerge?
A. World War I
B. World War II
C. Cold War
D. Korean War
Answer: C. Cold War
28. What concept did NAM advocate for in the field of international economics?
A. A New International Economic Order
B. Laissez-faire economics
C. Mercantilism
D. Protectionism
Answer: A. A New International Economic Order
Extra/additional questions and answers
1. When did the concept of non-alignment emerge?
Answer: The concept of non-alignment emerged during the Cold War.
26. Discuss the objectives of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and how they were aligned with the interests of newly independent nations.
Answer: The objectives of NAM were closely aligned with the interests of newly independent nations in Asia and Africa. These nations sought to protect their sovereignty and avoid being drawn into the superpower rivalry of the Cold War. NAM’s objectives included eliminating causes of war, opposing colonialism, imperialism, and racial discrimination, and advocating for the sovereign equality of all states. Additionally, NAM aimed to encourage friendly relations among countries, promote peaceful settlements of international disputes, and oppose the use of force and nuclear weapons. By focusing on these objectives, NAM provided a platform for these nations to collaborate on common goals, protect their independence, and promote international peace and justice.
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