(Depth Study 3: International History, 1945-1991)
(Cambridge International AS and A level History 9389)
Non-Aligned countries = ones that rejected alliances + ties to superpowers.
Group viewed as “Third World” as decided 3rd path not in line with US or USSR. Avoided
part CW politics, saw as potentially destructive. Most important aspects of CW connected to
social + political dev. Third World.
“Third World”
Term that grew out of dev Western Cap. world bloc + Communist bloc to describe countries
belonging neither Cap. or Comm. Third World later meant lack econ. dev. which confused.
Not correct way describe Non-Aligned, quickly obvious econ. differences between country.
NonAligned movement idea pioneered by Yugoslavia.
End WW2 CW developed simultaneously with decolonization Africa + Asia. European
Colonial powers exhausted so colonial powers took opportunity independence. Key factor
unity NonAligned States desire support anti-imperialists.
Non-Aligned States also anti-American CW. US accused of ‘neo-colonialism’ even though
condemned European colonial powers. US created Spheres of influence around globe as CW
intensified. Seen by some as extension of neo-colonialism.
Some important leading members Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) anti-Soviet as believed
guilty as US of ‘Imperialism.
Aims of Non-Aligned Movement?
“Non-Aligned” comes from Indian Prime Minister speech 1954. At meeting 1961 using
points from speech criteria established. States took advantage of USSR + USA as both sides
competing for them. If pressure too high with one power threaten side with other.
As more independence colonial power Non-Alignment bloc grew. 1960s Dev World +½ UN
members. Many States Non-Aligned, NAM gained importance in Dev World shifting power
from US. These States backed by Comm bloc countries.