The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

What Was NAM?

During the Cold War, many newly independent countries of Asia and Africa refused to join either the American or Soviet bloc. In 1961, leaders including Jawaharlal Nehru (India), Gamal Abdel Nasser (Egypt), Josip Broz Tito (Yugoslavia), Sukarno (Indonesia), and Kwame Nkrumah founded the Non-Aligned Movement.

Goals of NAM

• Maintain independence from both superpowers
• Oppose colonialism and imperialism
• Promote economic development
• Support peaceful resolution of conflicts

Legacy of NAM

After the Cold War, NAM lost much of its original purpose since the bipolar division it was responding to no longer existed. However, it continues as an organization representing developing countries' interests and currently has over 120 member states.