Do you think that the Non-Aligned Movement has lost its sheen now? Should India rethink on its policy of realignment amidst changing power structure in the world?
The non-alignment movement started as an opposition to the established order of west and soviet countries post the Second World War. For a major part of the next few decades, the non-alignment movement kept influence of west and soviet at bay.
Reasons for non-alignment movement losing relevance
- National interest of countries
As countries started to uphold their own interests, they had to align with superpowers. The member countries started to move towards power structure.
- Regional politics
Regional clashes forced countries to take help of superpowers to establish their supremacy. The non-alignment status had to be given up.
Ex: India in 1971 through Indo-Soviet friendship treaty.
Need for changing non alignment status
- Self interest
Self interest will be the most important criteria if countries look to change their status. Aligning with strong powers give them chance to prosper.
- Political agenda
Ideology and politics have a major role in deciding foreign policy. The government in power needs to develop allies having similar ideology.
Need for maintaining status quo
- Maintaining ties with allies
Neutrality through non-alignment gives countries room for maneuvering the situation and maintain friendly ties with all nations.
- International order
When the world is sharply divided based on polarity, non-aligned countries can uphold international order due to their neutral approach.
Thus, non-alignment still has lots of potential in world politics but neutral countries such as Switzerland, Norway and Finland are increasingly changing their position.
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