The Non-Aligned Movement is a movement that unites countries that have proclaimed non-participation in military-political groups and blocs as the basis of their foreign policy. It included countries that did not belong to either the communist or capitalist camps.
The Non-Aligned Movement, whose history officially began in 1961, aimed to defend the interests of the developing countries of the Third World in the conditions of the Cold War. The hostile rivalry of the superpowers (the USSR and the USA) caused a confrontation between many countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. One of the main goals of the creation of the movement was to hold a conference of African and Asian countries, which served as a prologue for its formation. 29 countries took part in the work. Jawaharlal Nehru chaired the conference.
Among the inspirers of the movement were Yugoslav leader Josef Broz-Tito, Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, Indonesian leader Ahmed Sukarno.
For the first three decades after its inception, the movement played an important role in promoting decolonization,democratization of international relations, the formation of new independent states. However, it gradually lost its influence in the international arena.
Initially, the Non-Aligned Movement developed 10 principles, according to which it sought to implement its own independent policy. They have not changed in the last half century. Today, as before, attention is focused on recognizing the rights of countries to pursue strategies that are consistent with the collective interests, guarantee development, maintain peace and security through cooperation in resolving international problems.
Currently, the Non-Aligned Movement unites 120 countries. This is 60% of the strength of the UN. It occupies the niche of a political association, which in the international arena opposes the actions of the West in relation to a number of developing countries.
The countries of the movement are characterized by a policy of peaceful coexistence, independence from military blocs of superpowers, and open support for liberation movements.
The Non-Aligned Movement held 15 summits. Today, it has regained a strong position and has the opportunity to play a significant role in international politics in accordance with international events.
Iran, during a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the participants in the movement, proposed practical ways of cooperation that should ensure the achievement of common ideals (resistance to sanctions, ensuring peace and security, refusing to offendreligions, countering the onslaught from the West, reforming the UN, combating drug smuggling and terrorism, supporting the entry of participating countries into international organizations). In turn, the Non-Aligned Movement supports Iran's nuclear rights.
At present, analysts consider it necessary to intensify the role of the movement, for which it is necessary to revise its principles. Today it is the second international organization after the UN capable of realizing big plans. However, the problem lies in the weak internal structure of this organization, the dissimilarity of the politics and economies of the participating countries, the lack of a common will due to different political interests.
