Non-Aligned Movement: Relevance and Hegemony Examples
The Non-Aligned Movement’s (NAM) Benefits and Continued Relevance
NAM as a ‘Third Option’ During the Cold War
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was considered a ‘third option’ by Third World countries for the following reasons:
- Non-Alignment: It offered newly decolonized countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America a choice to avoid joining either alliance (the US or the Soviet Union).
- Economic Development: A majority of NAM members were categorized as Least Developed Countries (LDCs). NAM’s focus was on economic development and lifting their populations out of poverty.
- New International Economic Order (NIEO): The idea of a NIEO originated within NAM. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released a report in 1972 titled “Towards a New Trade Policy for Development.” This report advocated for:
- Giving LDCs control over their natural resources, which were often exploited by developed Western countries.
- Providing LDCs access to Western markets to sell their products, making trade more beneficial for poorer countries.
- Reducing the cost of technology from Western countries.
- Granting LDCs a greater role in international economic institutions.
The Relevance of NAM After the Cold War
The nature of non-alignment shifted to prioritize economic issues. While economic concerns were not central at the first summit in Belgrade in 1961, by the mid-1970s, NAM had become an economic pressure group. However, by the late 1980s, the NIEO initiative faded due to strong opposition from developed countries. Some argued that this diminished the relevance of India’s foreign policy, which was rooted in non-alignment.
Despite this, NAM retains core values and enduring ideas:
- It recognizes that decolonized states share a historical affiliation and can be a powerful force if they unite.
- It emphasizes that small and poor countries need not be followers of major powers; they can pursue independent foreign policies.
- It is based on a commitment to democratize the international system and create a more equitable world order.
In conclusion, NAM has not lost its relevance. It has served the crucial purpose of protecting the interests of Third World countries and continues to be relevant based on its core principles, even after the end of the Cold War.
Examples of Hegemony
Hegemony as Hard Power
This type of hegemony relates to the balance of military power between states. Example: Tabassum, an artist in Nigeria, planned to join an Art and Craft Academy. However, she lost her leg in a 2003 US missile attack. She expressed her desire to pursue her dreams once foreign armies left her country. This illustrates how military power can impact individual lives and aspirations.
Hegemony as Structural Power
This form of hegemony is reflected in a dominant power’s ability to provide global public goods. Example: Tabish, a strong student in the Middle East, wants to study Arts subjects. However, his parents pressure him to study computer science and become a software engineer, citing better job opportunities. This reflects the influence of a dominant economic system (driven by demand for specific skills) on individual choices.
Hegemony as Soft Power
This type of hegemony refers to the capacity to ‘manufacture consent’—influencing social, political, and ideological spheres. Example: Mayank, a young immigrant from Russia living in Melbourne, wears a black shirt and white jeans to church. His father disapproves, but Mayank explains that black symbolizes protest for freedom, and white signifies peaceful freedom. This demonstrates how cultural norms and values (clothing choices) can be interpreted and contested, reflecting the subtle influence of dominant ideologies.