A group of states which are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc forms the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). The organization was founded in Belgrade in 1961. After the second World War, the world was bi-polar with two super powers vying to hold the maximum authority. But several countries like India, Indonesia etc at that point of time had just gained their independence from colonial rule and refused to align with either of the super powers leading to NAM. Critics often try to downplay the relevance of NAM in the modern day as the world is no longer bi-polar but uni-polar. But in reality, as long as sovereign states exist, smaller countries will always resort to non-alignment as a foreign policy. NAM which initially had a membership of 25 states in 1961 has around 118 countries under it in todays’ scenario which goes on to prove its relevance.

NAM has demanded complete elimination of all nuclear weapons and is also opposed to the treaties on WMD (Weapon of Mass Destructions) which were not universal in nature. Its aim is for the protection of the smaller non-nuclear countries.

It also pursues equality in world affairs through pooling the diplomatic resources of Third World states in international forums. Owing to their numerical strength, NAM has been able to keep Third World issues on the agenda in most UN forums and agencies. Considering how, WTO rules and procedures have failed to provide adequate economic gains to the Third World, the most important role for NAM today lies in framing an economic agenda which would promote a fair international economic order.

As long as any form of exploitation exist in the world, NAM would always be relevant as it would allow the smaller nations a rational, democratic, equitable and non-exploitative inter-states relation.