Emergence of Third World and Non-alignment | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Third World

The term "Third World" originated during the Cold War to categorize countries that did not align with either NATO (the capitalist bloc) or the Communist Bloc.

First Use of the Term "Third World":

• French demographer and historian Alfred Sauvy coined the term in 1952. He used it to describe countries that were unaligned with the Communist Soviet bloc or the Capitalist NATO bloc during the Cold War.
• Sauvy's reference was inspired by the Third Estate of France, which represented commoners opposing the clergy (First Estate) and nobles (Second Estate) before and during the French Revolution.
• He wrote, "This third world ignored, exploited, despised like the third estate also wants to be something," drawing a parallel between the Third World nations and the marginalized Third Estate.

Categories of Nations:

• The terminology helped categorize nations into three groups based on social, political, cultural, and economic divisions:
• First World: Represented by the United States, Western European nations, and their allies. In 1983, this group had 15% of the world population and 63% of the world GDP.
• Second World: Comprising the Soviet Union, China, Cuba, and their allies. In 1983, this group accounted for 33% of the world population and 19% of the GDP.
• Third World: Typically included countries with colonial pasts in Africa, Latin America, Oceania, and Asia. It was sometimes synonymous with countries in the Non-Aligned Movement. In 1983, this group had 52% of the world population and 18% of the world GDP.

Evolving Definitions:

• The definition of the Third World evolved over time, and there was no clear consensus on its meaning.
• Some countries in the Communist Bloc, like Cuba, were sometimes considered part of the "Third World."
• Although many Third World countries were extremely poor and non-industrialized, the term also encompassed newly industrialized nations like Brazil.
• Historically, some European countries, despite being prosperous, were part of the non-aligned movement, such as Austria, Ireland, and Switzerland.

Recent Usage of the Term "Third World":

• In the decades following the fall of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, the term "Third World" became synonymous with least developed countries, Global South, and developing countries.
• It described poorer nations struggling with economic development, often including "Second World" countries like Laos and Cuba.
• In the context of dependency theory, the Third World was linked to the world economic division as "periphery" countries dominated by "core" countries.

Third Worldism:

• Third Worldism is a political movement advocating for the unity of third-world nations against first-world influence and promoting non-interference in domestic affairs.
• The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the G77 are prominent groups expressing this idea, facilitating relations and diplomacy among third-world countries and between third-world and first/second-world nations.

Diverse Nature of the Third World:

• Most Third World countries were former colonies. After gaining independence, many, especially smaller nations, faced the challenge of building nations and institutions on their own for the first time.
• Due to this common background, many of these nations were considered "developing" in economic terms for most of the 20th century, and many still are.
• The diversity among countries considered part of the Third World, ranging from Indonesia to Afghanistan, varies widely from economically primitive to advanced and from politically non-aligned to leaning towards the Soviet or Western blocs.
• The term "Third World" was criticized even during the Cold War for being misleading as it lacked a consistent or collective identity among the countries it encompassed.

Foreign Aid and Development:

• During the Cold War, unaligned countries in the Third World were seen as potential allies by both the First and Second Worlds.
• As a result, the United States and the Soviet Union made significant efforts to establish connections with these countries by offering economic and military support to secure strategically located alliances.
• Smaller nations were expected to align themselves in response to the instability of the international environment, often at the cost of their independence and voice in decision-making.
• By the late 1960s, the concept of the Third World came to represent countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America that were viewed as underdeveloped by the West based on various criteria such as low economic development, low life expectancy, high poverty rates, and high disease rates.
• These countries became the focus of aid and support from governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and individuals from wealthier nations.

Development was envisioned to occur in five stages:

• Traditional Society
• Pre-conditions for Take-off
• Take-off
• Drive to Maturity
• Age of High Mass Consumption
• Despite receiving aid for decades, many Third World countries remain economically dependent on developed nations and are heavily in debt.
• This has sparked a growing debate about why Third World countries continue to be impoverished and underdeveloped despite the passage of time.
• Critics argue that current aid methods are ineffective and advocate for reducing foreign aid (and consequently dependency) while exploring different economic theories than the traditional mainstream Western theories.
• Some analyses of development issues among various third world states are approached from socio-economic perspectives.

Features of the Third World:

• A distinct political grouping, largely non-aligned.
• Economic status known as Developing World or under-developed World.
• Geographically located in the South, mainly in the Southern Hemisphere.
• During the Cold War, referred to as Tiers-Monde(French term) in the context of Cold War politics.
• Emerging as a state before becoming a nation.
• Generally characterized by a highly centralized state system, with state machinery imposed from the top rather than evolving from internal social dynamics.
• Absence of a well-formed dominant class, with a loose alliance of various classes dominating.
• According to the liberal perspective, the western-educated elites controlled the state system, using it as a tool to transform traditional agrarian society into a modern industrial society.
• States such as Africa, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh exhibit artificiality due to colonial legacy.
• Post-independence influences continued, leading to what is known as New Colonialism, with the core (metropoles) and adjunct (periphery) relationship.
• Highly heterogeneous, with some rich (like Arabs) and some very poor (like Bangladesh) countries, along with various forms of governance such as monarchy, democracy, military regimes, tribal societies, capitalism, secularism, and state religion.
• Geographical extent and cultural heterogeneity vary significantly.
• Experiencing large population growth.

Non-Aligned Movement

• The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is a coalition of countries that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc. This organization was established in 1961 in Belgrade, largely through the efforts of influential leaders such as India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru; Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno; Egypt’s second president, Gamal Abdel Nasser; Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah; and Yugoslavia’s president, Josip Broz Tito. These leaders advocated for a middle path for developing nations during the Cold War, navigating between the Western and Eastern blocs.
• Despite many members being closely aligned with one of the superpowers, the NAM maintained its cohesion throughout the Cold War. Today, with 125 member countries, the NAM represents nearly two-thirds of the United Nations’s members and encompasses 55% of the world’s population, with a significant concentration in what is often referred to as the Third World.

Origins

The term "non-alignment" was first introduced by V.K. Krishna Menon in 1953 during his remarks at the United Nations.

Jawaharlal Nehru outlined the five pillars guiding Sino-Indian relations, known as Panchsheel (five restraints). These principles later became the foundation of the Non-Aligned Movement. The five principles are:

• Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty
• Mutual non-aggression
• Mutual non-interference in domestic affairs
• Equality and mutual benefit
• Peaceful co-existence

Several conferences were held to strengthen the unity among Third World countries, including:

• Asian Relations Conference, New Delhi, March-April 1947 (hosted by Nehru)
• Asian Conference, New Delhi 1949

Bandung Conference/Afro-Asian Conference (1955):

• The Bandung Conference, hosted by Indonesian President Sukarno in 1955, was a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Non-Aligned Movement. This gathering of Asian and African states included prominent figures like Sukarno, Nasser, Nehru, Tito, Nkrumah, U Nu, Ho Chi Minh, Zhou Enlai, Norodom Sihanouk, and U Thant.
• During the conference, a "declaration on the promotion of world peace and cooperation" was adopted, incorporating Nehru's five principles and a collective commitment to remain neutral in the Cold War.

Belgrade Conference, 1961:

• Initiated by Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito, the first Conference of Heads of State or Government of Non-Aligned Countries took place in September 1961 in Belgrade.
• Although the Non-Aligned Movement was not established as a formal organization, the term came to represent the participants of this conference.
• During the first summit, key principles were formulated, including:
• 
  
  • Pursuit of an independent policy
  • Anti-colonialism
  • Non-alignment with power blocs
  • Non-alignment with superpowers
  • Prohibition of military bases for superpowers

Lusaka Conference (Third Conference) in September 1970:

• At this conference, member nations emphasized the peaceful resolution of disputes, abstention from big power military alliances, and opposition to the stationing of military bases in foreign countries.
• The term "Non-Aligned Movement" was explicitly used for the first time during the fifth conference in Colombo in 1976, where participating countries were identified as members of the movement.

Havana Declaration of 1979:

• In a speech during the Havana Declaration of 1979, Fidel Castro articulated the organization's purpose as ensuring "the national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of non-aligned countries" in their "struggle against imperialism, colonialism, neo-colonialism, racism, and all forms of foreign aggression, occupation, domination, interference or hegemony, as well as against great power and bloc politics."

Requirements for Membership in the Non-Aligned Movement

Membership criteria align with the core beliefs of the United Nations. Currently, candidate countries are expected to adhere to the ten "Bandung principles" established in 1955:

• Respect for fundamental human rights and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
• Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.
• Recognition of movements for national independence.
• Recognition of the equality of all races and all nations, regardless of size.
• Abstention from intervention or interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
• Respect for the right of each nation to defend itself, individually or collectively, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.
• Refraining from acts or threats of aggression or the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any country.
• Settlement of all international disputes by peaceful means, in line with the Charter of the United Nations.
• Promotion of mutual interests and cooperation.
• Respect for justice and international obligations.

Nature and Character of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

Principle of Non-Alignment:

• Independent Vision: NAM symbolized an independent vision, posture, and stand in international relations.
• Pragmatic Move: For newly independent nations, NAM was a pragmatic move to protect and promote their hard-won freedom and interests, such as independence and economic development.
• Active Role: NAM stood for an active and assertive role in international relations, promoting cooperation and peace rather than isolation or non-commitment.
• Not a Bloc: NAM did not represent a third bloc like the capitalist or communist blocs, as it lacked a leader country and uniform military policy among its members.
• Not Opportunism: NAM was not about gaining advantages by playing one power against another; it aimed for a balanced approach without favoritism.

New International Economic Order (NIEO):

• Advocacy for Third World Interests: NAM advocated for an economic order that promoted and protected the interests of Third World countries.
• Economic Assistance and Export Promotion: The focus was on economic assistance, promotion of exports, and a share in international economic decision-making.
• UNGA Resolution: The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution on NIEO in 1974, calling for North-South Dialogue.
• South-South Cooperation: When North-South Dialogue did not yield desired results, the idea of South-South Cooperation emerged and grew within NAM.

New World Information and Communication Order (NWICO):

• Cultural Freedom: NAM stood for cultural freedom against the dominance of the Western communication system, which was seen as subverting the political sovereignty and traditional values of Third World nations.
• Non-Aligned News Pool: NAM called for a New World Information and Communication Order and established a Non-Aligned News Pool in 1976 to promote this agenda.

Peace and Disarmament:

• Commitment to Peace: NAM is unified by its commitment to world peace and security, with a strong emphasis on disarmament.
• Historical Context: NAM's commitment to peace predates its formal establishment in 1961, with early recognition of the link between peace and disarmament at the Brioni meeting in 1956.
• Self-Identification: At the seventh summit in New Delhi in 1983, NAM described itself as “history’s biggest peace movement,” highlighting its focus on disarmament and peace.

Role of NAM and the Third World during the Cold War

A New Alternative in International Relations: Peace and Cooperation:

• Relaxation of Cold War Tension: The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) played a pivotal role in promoting détente during the Cold War, advocating for a relaxation of tensions between superpowers.
• Voicing Against Dominance: NAM emerged as a strong voice against various forms of dominance, including imperialism, colonialism, racism, and apartheid.
• Conflict Mediation: The movement was instrumental in softening conflict situations, notably in the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Vietnam War.
• Strengthening the UN: NAM countries constituted a majority in the United Nations, thereby strengthening its role and influence.
• Formation of Third World Groupings: NAM played a crucial role in the creation of various Third World groupings, including the G-77 in 1964, the G-24 in 1971, and the G-15 in 1989.
• Promotion of South-South Cooperation: The movement actively promoted South-South cooperation among developing countries.
• Presentation of NIEO: NAM introduced the concept of the New International Economic Order (NIEO), advocating for a more equitable global economic system.
• Projection of National Interests: The movement focused on projecting the national interests of Third World countries on the global stage.
• Formation of UNCTAD: NAM was instrumental in the formation of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
• Disarmament Issues: The movement played a significant role in disarmament issues, including the Partial Test Ban Treaty (PTBT) in 1963 and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1970.
• Environmental and Human Rights Protection: NAM was involved in issues related to environmental protection, human rights, and other social concerns.

Activities and Success:

• The successes of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in achieving multilateral agreements are often overlooked by the UN, which is predominantly influenced by larger, western, and developed nations.
• There has been moderate success in multilateral cooperation between African concerns about apartheid and Arab-Asian concerns about Palestine.
• NAM has been influential in various ideological conflicts, strongly opposing apartheid governments and supporting guerrilla movements in regions like Rhodesia and South Africa.
• The organization has criticized certain aspects of US foreign policy for undermining the sovereignty of smaller nations.
• Since 1961, NAM has advocated for Puerto Rico’s right to self-determination before the United Nations.
• Since 1973, the group has supported discussions on Western Sahara’s right to self-determination at the United Nations.
• NAM is committed to sustainable development and the Millennium Development Goals but believes that the international community has not created favorable conditions for development and has violated the right to sovereign development of each member state.
• Issues such as globalization, debt burden, unfair trade practices, declining foreign aid, donor conditionality, and lack of democracy in international financial decision-making are seen as obstacles to development.

Reforms of the UN:

• NAM has criticized the current structures and power dynamics of the UN, claiming that powerful states manipulate the organization in ways that contradict NAM’s principles.
• The movement has proposed several reforms to enhance the representation and influence of non-aligned states and to improve the transparency and democracy of UN decision-making processes.
• NAM considers the UN Security Council to be the most distorted and undemocratic aspect of the UN and believes it needs significant reform.

South-South Cooperation:

• NAM has collaborated with other developing world organizations, primarily the Group of 77, to form joint committees and produce statements and documents reflecting the shared interests of both groups.

Cultural Diversity and Human Rights:

• NAM accepts the universality of human rights and social justice but strongly opposes cultural homogenization.
• In line with its views on sovereignty, NAM advocates for the protection of cultural diversity and the tolerance of the religious, socio-cultural, and historical particularities that define human rights in specific regions.

Peace and Disarmament:

• Despite the diverse ideologies of its member governments, NAM is united by its commitment to world peace and security.
• At its seventh summit in March 1983 in New Delhi, NAM described itself as “history’s biggest peace movement.”
• NAM emphasizes disarmament equally with peace. Its commitment to peace predates its formal establishment in 1961.
• The Brioni meeting in 1956 among the leaders of India, Egypt, and Yugoslavia acknowledged the vital connection between the struggle for peace and disarmament efforts.

Criticism of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

Despite its founding principles, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) has faced criticism for failing to ensure the neutrality of its member nations. Various factors have contributed to this perception of ineffectiveness.

Internal Divisions and Conflicts:

• During the 1970 Hawana Conference, NAM was revealed to be divided into three distinct camps:
  • Pro-Soviet Camp: Cuba, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Ethiopia, and South Yemen.
  • Pro-American Camp: Somalia, Singapore, Ziere, and Morocco.
  • Neutral Camp: India, Yugoslavia, and Sri Lanka.
• This division highlighted the disparity between the movement's ideals and the actual alignment of its members.
• Internal conflicts among NAM countries further weakened the movement. Notable instances include:
  • Iran-Iraq War
  • Indo-Pak War of 1965
  • Chinese Attack on India (1962)
• During the Indo-Pak war of 1965, Pakistan received support from Indonesia, Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia against India, despite India's historical support for Indonesia's struggle against colonialism.
• The Chinese attack on India in 1962 exposed the weakness of NAM, as both India and China were members, and no NAM country came to India's aid.

Inconsistency in Principles:

• NAM leaders often preached neutrality and non-alignment but acted contrary to these principles in international forums like the United Nations.
• The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 further fractured NAM, as Soviet allies supported the invasion while other members, particularly Muslim states, condemned it.

Failure to Resolve Conflicts:

• NAM struggled to address lingering disputes such as the Middle East conflict and tensions between Turkey and Greece over Cyprus.
• Despite its efforts, NAM could not influence major powers to change their policies in significant conflicts, such as:
  • U.S. intervention in Korea
  • China's actions in Tibet
  • U.S. military actions in Lebanon
  • Soviet intervention in Hungary
• NAM's role in the independence struggles of countries like Algeria and Angola was minimal, as these nations achieved freedom through their own struggles and the weakening of imperialist powers.

Institutional Weakness and Decline:

• NAM lacked a permanent secretariat and relied on summits and conferences, which hindered its effectiveness.
• After the Cold War, NAM's relevance diminished as bloc politics became less prominent.
• In the post-Cold War era, many countries lost interest in NAM, leading to the departure of Malta and Cyprus, which joined the European Union. Belarus remains the only European member.
• NAM's failure to address conflicts like the Gulf crisis and the civil war in Yugoslavia highlighted its declining influence.
• The absence of concrete agendas and the inability to hold summits further weakened NAM's position in the contemporary world.

Contemporary Challenges:

• Despite its growth in size, NAM has struggled to fulfill its objectives and has been discredited in the eyes of many.
• Member states often do not use the NAM platform for dispute resolution or to enhance its effectiveness.
• The movement emphasizes cooperation and unity among member states, but internal cohesion remains a challenge due to the organization's size and the divergence of agendas.
• While basic principles are agreed upon easily, taking decisive action on specific international issues is rare, with the movement preferring to express criticism or support rather than passing firm resolutions.
• Critics argue that NAM's membership criteria, unchanged since the Cold War, indicate an organization that is stagnant and out of touch with current realities.

The Contemporary Relevance of the Non-Aligned Movement (Post-Cold War)

• With the end of the Cold War, the debate about the relevance of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) has intensified. While some argue that NAM was created to navigate the politics between the USA and the USSR, the end of bipolarity does not diminish the need for the movement. Non-alignment is not about neutrality or silence; it represents active engagement in global politics while maintaining autonomy. Countries in the NAM have the freedom to decide based on their specific situations and national interests, a principle that remains crucial in today's world.
• NAM was established to address Cold War challenges like neo-colonial pressures, many of which persist today, such as the USA's dominance in international forums like the United Nations. Non-aligned countries prioritized their development, identity, and strategic independence over the conflicts of the Cold War, and these priorities still hold true.
• If we question the relevance of Cold War-era institutions, like NATO, which was formed to counter communism, then the NAM should also be considered relevant. Since the Cold War's end and the formal conclusion of colonialism, NAM has had to redefine its role and purpose within the global system. The movement now focuses on principles like multilateralism, equality, and mutual non-aggression, aiming to amplify the voice of the global South and enhance the bargaining power of member nations in negotiations with developed countries.
• NAM opposes foreign occupation, internal interference, and unilateral aggressive actions. It has shifted its focus to address socio-economic challenges faced by member states, particularly those arising from globalization and neo-liberal policies. Economic underdevelopment, poverty, and social injustices are identified as significant threats to peace and security in the current era.
• While the twentieth century marked the end of colonialism, the twenty-first century has seen a resurgence of neo-colonialism. In this context, NAM, along with alliances like the G-77, which unites developing countries on trade and development issues, serves as a protective buffer. NAM ensures that global organizations like the United Nations consider the concerns of the Global South, preventing dominance by the permanent five members of the Security Council.
• The USA's protest against Iran hosting the 16th NAM Summit in 2012 and calls for a boycott were largely ignored, with strong attendance from member nations and even UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. This resilience highlights the confidence of the non-aligned nations and underscores the importance of NAM in the international arena.
• NAM remains relevant in a unipolar world dominated by the United States. Smaller and medium-sized countries can use NAM to coordinate policies and reduce dependency on the dominant global power. Despite the rise of multi-alignment, where countries engage in various forums like BRICS, BASIC, IBSA, and G-20, NAM's significance endures.
• Born out of a principled rejection of Cold War bipolarity, NAM continues to thrive post-Soviet-US confrontation and may play a resurgent role in global affairs. The need for peaceful coexistence and improved North-South and South-South relations makes NAM's blend of idealism and realism more urgent than ever.
• Despite past setbacks, NAM remains an essential and irreplaceable part of the developing world’s landscape. The current imperative is for member nations to reinvigorate the movement through collective initiative.