The Policy of Non-Alignment

Abstract

In the past fifteen years the primary concern of newly independent nations was the assertion of a national identity after their previous colonial existence and foreign policy became the main instrument for expressing their new dignity. The postwar international situation provided an opportunity to gain a position of influence which exceeded the realities of economic and military power. But diplomatic action was strongly conditioned by the domestic scene.¹ International relations were spread as widely as possible since partiality towards any group of nations, and particularly towards the former colonial powers, would have carried the risk of losing control over the nationalist movement. As both camps in the cold war gradually accepted the existence of non-aligned nations and were prepared to aid them economically a neutralist position acquired considerable attraction for countries in need of substantial assistance.