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Class 12 Political Science|Chapter 1 The Cold War Era| ASSEB
Very Short Answers Type Questions
1)Write the full form of NIEO ?
Ans : New International Economic Order
2) What do you mean by CENTO ?
Ans : Central Treaty Organization.
3) What was the Cuban crisis ?
Ans : Cuban Crisis was a high point of cold war occured in 1962.
4)What is UNITED ?
Ans : United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
5) Write the full form of NATO.
Ans : The full form of NATO is North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.
6) What is Warsaw pact ?
Ans : The eastern alliance was known as warsaw pact which was led by the
Soviet Union.
7) What is ‘Deterrence’ ?
Ans : To prevent or discourage.
8) What is LOCs ?
Ans : Line of Control.
9) Name the two super powers that emerged after the Second World
War.
Ans : The two super powers that emerged after the Second World War were
the US and the Soviet Union.
10) What is the Allied Forces and Axis power ?
Ans : Same as Short Q. No. 1
11) When did cold war begin ?
Ans : The cold War began in the year 1945.
12) Write the full form of NAM ?
Ans : Non Aligned Movement.
13) What was the principal function of warsaw pact ?
Ans : The principal function of Warsaw Pact was to counter NATO’s forces
in Europe
14) Correct the sentence : The US was committed to the ideology of
socialism.
Ans : The U.S. was committed to the ideology of capitalism.
15) Fill in the blank :
(a) The end of the second World War was the beginning of_____
Ans : Cold war.
16) Mention the period of the cold War era.
Ans : The period of cold war era was from 1945 to 1991.
17) Write ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.
(a) Cold war was a competition between US and Soviet Union and
their respective allies.
Ans : Yes.
18) What was the principal functions of warsaw pact ?
Ans : To counter NATO.
19) Name the two Super Powers ?
Ans : Soviet Russia and United States of America.
20) Does NAM stand for isolation.
Ans : No, NAM doesn’t stand for isolation.
21)In which year USA dropped two atomic bombs on the Japanese
cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima ?
Ans : 1945
22) What is LDCs?
Ans : Last Developed Countries.
23) What was the principle function of warsaw pact ?
Ans : The principle function of Warsaw Pact was to counter NATO’S forces
in Europe.
24) When and where the first Non-Aligned Summit was held ?
Ans : The first Non-Aligned Summit was held in Belgrade in 1961. This
summit was attended by number of African and Asian countries.
25) What was the root cause of the beginning of the cold War ?
Ans : The root cause of the beginning of the cold war was rivalry between
U.S. and U.S.S.R.
26) Name the two places where atom bombs were dropped in the
Second World War.
Ans : Hiroshima and Nagasaki were the two famous places where Atom
bombs were dropped in the Second World War.
27) Write the root cause of the beginning of the cold war ?
Ans : The root cause of the beginning of cold war was rivalry between
U.S.A and former U.S.S.R.
28) Identify three countries which belong to communist block ?
Ans : United States of Soviet Russia, Hungary and Poland.
29) Is non alignment a negative policy ?
Ans : No, non-alignment is not a negative policy. It was a policy of keeping
away from military alliances of big power.
30) Which are the member countries of NATO ?
Ans : The member countries of NATO are : Belgium, Canada, Portugal,
Britain, U.S.A.
31)What made the super powers adopt rational and responsible
attitude ?
Ans : The super powers adopted national and responsible attitude to avoid
another big war in the world and also to ensure–safety and prosperity of humankind.
32)What was the reason of placing nuclear missiles in Cuba by USSR
in 1962 ?
Ans : In 1962,USSR placed nuclear missiles in Cuba to prevent U.S. From
attacking it U.S.S.R established military base in Cuba so that it can easily
attack U.S.A.
33) Name the countries that joined the Soviet Block ?
Ans : Poland, Hungary, Germany, Bulgaria, Albania, Czechoslovakia.
34) What was the declaration of NATO States ?
Ans : The declaration was that the NATO states pledged the mutual defence
of any member states who would be attacked and Constitutes a system of
collective Security.
35) Does NIEO was just an idea that never became an order ?
Ans : NIEO was not just an idea, it became an order.
36) What is meant by cold War ?
Ans : The cold war is referred to the competition, the tensions and a series
of confrontations between the United States and the Soviet Union backed
by their respective allies.
37) Name any four countries which were decolonized following the end
of the Second World War ?
Ans : India, Indonesia, Afghanistan and Cuba.
38) When and where 20th NATO Summit was held ?
Ans : NATO Summit was held in Chicago, U.S.A. in 2012.
39) How did Second World War come to an end ?
Ans : The Second World War come to an end when the U.S. dropped two
atomic bombs in the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August
1945, causing Japan to surrender.
40) Why did the super powers adopt rational and responsible attitude?
Ans : The super powers adopted national and responsible attitude to avoid another big war in the world and also to ensure–safety and prosperity of humankind.
Short Answers Type Questions
1) What is meant by western alliance and eastern alliance ?
Ans : Most countries of Western Europe sided with the US is called Western
Alliance. On the other hand those countries of eastern Europe which joined
in the Soviet camp is called Eastern Alliance.
2) Name two arms control agreements signed by the two super
powers.
Ans : The two arms control agreements signed by the two super power are
— Limited Test Bar Treaty (LTBT) and Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty
(NNPT).
3) What do you mean by logic of deterrence ?
Ans : Logical of deterrence means the presence of nuclear weapons by
both super powers. It means the two super powers behaved in a more
rational manner which aimed at avoidance of another big war.
4) Why the Smaller states were helpful to the superpowers ?
Ans : The smaller states were helpful to superpowers became :
(i) Gaining access to vital resources such as oil and minerals.
(ii) Access to location or territory from where the superpower could launch
their weapons and troops.
5) What is meant by allied and axis powers of the Second World War ?
Ans : Allied powers of the Second World War refers to those countries who
won the world war. These Allied powers includes countries like the U.S.,
Soviet Union, Britain and Finance.
Axis power of the second World was prefers to the countries who were
defeated in the war. These axis powers includes countries like the —
Germany, Italy and Japan.
6) Why did the superpowers need small allies ?
Ans : The superpowers entered into military alliances with smaller countries
due to the following reasons :
(a) Smaller states were helpful for the superpowers in their gaining access
to vital resources such as oil and minerals.
(b) Access to locations or territory from where the superpowers could
launch their weapons and troops.
(c) Access to locations from where they could spy on each other.
7) Examine the significance of Belgrade Summit ?
Ans : The first non-alignment Summit was held in Belgrade in 1961. There
was some common resolution emerged. The first summit was attended by
25 member states. The first summit of NAM which is popularly known as
Belgrade summit decided to oppose the block politics led by two super
power.
8) Write a note on Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty ?
Ans : Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty was signed in 1968 by fire big
countries which possessed nuclear weapons such as U.S.A., U.S.S.R.,
Britain, France and people’s Republic of China. Nuclear Non-Proliferation
treaty was signed with the objective to prevent further proliferation of
nuclear weapons In the world. This treaty Came into effect on 3 October,
1972.
9) What is the ideological reason for Alliance System ?
Ans : Alliance System was primarily based on two contradictory ideology–
one is Capitalism another is Communism. Each block adopted one ideology.
For example, the block led by U.S.A. adopted capitalist ideology and aimed
at expanding capitalism. On the other hand the block led by Soviet Russia
adopted Communism and supported the promotion of communist ideology.
10) What made super powers to collaborate ?
Ans : The two super power decided to collaborate to avoid a big war and
save the world from destruction. So the super powers wanted to ensure
economic development and security of their citizens. They desired to
collaborate for a better world.
11) Write the ideological reasons of Alliance System ?
Ans : Alliance System was primarily based on two contradictory ideology–
one is Capitalism another is Communism. Each block adopted one ideology.
For example, the block led by U.S.A. adopted capitalist ideology and aimed
at expanding capitalism. On the other hand the block led by Soviet Russia
adopted Communism and supported the promotion of communist ideology.
12) Why did cold War remain a ‘cold’ war and did not escalate into a
hot war ?
Ans : The logic of deterrence is the main weapon which did not let the cold
War escalate into a hot war. Both the two rival power US and USSR have
the capacity to retaliate against an nuclear attack and to cause so much
destruction that neither can afford to initial war. Thus, the cold war in spite of
being an intense form of rivalry between great power– remained a ‘cold’ and
not ‘home or shooting war. The deterrence relationship prevents war but not
the rivalry between powers.
13) Do you think that the alliance system led by the super powers
divided the entire world into two camps? Justify your answer.
Ans : Yes, the alliance system led by the super powers divided the entire
world into two camps.
The ideology of capitalism and socialism are the main reasons of this
division. The western alliance, headed by the U.S. represented the ideology
of liberal democracy and capitalism while the eastern alliance headed by
the Soviet Union, was committed to the ideology of socialism and
communism.
14) How did the smaller states help the Super powers ?
Ans : The smaller states help the super power in gaining access to :
(i) Smaller states are helpful for the super powers in their gaining access to
vital resources such as oil and minerals.
(ii) Access to location or territory from where the superpowers could
launched their weapons and troops.
(iii) Access to location from where they could spy on each other and
(iv) Economics support, in that many small allies together could help pay for
military expenses.
15) Write any four causes which originated the Cold War.
Ans : Four causes which originated the Cold war :
(i) Rivalry between the two super power was one cause of cold war.
(ii) Ideological conflict between the two super power was another cause of
cold war.
(iii) Arms race was also important factor of cold war.
(iv) Emergence of the U.S.A. and U.S.S.R. as two super powers after the
second World War was important cause of cold war.
16) It is said that the Cold War was a simple struggle for power and
that ideology had nothing to do with it.Do you agree with this?
Support your position with example ?
Ans : No, I do not agree with this. The cold War was not simply a matter of
power rivalries, of military alliances, and of the balance of power. These
were accompanied by a real ideological conflicts as well as difference over
the best and the most appropriate way of organizing political economic, and
social life all over the world. For example, the Western alliances, headed by
the US represented the ideology of liberal democracy and capitalism while
the eastern alliances headed by the Soviet Union, was committed to the
ideology of socialism and communism.
Long Answers Type Questions
1) Write a note on the achievements of NAM.
Ans : NAM played on significant role in the cold war era.The role of NAM
can be mentioned the like way :
(i) The policy of Nonalignment sough to promote peace and laid emphasis
on peaceful settlement of disputes bt the states.
(ii) Nam was entrusted with the tasks of social and economic reconstruction
which could be done only in a world free form war and tension.
(iii) The newly independent countries were aware of the danger of
imperialism. So they wanted to come together and bring World peace.
(iv) The significant role played by NAM was to maintain peacefull
coexistence between nations, condemnation of racial discrimination etc.
2) On what grounds India’s policy of non-alignment was criticised ?
Ans : The policy of Non-alignment movement was criticised on a number of
counts. They are :
(i) First India’s non-alignment was said to be unprincipled. In the name of
pursuing its national interest, India of ten refused to take a firm stand on
crucial international issues.
(ii) India was consistent and took contradictory postures, Haring criticised
others for joining alliances, India signed the treaty of friendship in August
1971 with the USSR for 20 years. This was criticised by outsiders as India
virtually joined the Soviet Bloc.
3) Explain the three agreements that were signed between the USA
and the USSA for maintenance of arms control ?
Ans : START – I :- The strategic Arms Reduction Treaty I is a treaty signed
by the USSR President Mikhail Gorbachev and U.S. president George Bush
on the reduction ane limitation of strategic offensive arms.
START – II :- The strategic Arms Reduction Treaty II was signed by the
Russian President Boris Yeltsin and the U.S.A. President George Bush on
reduction of strategic offensive arms.
4) Discuss the role of NAM during the cold war era.
Ans : NAM played on significant role in the cold war era.The role of NAM can be mentioned the like way :
- The policy of Nonalignment sough to promote peace and laid emphasis on peaceful settlement of disputes bt the states.
- Nam was entrusted with the tasks of social and economic reconstruction which could be done only in a world free form war and tension.
- The newly independent countries were aware of the danger of imperialism. So they wanted to come together and bring World peace.
- The significant role played by NAM was to maintain peacefull coexistence between nations, condemnation of racial discrimination etc.
5) Do you think that ideological differences contributed to the emergence of cold wars?
Ans : Yes, to some extent ideological differences contributed to the
emergence of cold War.
- The two super power accompanied by a real ideological conflict as well as differences over the best and the most appropriate way of organizing political, economic and social life all over the world.
- The western Alliances headed by the U.S. represented the ideology of liberal democracy and capitalism while the eastern alliances headed by the Soviet Union, was committed to the ideology of socialism and communism.
- Both the super power wanted to prove their ideology to be the best and to spread it all over the world.
6)Assess India’s role in the survival of NAM?
Ans : The main features of the policy of non-alignment pursued by India
during the early period were as follows:
- India tried to keep away from the power politics of two blocks due to fear that it could lead to disaster on vast scale. Instead India tried to follow policy of peaceful co-existence, co-operation and friendship.
- The policy of non-alignment was not based on the principle of isolationism or inaction. On the contrary it was a positive policy designed to promote national security and international peace.
- The policy of non-alignment sought to promote peace and laid emphasis on peaceful settlement of disputes by the states.
- India opposed military and security alliances and refused to get drawn into these alliances because it restricted the freedom of the country to act independently. Further these alliances generated hatred and distrust in the international sphere and posed a serious threat to world peace.
7) Assess India’s role in the survivals of NAM ?
Ans : The main features of the policy of non-alignment pursued by India
during the early period were as follows:
- India tried to keep away from the power politics of two blocks due to fear that it could lead to disaster on vast scale. Instead India tried to follow policy of peaceful co-existence, co-operation and friendship.
- The policy of non-alignment was not based on the principle of isolationism or inaction. On the contrary it was a positive policy designed to promote national security and international peace.
- The policy of non-alignment sought to promote peace and laid emphasis on peaceful settlement of disputes by the states.
- India opposed military and security alliances and refused to get drawn into these alliances because it restricted the freedom of the country to act independently. Further these alliances generated hatred and distrust in the international sphere and posed a serious threat to world peace.
8) Briefly analyze NAM’S new role on post war period ?
Ans : NAM played on significant role in the cold war era.The role of NAM
can be mentioned the like way :
(i) The policy of Nonalignment sough to promote peace and laid emphasis
on peaceful settlement of disputes bt the states.
(ii) Nam was entrusted with the tasks of social and economic reconstruction
which could be done only in a world free form war and tension.
(iii) The newly independent countries were aware of the danger of
imperialism. So they wanted to come together and bring World peace.
(iv) The significant role played by NAM was to maintain peacefull
coexistence between nations, condemnation of racial discrimination etc.
9) Do you think non-alignment is isolationism or neutrality ? Why?
Ans : The following clear cut differences are seen between non-aligned
movement and neutrality.
Neutrality :
(i) Neutrality is a situation in which state does not take any side in war.
(ii) It is a concept opposed to Belligerency.
(iii) Neutrality is a concept for international law.
(iv) It is relevant only in the war like situation.
(v) The concept of neutrality emerged in 18th and 19th century.
NAM :
(i) NAM is a concept aiming at an independent foreign policy and peaceful co-existence.
(ii) NAM is relevant at the time of war as well as peace.
(iii) NAM is related to international relations.
(iv) It believes in non-involvement in any type of difference between the two
power blocs.
(v) NAM came into existence in the middle of 20th century.
10) Discuss the role of India as a leader of NAM during the cold war
era.
Ans : The main features of the policy of non-alignment pursued by India
during the early period were as follows:
(i) India tried to keep away from the power politics of two blocks due to fear
that it could lead to disaster on vast scale. Instead India tried to follow policy
of peaceful co-existence, co-operation and friendship.
(ii) The policy of non-alignment was not based on the principle of
isolationism or inaction. On the contrary it was a positive policy designed to
promote national security and international peace.
(iii) The policy of non-alignment sought to promote peace and laid emphasis
on peaceful settlement of disputes by the states.
(iv) India opposed military and security alliances and refused to get drawn
into these alliances because it restricted the freedom of the country to act
independently. Further these alliances generated hatred and distrust in the
international sphere and posed a serious threat to world peace.
11) Suppose the cold war had not taken place and there were several
major powers at the end of the Second World War. How would that
situation have affected India’s Foreign policy? Identify any three
aspects or regions and imagine the difference.
Ans : Suppose the cold war had not taken place and there were several
major power at the end of the Second World War, it can certainly be said
that this would have affected India’s Foreign policy. This would be more
clear from the three aspects explained below–
i) Relationship With other Countries :- During the cold war India kept
relationship with various Western and African countries and also with
countries having different economic and political system. But if the cold war would have been absent then India’s relationship with many countries would have been different. For example India did not have a sound relationship with the western capitalist societies as these countries were part of Western alliance. But if the cold war would not take ace then India’s relations with those countries would have been a friendly one.
ii) Kashmir Issue :- The cold war created complexities for India to resolve
the Kashmir issue. The supporters of western block denied to recognise
Kashmir as a integral part of India because Pakistan have favourable relationship with U.S., but absence of the cold war might have resolved the Kashmir deadlock and better relationship would have prevailed between India and Pakistan.
iii) Non-Alignment Policy :- The policy of NAM is the resultant of the world bifurcated into eastern and western alliance. The newly born African and Asian nations didn’t want to taste, expansionist policies like imperialism and colonialism again. Therefore, these countries gave birth to a new foreign policy called NAM which maintained equidistance from both the power blocs. If the cold war would not have taken place then the policy of
NAM would not have been originated and India’s foreign policy would have
been much different.
12) What was the realisation behind the origination of New
International Economic Order (NIEO) ?
Ans : New International Economic order refers to an economic system to
reduce the gap between developed countries and under-developed
countries of the world.
The idea of New International Economic Order originated for sustainable
and equal economic development of the least developed countries. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development brought out of report in 1972 to answer New International Economic Order.
New International Economic Order is a means of attaining economic development and political independence for the least developed countries. This motive of Non-Alignment gradually changed the nature of NAM and by 1970’s Non-Alignment become an economic pressure group.
13) What was India’s foreign policy towards the US and USSR during the Cold war Era? Is this policy helped India’s interest ?
Ans : The whole idea of Non-Alignment Movement initiated by Jawaharlal
Nehru not only served international interest but also served India’s interest
directly through the following ways :
i) First, non-alignment allowed India to take international decisions and
stances that served it’s interests rather than the interests of the super
powers and their allies.
ii) Second, India was often able to balance one super power against the
other. If India felt ignored or unduly pressurized by one super power, it could
tilt towards the other. Neither alliance system could take India for granted or
bully it.
However, the policy of NAM was criticized on a number of counts.They are :
i) First, India’s non-alignment was said to be unprincipled. In the name of
pursuing it’s national interest, India often refused to take a firm stand on
crucial international issues.
ii) Second, it suggested that India was inconsistent and took contradictory
postures. Having criticized others for joining alliances, India signed the
Treaty of Friendship in August 1971 with the USSR for 20 years. This was
criticized by outsiders as India virtually joined the Soviet Bloc.
14) Why dis this superpowers have military alliances with smallercountries? Give three reasons ?
Ans : Suppose the cold war had not taken place and there were several
major power at the end of the Second World War, it can certainly be said
that this would have affected India’s Foreign policy. This would be more
clear from the three aspects explained below–
(i) Relationship With other Countries :- During the cold war India kept
relationship with various Western and African countries and also with
countries having different economic and political system. But if the cold war
would have been absent then India’s relationship with many countries would
have been different. For example India did not have a sound relationship
with the western capitalist societies as these countries were part of Western
alliance. But if the cold war would not take ace then India’s relations with
those countries would have been a friendly one.
(ii) Kashmir Issue :- The cold war created complexities for India to resolve
the Kashmir issue. The supporters of western block denied to recognise
Kashmir as a integral part of India because Pakistan have favourable
relationship with U.S., but absence of the cold war might have resolved the
Kashmir deadlock and better relationship would have prevailed between
India and Pakistan.
(iii) Non-Alignment Policy :- The policy of NAM is the resultant of the
world bifurcated into eastern and western alliance. The newly born African
and Asian nations didn’t want to taste, expansionist policies like imperialism
and colonialism again. Therefore, these countries gave birth to a new
foreign policy called NAM which maintained equidistance from both the
power blocs. If the cold war would not have taken place then the policy of
NAM would not have been originated and India’s foreign policy would have
been much different.
15) The Cold War has produced an arms race as well as arms control.
What were the reasons for both these developments ?
Ans : It is a hard fact that the cold war produced an arms race as well as
arms control. Mutual suspicious between the two super powers led them to
arm themselves to the tests and to constantly prepare for war. Both the
super powers considered huge stocks of arms necessary to prevent wars
from taking place. However, both the super powers understood that war
might occur in spite of restraint. Either side might miscalculate the stock of
arms in the possession of the other side. Moreover, super power might misunderstood the intentions of the other side. Besides, there can be a nuclear accident. Hence both the super powers i.e.
U.S.A., U.S.S.R. and U.K. In 1968 the Non-Proliferation Treaty was signed.
But India refused to sign thin treaty on the ground that it was discriminatory
in nature. The Threshold Test Ban Treaty was signed on 3rd July 1974 by
the two super powers. After these treaties many more treaties were signed
by the two super powers to limit their arms.
16) Write a note on Cuban Missile Crisis?What is its significance ?
Ans : The Cuban Missile Crisis occured in 1962. The following points for its
rise can be described as under :
i) Installation of nuclear missiles in Cuban was one of the most serious
crisis in the history of the post Second World War. When nuclear weapons were developed, with the development of new systems of delivery, that is
means of dropping these weapons, with nuclear warheads could be
directed to hit accurately targets, thousands of kilometres away, anywhere
in the world. US had set these missiles, aimed at Soviet targets at the base
which she had set up in the world.
ii) In January 1959 there was a revolution in Cuba. When USA became
hostile to the new Cuban Government which started to adopt social,
economic and radical change, the new government became friendly with
china and USSR but USA tried her level best to topple the new Cuban
government. In 1962 USSR was building missile sites in Cuba which was
around 150 kms only from the Southern borders of America.
iii) When the missile station was installed, America could be easily attacked
by USSR. This was the first time Soviet Union had established military base
although USA was doing all along in other countries and created tension
and a danger of war between two countries.
iv) On 22nd October 1962 President John F. Kennedy announced a naval
and air blockade around Cuba to stop any ship or aircraft moving towards
Cuba. The US also prepared to launch an attack on the missile bases of
Cuba which brought the world to disaster. Crisis in Cuba ended on October
26.On this day the Prime Minister told the president of America that Soviet
Union would remove her missiles from Cuba if the US pledged not to attack
Cuba. When USA agreed the crisis was over.
17) What was Cuban Missile Crisis ?
Ans : The Cuban Missile Crisis occured in 1962. The following points for its
rise can be described as under :
i) Installation of nuclear missiles in Cuban was one of the most serious
crisis in the history of the post Second World War. When nuclear weapons
were developed, with the development of new systems of delivery, that is
means of dropping these weapons, with nuclear warheads could be
directed to hit accurately targets, thousands of kilometres away, anywhere
in the world. US had set these missiles, aimed at Soviet targets at the base
which she had set up in the world.
ii) In January 1959 there was a revolution in Cuba. When USA became hostile to the new Cuban Government which started to adopt social, economic and radical change, the new government became friendly with china and USSR but USA tried her level best to topple the new Cuban government. In 1962 USSR was building missile sites in Cuba which was around 150 kms only from the Southern borders of America.
(iii) When the missile station was installed, America could be easily attacked by USSR. This was the first time Soviet Union had established military base although USA was doing all along in other countries and created tension and a danger of war between two countries.
iv) On 22nd October 1962 President John F. Kennedy announced a naval and air blockade around Cuba to stop any ship or aircraft moving towards Cuba. The US also prepared to launch an attack on the missile bases of Cuba which brought the world to disaster. Crisis in Cuba ended on October 26.On this day the Prime Minister told the president of America that Soviet
Union would remove her missiles from Cuba if the US pledged not to attack
Cuba. When USA agreed the crisis was over.
18)What was the report of CONTACT regarding reform of the global
trading system ?
Ans : The challenge for most of the non-aligned countries–a majority of
them which were categorised as the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) was to be more developed economically and to lift their people out of the poverty. Economic development was also vital for the independence of the new countries. Without sustained development, a country could not be truly free. It would remain dependent on the rich countries including the colonial powers from which political freedom had been achieved. The idea of a New International Economic Order (NIEO) originated with this realization.
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) brought out a report in 1972 entitled towards a “New Trade Policy for Development.” The report proposed a reform of the global trading system so as to :
(i) Give the LDC’s control over their natural resources, exploited by the
developed western countries.
(ii) Obtain access to western market do that the LDC’s could sell their
products and therefore make trade more beneficial for the poorer countries.
(iii) Reduce the cost of technology from the western countries.
(iv) Provide the LDC’s with a greater role in international economic
institutions.
Gradually, the nature of non-alignment changed to give greater importance
to economic issues. In 1961, at the first summit Belgrade, economic issues
had not been very important. By mid 1970’s, they had become the most
important issues. As a result,NAM became an economic pressure group. By
the late 1980’s however, the NIEO initiative had faded, mainly because of
the stiff opposition from the developed countries who acted as a United
group while the non-aligned countries struggled to maintain their unity in the
face of this opposition.
19) Do you think that NAM has lost its relevance after the end of the
cold war? Justify your answer.
Ans : Non-Aligned Movement was originated in 1961. The World was
divided into two hostile blocs. The capitalist bloc led by America and the
communist bloc led by Russia (erstwhile USSR). These two blocs were engaged in a cold war. The non-aligned countries adopted the policy of non-alignments i.e. the policy of Opposing the politics based upon groupism. The main aim of Non-Alignment was to keep distance from both the blocs. But now the world is unipolar after disintegration of Soviet Union in different 15 independent states. From the period of the formation of its vision at Bandung in 1955 and first summit at Belgrade in 1961 during more than 40 years of its existence, NAM has played an eventful role and travelled a long path. In this new global solution it’s role has changed and most of the developed and developing countries have adopted an open market policy. The European Union, the Association of South East Asia Nations (ASEAN), NAFTA ( North American Free Trade Agreement) and the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) etc have been progressing. By beginning of 1992 there existed only one super power USA.
Now the question arise about the relevance of non-aligned movement when there was no hostile power blocs. Before the Jakarta Summit of sept. 1992 this was also discussed in the meeting of foreign ministers of Non-Aligned states. Egypt has suggested that NAM should be dissolved
and it should merge with group of 77.The foreign ministers described what should be the role of NAM in future and in the 10th summit at Jakarta it was decided to continue the NAM. It should focus attention to curb the poverty, hunger and disease from the non-aligned states. Thus the relevances of BAM seems to be as strong today as it was at the time of its origin.
Now USA is the only super power so that importance of NAM is more essential.
USA wants that United Nations should act as her spokesman and it could be checked only by a strong and united Non-Aligned group. If NAM countries act as a strong forum in the United Nations then the self respect of each country, national freedom and the development of these countries
would be completed easily. It can help their socio economic development.
Thus relevance of NAM these days has rather increased.
