The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07.
Nonaligned Movement
organized movement of nations that attempted to form a third world force through a policy of nonalignment with the United States and Soviet Union. Yugoslavia, India, and Indonesia were instrumental in founding (1961) the movement, which grew out of the Bandung Conference (1955). Its members, mainly developing nations from Asia, Africa, and Latin America that embrace more than half the world’s people, include true neutrals and many nations that were in fact aligned with one of the superpowers during the cold war. In light of the cold war’s end, it reassessed its role and has redefined itself as a forum for its member nations to develop policies and positions that they can seek to implement at the United Nations and other international forums. The 118 member nations meet regularly to discuss their common interests. See also Third World.
