*🛡️Non-Aligned Movement* ♟️The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was formed at the 1st Belgrade Conference of 1961 with its prominent leaders being Jawaharlal Nehru (India), Josip Broz Tito (Yugoslavia) and Gamal Abdel Nassar (Egypt). ♟️Originating with a participation of 25 members, it has become the biggest independent and informal association out of the United Nations, comprising 120 member nations and 17 observers. *💎Immediate reason for its formation* ♟️It was established due to the emergence of two blocs, one led by the USA and the other by the Soviet Union following the Second World War. *💎Roles and objectives* ♟️It was not to stay neutral on issues and challenges confronting the international community, but to adopt common and joint positions based on merits of each case. ♟️It was committed to fight against colonialism, imperialism, racism and apartheid, and to create a new international economic order which would be fair and equitable and safeguard the interests of developing countries. *💎Crisis phase and evolution* ♟️The end of the Cold War and disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 put a question mark on its relevance as its initial objectives of de-colonisation and end of apartheid had been largely realized by then. *💎New role of the NAM* ♟️Ensuring peace, security and economic development of developing countries has emerged as the new mantra to be pursued by the Movement. 💎In present times, the NAM is relevant in the following ways: ♟️Integral part of foreign policy ♟️Many developing countries like India still follow the NAM principles. ♟️The policy to avoid colonisation and imperialism continues to remain valid for all small and developing countries. 💎South-South cooperation ♟️It raises issues that are of major concern for the global South. ♟️This will help democratise the international system to promote equality and peace all over the world. 💎Peaceful settlement of international disputes ♟️The NAM can act as a platform to negotiate and conclude international disputes peacefully, thereby securing favourable decisions for each member. 💎Preservation of territorial integrity and sovereignty ♟️The NAM reiterates the preservation of territorial integrity and state sovereignty. ♟️It stands as a unifying force against the expansionist policies of big powers.