Editorial
After the summit in Tehran . . .
NAM must reinvent itself
The end of the summit of non-aligned nations in Tehran raises a question and demonstrates a reality. The question relates to whether the non-aligned movement can in the times immediately ahead reassert its prominence in global politics. And the reality is that despite some very difficult obstacles in their way, member states of NAM have it in them to overcome or skirt around the obstacles if indeed they mean to speak in a unified voice on the global stage. The important message from Tehran, though, is that NAM continues to be a forum which unites rather than divides those nations which constitute it at present. And the fact that it is Iran, embattled as it is over questions of its nuclear intentions, which has been host to the summit makes it clear that member-states are willing to speak their mind through this forum through defying unwelcome pressure to the contrary.
That expression of mind is important given that in a world where a lone superpower operates no-holds barred, it becomes necessary for a countervailing force to emerge in the interest of the global community as a whole. Of course, no one expects NAM to return to the glory it exemplified in the 1950s and 1960s at the height of the Cold War. The realities of today being quite removed from those of earlier times, NAM can encourage its member states into pooling their resources, especially in the economic sense and thereby promote the well-being of their peoples. But such a goal entails a wholesome, purposeful working of democracy within NAM member states, for without popular participation in the political system it becomes rather difficult to pursue such goals as ensuring economic justice, alleviating poverty, developing health care and adapting to evolving international conditions. Fortunately, a fairly large number of countries in NAM are today home to democratic governments, however flawed, and are therefore in a position to bring about the change society needs. Among these nations are regional powers like India, a fact that could be a spur to further progress within NAM territory.
The summit has shown that NAM has not become irrelevant. But if it means to play a definitive role in today's world, it needs to reinvent itself through a clear outlining of its objectives. Paramount among those objectives must be ensuring social justice within member states and have a positive participation as a united force on the global stage.
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