Question

Describe the NAM’s role in world affairs with reference to the following:

Anglo-French action against Egypt on the Suez Canal issue.

Answer 1

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) played a significant role in world affairs, especially during the Anglo-French action against Egypt on the Suez Canal issue in 1956. This crisis erupted when Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalised the Suez Canal, which had previously been controlled by the British and French. In response, Britain and France, along with Israel, launched a military intervention to regain control of the canal.

NAM's role in this situation was crucial for several reasons:

1. Support for Egypt’s Sovereignty: NAM strongly opposed the military intervention by Britain and France, supporting Egypt’s right to nationalise the Suez Canal and assert its sovereignty. The movement advocated for the peaceful resolution of the issue, in line with its principles of mutual respect for territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign nations.
2. Condemnation of Imperialism: The Anglo-French military action was seen as a continuation of imperialist policies, and NAM condemned this as an unjust act of aggression. Nehru and other leaders of the Non-Aligned Movement criticised the use of force by colonial powers in their attempts to control a vital international waterway.
3. International Pressure for Ceasefire: The United States, along with the Soviet Union, opposed the military intervention, and through the efforts of NAM leaders, a global consensus was built for a ceasefire. NAM’s support for Egypt helped mobilise international pressure, leading to a ceasefire and the eventual withdrawal of British and French forces from Egypt.
4. Promotion of Peace and Diplomacy: NAM, under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, advocated for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the crisis. It emphasised that the Suez Canal issue should be handled by international diplomacy rather than military means.

NAM’s role in the Suez Canal crisis was to support Egypt's sovereignty, oppose imperialism, and advocate for peace and diplomacy in resolving international disputes, reflecting the core values of the Non-Aligned Movement.