What is cold war and non-align movement ?

Cold war refers to political, economic and ideological conflict and tension between the two superpowers USA and USSR. It began after the end of the Second World War in 1945 and lasted till 1991 when it ended with the disintegration of the Soviet Union. It was manifested in rivalries between the Western World led by USA and NATO on the one side and the communist countries led by USSR on the other side. The Cold War represented an atmosphere of tension rather than actual fighting. There was an emphasis on military alliances with most countries having to take sides. The NATO was the alliance of the western powers while the Warsaw pact represented the communist Eastern Bloc.

In such a scenario, many countries led by leaders from India, Egypt, Yugoslavia, Ghana and Indonesia chose not to take sides and remain non-aligned to any military alliance. This led to the birth of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1961. The focus of this movement was to ensure national independence, struggle against imperialism and colonialism. It actively strived to promote peace. Most of the newly independent countries and developing countries chose to be a part of this movement.