Non Alignment and Afro-Asianism, two terms deriving from similar ideological roots, are distinct movements that projected an enormous influence on the so-called third-world. On November 28, 2014, Dr. Lorenz M. Luthi presented at the Asian Institute an intriguing overview of the politics and diplomatic maneuvers behind the discourse of these two movements through accessing rare sources from a wild assortment of archives around the world, questioning the non-aligned movement’s present relevance given the termination of the Cold War.

Chronicling the two movements’ course and transformation, Dr. Luthi traces the haunting spectre of the Cold War as a primary reason behind its formation and subsequent discourse. The process of de-colonization paved the way of newly independent nations, which was met by growing tensions between two Superpower hegemons: the United Sates and the Soviet Union. Leaders of these infant states are torn astray between these dueling hegemony. Against this threat, many sought to counter this ideological and hegemonic infiltration through developing a cohesive counter movement, leading to the formation of the Afro-Asian movement. However, as Dr. Luthi discussed, the underlying motives of these leaders are strongly pitted against the startling reality of their country’s social-economic situations and diplomatic vulnerability, which created both opportunities and conflicts within the movement, eventually leading to the separate rise of the non-Aligned movement, which distinguished itself by having a formal assembly and institution to provide a platform for discussion.

Dr. Luthi went on to explain how the role of statesmen played a prominent role in the discourse of these movements development. In particular, Jawaharlal Nehru contributes significantly through pioneering these movement’s ideological beliefs. Deeply steeped in British education but an nationalist by heart, the “Uncle of Modern India” firmly believed in state development alongside democratic lines. His engagement with notable leaders ranged from Joseph Tito and Gamal Nasser- participating founders of the non-alignment movement- to China’s foreign secretary Zhou-Enlai and Kwame Nkruma. These key leaders depended and conflicted with each other, and with events such as the Czechoslovakia arms deal in 1955 and the Second-Sino Indian War causing more problems to solve and questioned the effectiveness of the movement.

Aside the importance of individuals, Dr. Luthi recognized the web of diplomatic intrigue and geo-political confrontations which affected the productivity of these movements. For example, the issue on admitting Israel as a member of the Afro-Asian movement caused huge uproar amongst Arab and Muslim states, which had threatened to withdraw if the “Zionist state” was accepted. Utilization of conferences and showcase events, such as the Bandung Conference in 1955, produced mixed results as it symbolizes the collectivity spirit of third world nations but did not produce any formal agreements, whilst some leaders took advantage of this as a way to curb domestic opposition. Furthermore, the difficulties of getting delegates to receive letters of invitation were a major problem in conducting conferences due to the backward communication networks and transportation.

Ultimately, Dr. Luthi presented an interesting portrayal of the troubles and issues surrounding the non-aligned and Afro-Asian movements, contributing heavily to the growth of a distinct voice amidst the Cold War. Through compelling analysis of the leaders’ political and diplomatic motives, the background of impending realities of the socio-economic situation at home impeded and eventually led to the direct rift between these two movements. Through intensive and contributor discussion on the reasons behind the movement’s trajectory,Dr. Luthi suggests that research on the two movements should be carried out outside of the framework of the Cold War, and that future historians should focus on them as a separate entity.

-written by Arnold Yung, a second year student double majoring in contemporary Asian studies and history at the University of Toronto.

This article is part of a series of articles written by undergraduate students affiliated with the Asian Institute about events hosted by the Asian Institute.