Museveni: NAM and multi polarity ‘force of peace in dangerous times’

Summary:

• Contrary to predictions following the fall of the Berlin Wall, Museveni observes that the NAM has gained renewed relevance amidst growing tensions between major powers, including the emergence of what some label as Cold War 2.0 between the West and China.

The Non-Aligned Movement and multipolarity should not be seen as a threat to the West, but as a force of peace in dangerous times, says an article by Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda, who has just taken over as the Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, published in The Hill.

He noted that the NAM member States stand ready to collaborate with everyone in service of the ideals — equality, mutual interest peaceful coexistence that gave rise to the organization originally. But we shall do so as partners, not as subordinates.

He said with the fall of the Berlin Wall, many presumed that the Non-Aligned Movement would be consigned to the same fate as the rubble.

“But as fissures deepen between great powers, with some now proclaiming Cold War 2.0 between the West and China, the movement has renewed currency,” he said.

“The organization is also different today. At 120 member-states, containing over 4.6 billion people, it stands as the largest bloc of countries at the UN. Universally poor at independence, members now straddle everything from global financial centers, tech hubs, manufacturing powerhouses, and major energy exporters. This great bundle of humanity and diversity should not be subsumed to a great rivalry that will not serve its own interests,” the Uganda President said.

The Ugandan leader emphasized that the Non-Aligned Movement is a benefit for the whole world and its positions should not be considered “anti-Western”

“As the strain of global events pulls at the seams of the multilateral system, the Non-Aligned Movement can also leverage its collective weight to reform global institutions so they better address the challenges of today, such as the UN Security Council, where veto-wielding permanent members, the victors of World War II, stymie effective action,” the NAM chair said.