The impact of the Cold War in forming the world as it was in the 1960s
Role of multi-lateral organizations
United Nations (UN)
The United Nations is an international organization which was founded in 1945, after the Second World War, by 51 countries. The UN is committed to:
- Maintaining international peace and security
- Developing friendly relations among nations
- Promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights.
The work of the United Nations reaches every corner of the globe. It is best known for peacekeeping, peace building, conflict prevention and humanitarian assistance. The headquarters of the UN are in New York in the USA.
Organisation of African Unity (OAU)
Newly independent African states joined the Organization of African Unity (OAU) after it was founded in 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Its purpose was to promote self-government, respect for territorial boundaries, and social progress throughout the African Continent, and membership was open to all independent African countries.
The OAU was replaced by the African Union in 2002.
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
Independent countries which chose not to join any of the Cold War power blocs were also known as non-aligned nations. The NAM was not formally aligned with or against one of the Superpowers.
The first Conference of Non-Aligned Heads of State was held in 1961. 25 countries were represented at a meeting held in Belgrade through the initiative of Yugoslavian President Tito. Tito was concerned about the arms race in the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the USA.
By 1964, 47 countries had joined the NAM. By 2007, it had 118 member states.
Since the end of the Cold War, the Non-Aligned Movement has struggled to maintain its relevance.
