The Non-Aligned Movement and Nuclear Security

Nuclear terrorism was perceived as a remote reality by NAM countries and a mechanism to disturb the nuclear energy programmes of the developing world. The NAM summit has not yet taken a collective stand on nuclear security or the nuclear security summit process. The last NAM summit separately identified terrorism as a security problem. However, the phrase “nuclear terrorism” still eludes the official summit documents. The NAM countries still believe that only a world without nuclear weapons may ensure them security, thus the official documents and resolutions emphasise “nuclear disarmament”. Admittedly, a few issues relating to the operationalisation of the Nuclear Security Summit made the NAM countries apprehensive. This is because NAM’s relationship with “nuclear security” is relatively new, although the association is growing. The approach of the NAM countries towards nuclear security is very positive and the grouping has started working with other groups and through several institutions. Despite not taking a stand on nuclear security or nuclear terrorism, the NAM appears determined to adopt key elements of nuclear security.