The Nehru Years: An International History of Indian Non-Alignment by Swapna Kona Nayudu is a deeply researched account of the origin and driving forces behind the spread of the non-alignment movement. This book explores the evolution of diplomatic and political thought as a response to colonial and imperialist rule of the time. Its release is especially timely, as contemporary geopolitics is once again marked by polarisation, and the idea of non-alignment is re-entering global conversations.
Non-Alignment is often narrowly understood as a reactive stance against the Cold War and the bi-polar world order that emerged after World War II. However, upon closer examination, non-alignment reveals itself as an intellectual and political project with a longer history and broader goals-one that predates the Cold War’s ideological divides. Dr. Nayudu traces how Nehru’s political thinking was influenced by the writings of Gandhi and Tagore, particularly on India’s place in the world and a critique of Eurocentric models of international behaviour on how nation state should behave.
The book examines four major international events: the Korean War (1950-53), the Suez Canal Crisis (1956), the Hungarian Revolution (1956), and the Congo Crisis (1960-64), to show how India navigated these crises diplomatically while adhering to the principles of non-alignment.
Nehru was openly critical of the Cold War’s ideological blocs and believed in negotiation and diplomacy as pathways to peace. He presented non-alignment not as passive neutrality but as an active third bloc committed to international responsibility and collective security outside the framework of military alliances. India, as one of the founding members of the United Nations, embraced its mediatory role early on; using its position to broker peace and de-escalate tensions. India was among the first contributors to the UN peacekeeping force and helped shape the norms for future UN peacekeeping missions.
This book is highly recommended for academics, students, diplomats, and informed readers interested in Indian diplomatic history, Cold War studies, and international relations. Nearly half of the book is devoted to citations and references, making it a valuable resource for researchers exploring political thought in the post-colonial world.