The Nehru Years: An International History of Indian Non-Alignment

by Swapna Nayudu Kona

What is non-alignment? How is it different from multi-alignment or strategic diversification? Is it just an outdated form of Cold War foreign policy? Scholars of international relations, political thought, and India’s international and diplomatic history are increasingly interested in the relevance of non-alignment to Indian foreign policy. The origins of such policies and debates can be traced back to Jawaharlal Nehru’s conceptualization of non-alignment at the height of the Cold War.

In this deeply researched study of his years as prime minister (1947–1964), Swapna Kona Nayudu utilizes archival research in multiple languages to uncover Indian diplomatic influence in four major international the Korean War, the Suez Crisis, the Hungarian Revolution, and the Congo Crisis. Through this detailed examination, she explores the contested meaning of non-alignment, a policy almost unique in its ambiguity and its centrality to a nation’s political life.

The resulting international history takes on one of the most controversial concepts in the history of modern India and gives us a study of India’s diplomatic position as the only non-aligned founding member of the United Nations.

Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2025

Reviews

[Nithal Rahman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Completed reading second book of the year, The Nehru Years from Swapna Kona Nayudu. Though this was there in my to-read list, I came across inadvertently as it was placed in the new arrivals section in library. The book deeply discusses the non alignment movement pioneered by Nehru through four major international events. To be honest I lost attention multiple times especially in the initial phases because of the complex nature of subject. However I consider it as an essential read in today's time. Those who are interested in history, international events, foreign policy and their nuances should consider.