Why did developing nations often allign themselves with one or the other superpower?

Developing nations often aligned themselves with one of the superpowers during the Cold War in order to gain economic, military, and political support. These alignments provided access to aid, technology, and resources critical for development, as well as protection against external threats. Additionally, ideological affinities—such as communism or capitalism—often influenced these choices, as leaders sought to adopt models that aligned with their national goals. Ultimately, these alignments were strategic moves to enhance sovereignty and improve the prospects for growth and stability.