During the cold war era many Asian and African nations followed a policy of nonalignment because they?

During the Cold War, many Asian and African nations adopted a policy of nonalignment to avoid becoming pawns in the power struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union. This stance allowed them to maintain sovereignty, pursue independent foreign policies, and foster economic development without being tied to either bloc. Nonaligned countries sought to prioritize their national interests and promote peace, cooperation, and solidarity among developing nations. By aligning with neither superpower, they aimed to gain benefits from both sides while advocating for global disarmament and decolonization.