Step 1: Understanding NAM (Non-Aligned Movement).
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was established in the Cold War era with the primary aim of promoting independence for newly liberated nations. NAM focused on non-alignment with any power blocs, and it was neither aligned with the capitalist bloc led by the USA nor the communist bloc led by the USSR.
Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) It was a military and economic bloc: Incorrect. NAM was not a military or economic bloc. It was an alliance of nations that chose to remain independent and non-aligned.
- (B) It was formed and controlled by capitalist bloc: Incorrect. NAM was not controlled by any bloc, capitalist or communist. It was a movement of independent nations, including countries from both blocs, who chose not to align with either side.
- (C) It was formed and controlled by communist bloc: Incorrect. NAM was not controlled by the communist bloc. It included nations from both the capitalist and communist spheres, and it was based on mutual cooperation and independence.
- (D) It was simply a movement of newly independent states of Asia and Africa: Correct. NAM was primarily a movement of newly independent countries from Asia and Africa, aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and independence from both the capitalist and communist power blocs.
Step 3: Conclusion.
NAM was not aligned with either of the superpower blocs and was aimed at promoting peace, independence, and cooperation among newly independent states in Asia and Africa.
Final Answer:} It was simply a movement of newly independent states of Asia and Africa.