Established in 1955, in response to escalating tensions between the two Cold War blocs following the defeat of the Axis powers in World War II, the Non-Aligned movement currently has 118 members, comprises 55% of the world's population, and represents nearly two-thirds of the United Nation's members.
Since its founding the movement has played an important role in maintaining international peace and security, moving the world away from policies that resulted from the Cold War.
The Kingdom of Bahrain has been a member of the Non-Aligned Movement since 1972.