The Western Bloc: This bloc was led by the United States and included Western European countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. These countries were allied through various organizations such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). The Western Bloc was characterized by its commitment to free-market capitalism, democracy, and the containment of communism.
The Eastern Bloc: This bloc was led by the Soviet Union and included Eastern European countries, as well as Cuba, North Korea, and Vietnam. These countries were allied through the Warsaw Pact and the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CMEA). The Eastern Bloc was characterized by its commitment to communism, central planning, and a command economy.
The Non-Aligned Movement: This bloc included countries that sought to remain neutral and independent of both the Western and Eastern Blocs. It was founded in 1961 and included countries such as India, Indonesia, Yugoslavia, and Egypt. The Non-Aligned Movement was characterized by its commitment to peace, disarmament, and economic development.