In recent news, Japan is set to raise the Global South to the forefront of the G7 agenda. Amid the extensive global events – including the G7 agenda, G20 summit, Cold War, Climate Change, and Indo-Pacific region – lies a crucial factor: the Global South. At the upcoming G7 summit in 2023, hosted by Japan in Hiroshima, India plans to voice the concerns of the Global South. This step promises potential for political collaboration at a global level between Delhi and Tokyo.
Global South: An Overview
The term ‘Global South’ primarily denotes countries left out of the industrialisation era, facing ideological conflict with capitalist and communist countries during the Cold War period. Most of these nations are situated in Asia, Africa, and South America. In contrast, the ‘Global North’ encompasses richer countries, namely the US, Canada, Europe, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Global South’s significance takes root in its large population, rich cultural diversity, and abundant natural resources. Understanding the dynamics of the Global South is vital for addressing pressing global issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change.
Main Concerns of the Global South
Countries in the Global South grapple with various challenges:
1. Poverty and Inequality: The harsh reality of extreme poverty results in issues such as malnutrition, inadequate education, and healthcare accessibility. Substantial inequalities are evident both within countries and internationally.
2. Environmental Problems: Many countries in the Global South face environmental perils, especially climate change, deforestation, and pollution, impacting local communities’ health and well-being.
3. Political Unrest: Political instability plagues numerous countries in the Global South, with threats ranging from coups and civil wars to corruption and inefficient governance.
4. Insufficient Infrastructure, Education, and Health Services: Many of these countries struggle to provide quality education and healthcare, leading to limited economic opportunities and continued poverty and inequality.
Japan’s Outreach to the Global South
Japan’s initiative to connect with the Global South is driven by several reasons:
1. Fear of Ukraine-Like Implications: The Ukraine war, along with threats from North Korea and China, has prompted Japan to reform its defence policy significantly.
2. Diplomacy and Defense: Japan sees a strong connection between diplomacy and defence, which requires reinforcement for effective diplomatic initiatives.
3. Addressing Negligence from the West: According to Japan, the West has neglected the Global South in recent decades, giving countries like China and Russia more influence in these developing regions.
Possible Way Forward for India
India finds itself in a position where it must engage more actively with regional politics within the developing world. Realising that the Global South doesn’t possess a shared agenda or coherent group, India needs a tailored policy to deal with various regions and groups within the developing world.
India aims to act as a bridge between the North and the South by focusing on practical outcomes rather than returning to ideological conflicts. This ambition, if translated into effective policy, will allow India to balance its universal and particular objectives simultaneously.
Relevant UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions
Given the context, here are a few questions from previous years’ UPSC Civil Services Examinations:
Prelims Q: In which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20?
Ans: (a) Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey
Mains Q: ‘The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its newfound role in the emerging global order.’ Elaborate. (2019)
From these questions, it’s evident that understanding the dynamics of global politics and relationships between countries are crucial areas for aspirants to focus on.
Last Modified: February 20, 2024