In an era marked by geopolitical tensions and shifting economic tides, the term “Global South” has been thrust into the spotlight. Countries categorized under the Global South are often associated with development challenges, primarily located in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Contrastingly, the wealthier nations mainly found in North America and Europe are collectively termed the “Global North.”
The label “Global South” was first coined in 1969 by political activist Carl Oglesby. It gained popular usage after the Soviet Union’s dissolution in 1991, distancing itself from the previous label, the “Third World,” which was associated with poverty, instability, and adverse stereotypes.
Geopolitical and Economic Characteristics of the Global South
The Global South is less about geographical boundaries and more about a shared blend of political, geopolitical, and economic traits among countries. An intriguing aspect of many Global South nations is a history marred by Imperialism and Colonial Rule, particularly evident in African countries. This shared history has significantly influenced their perspectives on the relationship within the world political economy, especially regarding the Global North’s richer nations.
The Contemporary Importance of the Global South
The recent decades have witnessed a shift in wealth and political visibility towards the Global South. According to the World Bank, this power shift from the North Atlantic to the Asia-Pacific region contradicts accepted notions of economic power distribution. Estimates indicate that by 2030, three of the world’s four largest economies will hail from Global South countries, led by China and India. Additionally, the growing influence of political actors like China, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil in global affairs underscores the Global South’s increasing prominence.
Moreover, this shift in economic and political power has major implications for global geopolitics, with Asian countries touted to play significant roles in the coming “Asian Century.” The Global South’s growing influence also hints at a future “post-Western world,” as it challenges the historical dominance of the Global North.
Challenges Faced by the Global South
Despite their progress, countries within the Global South still grapple with several key challenges. A major issue is the apparent reluctance of the Global North to fund green energy, despite their substantial contribution to global emissions. The Russia-Ukraine war has also severely affected the least developed countries (LDCs), with emerging concerns around food security, energy, and finance threatening LDC development prospects.
China’s increasing influence through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) also raises questions about whether the initiative will benefit all involved or mainly China. Furthermore, the U.S., with the world’s largest economy and dominant currency, holds substantial sway over global affairs—despite the world’s increasingly multipolar nature.
The Global South’s development aspirations also suffer due to limited access to resources. This lack of access has resulted in an industrialization trajectory skewed in favor of advanced economies since the 1960s. The Covid-19 pandemic has further amplified these inequities, with countries ranging from Argentina and Egypt to Pakistan and Sri Lanka experiencing more severe socioeconomic impacts.
India’s Initiatives to Support the Global South
Recognizing these challenges, India has launched five initiatives announced by Prime Minister in the “Voice of Global South Summit” hosted in January 2023. These range from research efforts to identify best practices for developing nations, sharing Indian expertise in fields like space technology and nuclear energy, providing essential medical supplies, connecting young foreign ministry officers, and offering scholarships for higher education students from developing nations.
These significant initiatives underscore the collaborative efforts required to navigate the complexities of geopolitical power dynamics, shifting wealth concentration, and the pursuit of sustainable development within the Global South. As these nations continue to assert their global influence, they are reshaping geopolitics and signaling a new era where countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America play increasingly vital roles in shaping international relations.
