The term ‘Global South’ is often used to refer to countries with a shared history of colonialism and economic disparities when compared with the developed Western nations, also known as the Global North. This terminology highlights the challenges faced by these nations in their journey towards economic growth and development.
In 1964, the Group of 77 (G-77) was born when 77 countries signed a joint declaration during the first session of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva. This coalition aimed to voice the economic interests of developing countries and bolster their negotiating foothold on international economic issues under the UN umbrella. Over time, the G-77 expanded to include 134 countries from continents like Asia, Africa, South America, the Caribbean, and Oceania.
Emergence and Role of UNOSSC
Established in 1974, the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) came into being. It serves as a collaboration hub, facilitating cooperation between countries in the Global South or with developed nations and multilateral agencies.
Decline and Revival of Global South
Throughout the early years of the 21st century, interest in the Global South significantly diminished, primarily owing to perceived economic advancements in countries such as India and Indonesia. However, recent years have witnessed a resurgence of relevance and importance attached to the Global South, making it evident that the region plays a crucial role in shaping the emerging global order.
Several factors fuelled this resurgence, including the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, severe economic downturns, and geopolitical tensions such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Criticisms of the Term Global South
Critics argue that the term ‘Global South’ is misleading as it fails to accurately characterize the countries it aims to describe. Often, countries traditionally considered part of the Global South do not necessarily lie in the Southern Hemisphere, and vice versa. This recognition led to the conceptualization of the ‘Brandt Line’ in the 1980s, a demarcation that divides the world into economic North and South based on factors like economic development and wealth distribution.
Aspirations of the Global South
Countries within the Global South, home to three-fourths of the global population, demand an equitable representation in global governance that reflects the demographic and economic realities of the world. They aspire to have a significant and meaningful voice in international decision-making processes.
Influence of the Global South in Global Politics
The growing influence of the Global South is noticeable through various indicators. India, as the G20 presidency, emphasized the priorities of the Global South. Countries like Indonesia, India, Brazil, and South Africa, which account for a substantial portion of the global population and economies, consecutively hosting the G20 summit signifies the increasing leadership of the Global South.
Evidence of the Global South’s Increasing Influence
Evidence of the mounting influence of the Global South includes the establishment of the ‘Loss and Damage Fund’ at the COP27 Climate Change conference, the expected leading role of these countries in the upcoming UNFCCC COP 28 in UAE, inclusion of developing countries in the G7 summit hosted by Japan, expansion of the BRICS membership, recent G-77 summit in Havana, Cuba, and the incorporation of the 55-nation African Union into the G20.
These instances underline the shifting power dynamics with the Global South playing a more active and significant role in shaping the future of global politics and cooperation. As such, the demands of the Global South for equitable representation and prominent voice in global governance remain at the forefront, signalling an ongoing evolution of its influence.
As the world navigates through complex challenges and opportunities, the Global South’s influence continues to grow, emphasizing the need for more balanced power dynamics in global affairs. It is clear that the future of international politics and cooperation will increasingly include the voices and contributions of the Global South.
Last Modified: February 22, 2024