The upcoming Global South Summit in India on August 17 marks a pivotal moment for nations historically marginalized in global governance. These countries are now asserting their demands for a reshaping of the international order, aiming to recalibrate global hierarchies rooted in decades of activism against Western dominance. This movement, reflective of past struggles and strategic visions for future equity, is poised to challenge and transform the current global system.

The ambition to recalibrate global power structures is not new. From the Non-Aligned Movement in the mid-20th century to today’s economic alliances, developing nations have consistently sought to disentangle themselves from Western dominance. This renewed drive is underscored by significant economic achievements: in recent years, the Global South has experienced an average annual GDP growth of 4.7 percent, far outpacing the 2.1 percent growth in the Global North. This economic dynamism is a tangible shift, reflecting both aspirational rhetoric and substantial changes in economic clout.

The timing of the summit amidst growing debates about economic dependency and geopolitical realignments highlights the rising influence of the Global South. Ignoring the core issues raised by these countries-nequitable trade practices, climate change effects, and geopolitical marginalization-risks perpetuating a fractured global order. Engaging with the outcomes of this summit is crucial for the North to foster cooperative international relations and effectively address shared global challenges.

Historically, the Global North’s interest in non-Western perspectives has broadened gradually since the end of the Cold War. Developing nations adopted varying degrees of Western political and economic frameworks, but many in the Global South still perceive the dominance of Western powers and their institutions as remnants of colonial hierarchies. Nations like India and Brazil are actively seeking to reconfigure the global economic order to reflect a more equitable distribution of power.

The motivations for this recalibration are multifaceted. There is a desire for enhanced economic dividends, fairer representation in international institutions, and greater autonomy in setting regional and global agendas. This push for increased influence is rooted in collective historical experiences and geopolitical strategies. Many countries in the Global South have histories marked by colonialism, resource extraction, and political subjugation. These shared grievances fuel a determination to address and transform perceived imbalances in the global system.

Leaders such as Narendra Modi in India and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Brazil epitomize this new assertiveness. Modi, during India’s G20 presidency in 2023, advocated for the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the organization. Similarly, Lula, as Brazil holds the G20 presidency this year, uses international platforms to champion a “fair and multipolar order.”

Recent multilateral initiatives, such as the G77 and the Non-Aligned Movement, demonstrate a persistent effort among developing nations to negotiate as cohesive units. This strategic unity aims to elevate their collective bargaining power on the world stage. Despite divergent national interests, this underlying unity exemplifies the intent to redefine the Global South’s role and influence in global governance.

However, despite acknowledgment of the Global South’s distinct identity, developing countries remain disappointed with the persistent dominance of the North in global affairs. Examples include tepid responses to Middle East escalations, the war in Ukraine’s effects on grain-importing economies, slow progress on climate financing, and resistance to reforms of major international institutions. These concerns are pushing US and European officials to make rare overtures toward the Global South, but tangible action is still lacking.

A fundamental issue complicating North-South dynamics is the conceptual ambiguity of the term “Global South.” It encompasses a diverse array of countries, from G20 powers like Brazil and Indonesia to less-developed nations like Sierra Leone. While these countries share common historical experiences and objectives, they possess divergent interests, values, and perspectives. Western policymakers often oversimplify this diversity, applying one-size-fits-all prescriptions that neglect the unique challenges faced by smaller and mid-sized states.

For example, Brazil and Indonesia have diversified economies with significant industrial and service sectors, while countries like Sierra Leone rely heavily on agriculture and primary commodities. Brazil’s per capita GDP is approximately $9,000, while Sierra Leone’s is around $500. This disparity affects international trade capacity, prospects for regional integration, and internal stability. Policymaking that fails to account for these disparities risks being ineffective or counterproductive.

Differing political climates and governance challenges further complicate the picture. Indonesia, a democracy with a relatively steady track record of political reforms, faces different challenges compared to Myanmar, which contends with a civil war and political instability following a military coup. These internal dynamics influence how these countries interact on the global stage and what they require from external engagements. Policies that lump the Global South into a monolithic structure hinder the establishment of mutually beneficial partnerships tailored to each country’s unique needs.

Producing targeted policy strategies amid growing solidarity within this heterogeneous group is not easy. While unified by a shared history of colonial oppression and aspirations for a rebalanced global order, the “unity” of the Global South is not without fractures. Varying economic policies, ideologies, geopolitical maneuvering, and regional dynamics clash with developing a cohesive identity. For instance, Latin American countries might embrace socialist economic models, while Southeast Asian nations often lean toward market-oriented reforms.

Divisions extend to leading countries in the Global South, including China, Brazil, and India, which vie for prominence within the group while prioritizing national interests over collective solidarity. Each leverages international platforms to advance its influence. China has expanded the BRICS group, while India used its G20 presidency to support broader representation for African nations. Brazil plans to promote its vision of a more inclusive, multipolar global order through its upcoming roles.

Despite divergent strategies, many Global South countries converge on key priorities, such as advocating for debt relief and equitable trade. These perspectives challenge the Global North’s dominance in shaping international policy and creating a new global order. Policymakers in the Global North must proactively engage with this new reality to avoid perpetuating the North-South divide, which carries significant implications for international cooperation.

The rise of the Global South represents a critical juncture in global governance. As these nations assert their demands for a more equitable international order, the Global North must respond with genuine engagement and tailored policies that acknowledge the diverse needs and aspirations of the Global South. Only through such an inclusive approach can a more balanced and cooperative global order be achieved.

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