Global South: From the Margins to the Centre

Introduction

The XVII BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro highlighted the growing importance of the Global South in contemporary international relations. The Summit reflected both the opportunities and contradictions within South-South cooperation, particularly as BRICS countries navigate differing strategic relationships with major global powers such as the United States and Russia.The idea of the Global South historically refers to countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America that share experiences of colonialism, economic dependency and struggles against global inequalities. The concept emphasizes collective development, strategic autonomy and reforms in the global governance architecture.

ANALYSIS

Meaning and Evolution of the Global South

The term Global South broadly represents developing and emerging economies, especially from:

• Asia
• Africa
• Latin America

These countries historically faced:

• Colonial exploitation
• Economic underdevelopment
• Unequal trade structures
• Political domination by Western powers

The Global South emerged as a political and economic identity aimed at transforming a historically Western-dominated international order through South-South cooperation. This cooperation focuses on:

• Mutual assistance
• Development partnerships
• Strategic solidarity
• Collective bargaining in global institutions

The concept evolved during the post-colonial era when newly independent nations sought a more equitable international system.

Historical Roots of South-South Cooperation

Bandung Conference (1955)

The Bandung Conference held in Bandung was one of the foundational moments for the Global South.It emphasized:

• Anti-colonial solidarity
• Peaceful coexistence
• Economic cooperation
• Sovereignty and territorial integrity

The conference laid the groundwork for collective action among newly independent Asian and African nations.

Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

The Non-Aligned Movement emerged during the Cold War as a platform for countries unwilling to align with either the U.S.-led or Soviet blocs.NAM promoted:

• Strategic autonomy
• Sovereign equality
• Decolonisation
• Economic justice
• Peaceful coexistence

It became an important institutional expression of Global South aspirations.

New International Economic Order (NIEO)

The concept of a New International Economic Order (NIEO) emerged in the 1970s to reform global economic relations.Its objectives included:

• Fair trade arrangements
• Technology transfer
• Greater representation for developing countries
• Sovereign control over natural resources
• Regulation of multinational corporations

The NIEO sought to reduce structural inequalities between developed and developing countries.

BRICS and Contemporary Global South Politics

The BRICS grouping has increasingly become a major platform for articulating Global South concerns. The Rio Summit demonstrated:

• Demand for reform of global institutions
• Calls for multipolarity
• Opposition to unilateral sanctions
• Greater representation for developing countries in IMF, World Bank and UNSC

BRICS countries emphasized:

• Climate justice
• Development financing
• Technology access
• Reform of global trade systems
• Alternative financial mechanisms

The expansion of BRICS also reflects the growing geopolitical relevance of the Global South.

Challenges Facing South-South Cooperation

Despite shared historical experiences, significant challenges remain:

Divergent National Interests

BRICS countries often differ on:

• Relations with major powers
• Security issues
• Trade priorities
• Regional conflicts

This creates difficulties in presenting a unified position globally.

Economic Asymmetry within the Global South

Countries within the Global South differ greatly in:

• Economic capacity
• Technological advancement
• Political influence
• Resource availability

For example, China has substantially greater economic and technological capabilities than many African or Latin American countries.

Dependence on Western Markets and Finance

Many Global South economies continue to depend on:

• Western capital markets
• Dollar-based financial systems
• Advanced technologies
• Export markets in developed economies

This limits strategic autonomy.

Internal Political Instability

Political instability, governance deficits and regional conflicts weaken the bargaining power of several Global South nations.

Importance of the Global South in the Present International Order

The Global South is increasingly central to world politics because:

• It represents a majority of the world’s population.
• Emerging economies are major drivers of global growth.
• Developing countries are crucial in climate negotiations.
• Global energy, minerals and supply chains increasingly depend on the South.

Issues such as:

• Climate finance
• Food security
• Debt sustainability
• Digital inequality
• Energy transitions

cannot be addressed without active participation of Global South countries.

India’s Role in the Global South

India has increasingly projected itself as a voice of the Global South through:

• G20 Presidency initiatives
• Global South Summits
• Development partnerships
• Digital Public Infrastructure sharing
• Climate justice advocacy

India emphasizes:

• Inclusive multilateralism
• Reform of international institutions
• South-South cooperation
• Development without coercive conditionalities

The BRICS Summit further reinforced India’s positioning as a major Global South actor.

Necessary Static Part

Global South

Bandung Conference (1955)

Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

BRICS

Updated – 13 July 2025 ; 02:45 AM | The Hindu