{"id":55191,"date":"2025-09-25T21:13:46","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T15:43:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/?p=55191"},"modified":"2025-09-27T12:36:47","modified_gmt":"2025-09-27T07:06:47","slug":"global-south-must-work-together-eam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/25-09-2025\/global-south-must-work-together-eam","title":{"rendered":"Global South Must Work Together: EAM"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/IR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>At the sidelines of the <strong>80th UN General Assembly session in New York<\/strong>, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called for<strong> stronger Global South solidarity <\/strong>and a <strong>collective push for UN reforms.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>He called for a <strong>united approach among Global South countries,<\/strong> based on fair and transparent economic practices, resilient supply chains, and stronger South-South trade, investment, and technology collaboration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Positioned India as a bridge between developed nations and the <strong>Global South<\/strong>, highlighting its leadership in initiatives like<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/13-01-2023\/voice-of-the-global-south-summit\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/13-01-2023\/voice-of-the-global-south-summit\">Voice of Global South Summit (2023)<\/a> <\/strong>and <strong>G20 Presidency (2023).<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Global South<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The term <strong>\u201cGlobal South\u201d<\/strong> was coined by <strong>Carl Oglesby<\/strong>, an American political activist, in <strong>1969.&nbsp;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>He used the term to describe <strong>countries suffering from political and economic exploitation<\/strong> by developed nations of the Global North.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the simplest sense, Global South refers to the countries of <strong>Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania.&nbsp;<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Most of these countries, where <strong>about 85% of the world population lives<\/strong>, <strong>experienced colonial rule <\/strong>and historically lagged in achieving substantial levels of industrialisation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-dominant-color=\"dfdbc3\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #dfdbc3;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"852\" height=\"567\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-143.png\" alt=\"global south map\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-55192\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-143.png 852w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-143-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/09\/image-143-768x511.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 852px) 100vw, 852px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>According to the <strong>United Nations Conference on Trade and Development<\/strong>, Global South countries typically exhibit lower levels of development, higher income inequality, rapid population growth, agrarian-dominant economies, lower quality of life, shorter life expectancy, and significant external dependence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Challenges Faced by Global South<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Economic:<\/strong> According to World Bank data (2023), the average GDP per capita in Sub-Saharan Africa was approximately $1,623, compared to $79,640 in North America.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>This stark disparity underscores the <strong>economic challenges faced by the Global South.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dependency on Agriculture:<\/strong> Economies in these regions often rely heavily on agriculture and raw material exports, making them particularly vulnerable to global market fluctuations.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Infrastructural Challenges: <\/strong>Such as poor infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, and limited educational opportunities further exacerbate economic disparities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Post-colonial legacies continue to manifest in various ways<\/strong>, including persistent socio-economic disparities, systemic corruption, and political instability.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Political Challenges:<\/strong> Many Global South nations contend with challenges related to governance, corruption, and internal conflicts, with autocratic regimes complicating their development trajectories and international standing.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Significance of Global South in the World Order<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Demographic Significance: <\/strong>The Global South accounts for the majority of the world\u2019s population, with many nations experiencing a demographic dividend\u2014a young and growing population that drives innovation, labor force expansion, and consumer demand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Economic Hubs:<\/strong> The Global South contributes approximately 40% of global trade, half of the world\u2019s manufacturing output, and a substantial portion of high-tech products.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The rapid urbanization and rising middle class in these nations are also creating new markets for goods and services, further solidifying their influence in the global economy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shaping Multipolarity in World Order: <\/strong>Counters North-South divide and challenges unipolar dominance.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>These countries act as a balancing force in US-China rivalry and other power competitions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why has India Emerged as a Voice for the Global South?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Historical Role:<\/strong> India has long championed the cause of developing nations with Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Bandung Conference (1955), and G77 through the Cold War representing the collective interests of the Global South countries.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (world is one family) aligns with Global South solidarity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Economic Rise &amp; Development Experience: <\/strong>India has emerged as the<strong> <\/strong>4th largest economy of the world and is the fastest-growing major economy which inspires other Global South nations.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India\u2019s own journey from aid-recipient to aid-donor &amp; development partner makes it relatable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Climate &amp; Global Justice Advocacy: <\/strong>India has been a Vocal advocate of climate justice and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR).\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It leads in renewable energy, green growth, lifestyle for environment (LiFE), which resonates with Global South priorities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Diplomatic &amp; Multilateral Role: <\/strong>During India\u2019s G20 Presidency (2023) India placed Global South at the centre by initiating Voice of the Global South Summit.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India championed inclusion of the African Union as a permanent G20 member.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Strategic Autonomy &amp; Trusted Voice: <\/strong>India follows an independent foreign policy which is not aligned to any bloc trusted by both West and Global South.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The presence of a strong Indian diaspora in Global North also amplifies Global South concerns globally.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Challenges Faced by the India<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Domestic Development Gaps: <\/strong>Despite being the 4th largest economy, India still faces poverty, unemployment, health, education deficits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Resource &amp; Financial Constraints: <\/strong>India has a<strong> <\/strong>limited capacity to provide large-scale aid, concessional finance, or infrastructure investments compared to China.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>South-South cooperation needs sustained financial support, which strains India\u2019s budget.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Geopolitical Pressures:<\/strong> India has to balance<strong> <\/strong>its ties with the USA, EU, Russia, China while representing the Global South.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Western bloc may resist reforms in the IMF, UNSC, WTO where India champions Global South demands.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Strategic rivalries between US\u2013China, Russia\u2013West pull Global South in different directions, reducing India\u2019s influence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Competition with China: <\/strong>China\u2019s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and large financial outlays give it greater leverage in Africa, Asia, Latin America.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Many Global South countries perceive China as a more immediate development partner due to its financial clout.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Security &amp; Stability Concerns: <\/strong>Regional tensions with Pakistan &amp; China, terrorism, and border disputes distract India\u2019s focus from global leadership.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Initiatives by India for Global South<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM),<\/strong> established in 1961, played a pivotal role in the political landscape of the Global South during the Cold War.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NAM sought to provide a platform for countries that did not align with either the United States or the Soviet Union, advocating for national sovereignty, non-intervention, and peaceful coexistence.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NAM\u2019s significance extended beyond the Cold War, as it continued to champion the interests of the Global South in the international arena.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Voice of the Global South Summit:<\/strong> First-of-its-kind initiative where 125+ countries participated. India projected their concerns on debt, climate, food, energy, and digital divide.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>UN Reforms Advocacy: <\/strong>Strong push for UNSC expansion to include Africa, Latin America, and Asia representation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Export: <\/strong>Sharing India\u2019s UPI, Aadhaar, CoWIN model with Global South nations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vaccine Maitri (2020\u201321): <\/strong>India supplied COVID-19 vaccines to 100+ Global South countries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lines of Credit &amp; Grants:<\/strong> $30+ billion committed for infrastructure, connectivity, power, and agriculture projects in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The recent resurgence of the Global South reflects the<strong> evolving geopolitical landscape <\/strong>and the growing influence of developing nations in global affairs.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India\u2019s leadership exemplifies this transition through its championing of the interests of the Global South and advocating for a recalibration of the global economic and political order.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/external-affairs-minister-jaishankar-calls-for-stronger-global-south-solidarity-collective-push-for-united-nations-reform\/article70087554.ece\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<h3><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n<li class=\"ms-5\">At the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly session in New York, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called for stronger Global South solidarity and a collective push for UN reforms.<\/li>\n<p><\/p>\n<h3><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n<li class=\"ms-5\">He called for a united approach among Global South countries, based on fair and transparent economic practices, resilient supply chains, and stronger South-South trade, investment, and technology collaboration.<\/li>\n<li class=\"ms-5\">Positioned India as a bridge between developed nations and the Global South, highlighting its leadership in initiatives like Voice of Global South Summit (2023) and G20 Presidency (2023).<\/li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/25-09-2025\/global-south-must-work-together-eam\" class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm float-end\">Read\u00a0More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-55191","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-current-affairs"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55191","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55191"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55191\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":55337,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55191\/revisions\/55337"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55191"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55191"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55191"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}