The Global South is emerging as a formidable force in global development. At the second Global South Think Tanks Dialogue in Nanjing, the Global South Think Tank Alliance was launched, bringing together representatives from think tanks of around 100 countries. This gathering underscores the question: Could the Global South be an anchor for growth in an increasingly volatile world?
With 130 countries representing roughly 80 percent of the world’s population, more than 40 percent of global GDP, and 51 percent of global trade, the Global South’s influence is undeniable. The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace describes it as “an organizing principle to guide a reimagining of a more just international economy and world order.”
However, this is no small task. As geopolitical conflicts intensify and ideologies become more extreme, many politicians retreat into a “with me or against me” mentality. Nathalie Tocci, director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali in Rome, noted that “the world is ever more connected… yet the world is ever more divided and fragmented, with spaces for true dialogue, cooperation, and understanding narrowing by the day.”
Against this backdrop, the Global South is asserting its strength. Despite differing interests, these countries have captured global attention, compelling others to heed their needs. Luka Biong Deng Kuol, managing director of the Sudd Institute and former Minister of Presidential Affairs of South Sudan, emphasized that the Global South is “not going to be an observer.” He stated, “We want to be active in the global agenda. If we don’t have the right policies to deliver security and set peace talks in our countries, we become subject to external agendas.”
The rise of the Global South signifies a shift towards a more inclusive global dialogue. By actively participating and shaping policies, the Global South aims to anchor growth and foster development in a world seeking balance amidst volatility.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
