Title: The Global South Challenges Traditional Power Structures as African Union Joins G20
Date: Sept. 9, 2023
In a significant development, the Global South is gaining momentum, with the African Union recently being invited to join the G20, establishing it as the second regional bloc to be included after the European Union. This move signals a growing recognition of the Global South’s frustrations and their desire to influence global politics and policies.
The term “Global South,” which has replaced previous descriptors such as “third world” and “developing countries,” refers to a diverse group of over 100 nations, including countries like India and Mexico, which are not geographically located in the Southern Hemisphere. Coined in 1969 during the Vietnam War, the Global South seeks to address the sidelining of its priorities in global discussions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India’s announcement of the African Union’s inclusion in the G20 indicates the increasing prominence of the Global South. Sarang Shidore, director of the Global South program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, asserts that these countries are not driven by “southern solidarity” but rather by pursuing their own interests. However, their collective impact is greater than the sum of their parts.
The Global South shares a common frustration with traditional power structures and seeks a more prominent role in global decision-making. Despite economic growth surpassing that of many Western nations, Global South countries often find their interests underrepresented. They reject the Cold War model of aligning with either the United States or China, instead focusing on issues such as rising food prices and climate change, which wealthier nations have played a role in exacerbating.
The Global South has been organizing alternative gatherings to challenge Western leadership and promote their own policies. India hosted the virtual Voice of Global South Summit earlier this year during its G20 presidency, emphasizing its commitment to advancing the interests of the Global South. Additionally, the recent BRICS summit in South Africa saw China and India positioning themselves as leaders of the Global South, while the U.S. was noticeably absent.
Experts anticipate that these alternative forums will continue to grow, providing opportunities for like-minded countries to put forth new ideas and challenge the dominant narratives of Western powers. Such developments may reshape the global landscape and provide a platform for the Global South to shape international policies.
As the Global South gains recognition and asserts its influence, the traditional power structures of the world face increasing pressure to address the concerns and priorities of these nations. The inclusion of the African Union in the G20 not only highlights this growing trend but also signifies a potential shift towards a multipolar world that embraces a wider array of perspectives and interests.