Global South and Emerging Powers

Introduction

The Global South is a broad political, economic and analytical concept referring generally to developing and emerging countries, particularly in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and parts of Oceania. It does not correspond to a single geographical region, political ideology or institutional organization.

The growing importance of emerging powers has contributed to changes in international economic and political relations. Countries such as China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and others increasingly participate in global governance, trade, investment, development finance and strategic diplomacy.

The Global South is therefore important for understanding contemporary debates about multipolarity, international institutional reform, development, inequality, representation and South-South cooperation.

Meaning of the Global South

Global South is a political and analytical term used to describe a broad group of developing and emerging countries.

The term is not identical to:

• Southern Hemisphere
• developing countries
• least developed countries
• non-Western countries
• former colonies

There is considerable diversity within the Global South.

Global South diversity refers to differences among its countries in economic development, political systems, strategic interests, population, resources and international alignments.

Historical Origins

The intellectual background of the Global South is associated with:

• colonialism
• decolonization
• the Non-Aligned Movement
• development economics
• South-South cooperation
• demands for a more equitable international economic order

Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) emerged during the Cold War as a platform for states seeking greater autonomy from the competing blocs.

South-South cooperation refers to cooperation among developing countries in areas such as trade, investment, technology, education, health and development.

Emerging Powers

Emerging power refers to a country whose economic, demographic, technological, military or diplomatic capabilities are increasing sufficiently to expand its international influence.

Emerging powers may have regional influence before developing global influence.

Examples frequently discussed include:

• India
• Brazil
• Indonesia
• Türkiye
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• Mexico
• Nigeria
• Iran
• Vietnam

The category is analytical rather than a formal legal classification.

BRICS

BRICS is a major forum associated with cooperation among countries of the Global South.

The expanded BRICS grouping includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia and Iran, as reflected in official BRICS materials. BRICS operates as a political and diplomatic coordination forum rather than as a treaty-based alliance.

BRICS expansion refers to the enlargement of the grouping beyond its original Brazil, Russia, India and China membership, followed by the admission of South Africa and later additional members.

BRICS cooperation covers areas including economic cooperation, development, finance, technology and discussions of international governance.

G20 and the Global South

G20 is a major forum for international economic cooperation involving major advanced and emerging economies.

Emerging powers have used forums such as the G20 to influence discussions concerning:

• global economic governance
• development finance
• debt
• climate finance
• trade
• food security
• international taxation
• financial stability

Reform of Global Governance

One of the major themes associated with Global South diplomacy is institutional reform.

This includes debates about:

• representation in the UN Security Council
• voting structures in international financial institutions
• development finance
• global trade rules
• international taxation
• climate finance
• technology governance

Global governance reform refers to proposals for changing international institutions, rules and decision-making mechanisms to reflect contemporary distributions of population, economic weight and political influence.

South-South Cooperation

South-South cooperation involves developing countries cooperating directly rather than relying exclusively on traditional North-South development relationships.

It can include:

• technical assistance
• infrastructure cooperation
• trade
• investment
• scholarships
• technology transfer
• health cooperation
• agricultural cooperation
• development finance

Triangular cooperation involves developing-country cooperation supported or facilitated by a third partner, which may be a developed country or international organization.

Global South and International Political Economy

The Global South is central to debates concerning the international political economy.

Important issues include:

Debt: Many developing countries face substantial external financing requirements and debt-service pressures.

Trade: Developing countries often seek greater market access and more favourable trade conditions.

Investment: Foreign direct investment can provide capital, technology and employment but can also generate concerns regarding dependence, regulation and distribution.

Development finance: Infrastructure and development projects often require financing from multilateral banks, bilateral partners and private investors.

Global South and Climate Politics

Climate diplomacy is an important area of Global South cooperation.

Climate justice refers to arguments concerning the unequal distribution of climate-related responsibilities, impacts and capacities.

Common but differentiated responsibilities is a principle associated with international environmental negotiations, recognizing that states have shared responsibilities while differing in circumstances and historical contributions.

Developing countries frequently emphasize:

• climate finance
• adaptation
• loss and damage
• technology transfer
• development space
• energy access

Global South and Technology

Emerging powers increasingly seek greater technological capabilities.

Key issues include:

• artificial intelligence
• semiconductors
• digital infrastructure
• telecommunications
• cybersecurity
• biotechnology
• space technology
• digital payments

Digital sovereignty refers to the ability of a state to maintain meaningful control over its digital infrastructure, data, technologies and regulatory environment.

Multipolarity and the Global South

Multipolarity refers to an international system in which power is distributed among several significant centres.

The increasing economic and diplomatic weight of emerging powers contributes to discussions about a more multipolar international system.

However, the Global South should not be treated as a unified geopolitical bloc. Its countries often have competing interests and different relationships with the United States, China, Russia, Europe and one another.

Global South and Strategic Autonomy

Strategic autonomy refers to the capacity of a state to pursue its interests without excessive dependence on a single external power.

Many emerging powers use diversified partnerships to increase policy flexibility.

This may involve maintaining simultaneous relationships with:

• the United States
• China
• Russia
• European states
• regional organizations
• Gulf states
• developing-country partners

Key Distinctions

Global South vs developing countries: The terms overlap but are not identical. Global South is broader and carries stronger political and historical connotations.

Emerging power vs great power: An emerging power is increasing its capabilities and influence, while a great power possesses substantial international capabilities and influence.

South-South vs North-South cooperation: South-South cooperation occurs primarily among developing countries, while North-South cooperation traditionally involves developed and developing countries.

Multipolarity vs multilateralism: Multipolarity describes the distribution of power. Multilateralism describes cooperation through arrangements involving multiple states.

Key Terms at a Glance

• Global South
• Emerging power
• South-South cooperation
• North-South relations
• Triangular cooperation
• Non-Aligned Movement
• BRICS
• G20
• Strategic autonomy
• Multipolarity
• Global governance reform
• Development finance
• Climate justice
• Common but differentiated responsibilities
• Digital sovereignty
• Global inequality
• International economic order
• Emerging economies

Related Glossaries

• 3.5 Hegemony, Polarity and Power Transition
• 7.6 Multilateralism and Global Governance
• 8.1 International Political Economy: Core Concepts
• 8.4 Foreign Investment, Aid and Development Finance
• 17.2 Poverty and Global Inequality
• 17.3 Global North and Global South
• 17.5 International Aid and Development Cooperation
• 20.7 Rise of Multipolarity and Global South