#139: Global South, what?
GS2 International Relations notes
Ukraine war put fault lines in open. So much so that “Why does so much of the Global South support Russia?” became a headline in a leading global news paper.
What is Global South?
Coined by Political Activist Carl Oglesby in 1969
Gained momentum as a term post 1991 Soviet Breakup
Refers to various countries described as ‘developing’, ‘less developed’ or ‘underdeveloped’
Countries with higher levels of income inequality and lower life expectancy
Harsher living conditions, grouped in Africa, Asia and Latin America
The term is more of geo-political than geographical
Its usage reflects mix of political, geopolitical, and economic commonalities between nations
Not all countries are ‘southern’ countries, in fact Australia is not a part; India and China, two of the largest are both north of Equator.
Such countries were mostly on the receiving end of the imperialism. With ‘rest’ not aligning with west, the south is refusing to align with any one great power and thinking more independently in its own interest
First, Second and Third World
Coined by Alfred Sauvy in 1952
Analogy from French system of estates: nobility, clergy and bourgeoisie
Which world is what?
First World: Advanced capitalist nations
Second World: Socialist nations led by Soviet
Third World: Developing nations; then still under colonial yoke
Third world became backbone of non-aligned movement
How is Global South looking like today?
Wealth shift from North Atlantic to Asia Pacific
2030 prediction: 3/4 of largest economies will be from Global South
China>India>USA>Indonesia
GDP (Purchasing Power) of BRICS surpasses G7
More billionaires in Beijing than in NYC
More say in the global matters and ‘de-dollarisation’
@CSEWhy Note
In the post-Western world, there are two thoughts I have to put here:
The new ‘leaders’ like China shall not get to dominate those at the bottom of the food chain in Africa and Latin America. If so, it will be nothing but replacing western white but eastern shorts for them
India has a relevant opportunity to ensure her rise in times of chaos. Our philosophy of vasudhaiva kutumbakam would ensure security for all against bullies in the east.
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