The global repositioning of the many foreign relationships in the geopolitical arena has brought to the fore the question of what truly characterizes a border and what construes a boundary.

Can a country’s boundary exclusively be defined by a spatial dimension in the form of a borderline? Can the borderline be the only criteria to limit and/or delimit a country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity? Can the borderline be deployed as the only prerequisite variable to define the broader socio-economic-political interactions between nations?

Physically demarcated borders have increasingly become an essential ingredient in determining the nature and extent of economic interactions between nations

Given the lopsidedness of global power and politics, physically demarcated borders have increasingly become an essential ingredient in determining the nature and extent of economic interactions between nations. For example, the momentum in the broader bilateral ties between India and China appear to have picked up pace in the positive after the border tensions between the two Asian giants had received their due attention and course of action.

However, nations, particularly the global south, are also beginning to define their boundaries which go beyond the geographical realm. For example, at the Lima meeting between China’s President Xi JinPing and America’s President Joe Biden on November 16, 2024, China resolutely laid out its non-negotiable boundary in the four red lines and paramount principles. Arguably, the boundary is laid out in the US-China context. Nevertheless, China in more words than one has asserted to the larger world its boundaries in the true essence, the foundation to any form of relationship with China.

India’s opposition was met with support from various global south nations including Nigeria, Bolivia, Mali, Panama, and Cuba

Global South nations are coming together in drawing boundaries at multilateral forums too. For example, at the COP29 meeting in Baku, India on the global stage vehemently opposed not only the mannerism in which the climate finance deal was adopted but also the tenets and technicalities of the deal. India’s opposition was met with support from various global south nations including Nigeria, Bolivia, Mali, Panama, and Cuba, amongst others. A feeling of being sidelined and compelled to accept the unacceptable yet again, COP29 witnessed the coming together of the Global South nations in drawing a united boundary.

Optimization of economic opportunities within the defined boundaries
As the events in the global political arena unfold, it is becoming increasingly evident that the Global South nations are beginning to define their boundaries. These boundaries go beyond the borderline as we understand and know it. The question then is – can the global south nations optimize these boundaries to attain socio-economic developmental convergences? And if yes, then how?

Operating from a space of neutrality, the global south nations are in a position of strength to optimize these boundaries. And one of the ways for optimization is to build upon the strength of its people and capitalize on its human capital. In this regard, education is an economic currency which global south nations should collectively invest in. Enabling greater people-to-people exchanges can ensure a higher return on such educational investments.

The on-ground research in India indicates that educational institutes in the global south are already taking cognisance of the rise of the global south. Thereby seeking mutually beneficial horizontal partnerships with global south educational institutes. These partnerships can be in the form of (1) ice-breaking educational seminar series or conferences – conducted either online, offline or through a hybrid modality; (2) student and faculty exchange programmes encompassing cross-campus academic exchanges, industrial visits and a cross-country urban-rural excursion, all give students a holistic perspective on the cultural nuances of the host country. Besides, faculty exchange programmes would also give faculties an insight on teaching methods incorporated by the host country; (3) industry-academia collaborations leading to internship programmes, vocational education and training programs; (5) other potential exchanges such as visiting scholars programs and research collaborations.

Such exchanges would foster an environment of mutual learning, for example, providing a platform to share essential scholarship information. This, besides dispelling myths and fears, and preconceived notions and conceptions. Thus, cultivating emotional intelligence towards each other. Spurring the much needed perceptual changes at grassroot levels, a first step towards socio-economic developmental convergences. Opening doors for potential brain circulation in the long run.

Where borders are complicated, economic opportunities within boundaries can still be optimized for socio-economic developmental convergence. Take the example of India and China.

Indian educational institutes regularly cite language as a key challenge when considering partnerships with their Chinese counterparts. Or the difficulties in assessing scholarly information such as available scholarships for Indian students to pursue higher education. Or the missing uniform academic credit transferring system between Indian and Chinese educational institutes.

Such exchanges will provide both sides an opportunity to learn about each other, dispelling information our five senses snapshot for us in the constantly moving digital world

The ongoing political sensitivities between the two countries resulted in a restrictive visa regime for Chinese passport holders wanting to visit India results in additional barriers detering successful bilateral academic exchanges and partnerships between the two nations. In such a scenario, innovative collaborative ideas can optimize the available resources, for instance, (1) enabling on-campus in-person meet and greet in India that of both Chinese nationals residing in India with Indian students; (2) enabling unilateral academic movement from India to China until visa restrictions for Chinese passport holders to travel to India, are eased.

Such exchanges will provide both sides an opportunity to learn about each other, dispelling information our five senses snapshot for us in the constantly moving digital world. By changing perceptions at the grassroots level, the path toward integrating India-China academic systems can be explored. This would encourage both institutions and students to actively create and participate in dual or joint degree programs.

To conclude, boundaries, in essence, are those invisible borders that nations, individually or collectively, are beginning to sketch as a line beyond borders. Understandably boundaries need to be fluid, responding to the evolving needs and wants of nations. Yet, boundaries need to be firm in its fluidity ensuring self-preservation and growth. Characterized by non-negotiable elements, when boundaries are transgressed, relationships regress and are then identified through newer equilibriums.

Therefore, it is imperative to define boundaries – for mutual recognition and mutual respect. This not only fosters individuality in the togetherness but also facilitates an environment of mutual trust thereby setting the tone for mutually beneficial international development cooperation. Ultimately, healthy boundaries are the cornerstone of a healthy relationship thereby enabling the process of pooling resources for a shared prosperous future.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.