Global South is a new buzz word in international politics. It is a vague and imprecise term that has changed its meaning over time, making it difficult to exactly define what it means. As great power competition intensifies and involves more international actors, the Global South is emerging as a key subject in the competition between China and the United States and, more broadly, with respect to the West.
The Global South contributes more than half of the world economy, emphasizing its growing importance in shaping global power dynamics.
Although China has traditionally positioned itself as the spokesperson and representative of the Global South, this self-assigned position is not without controversy as India and Brazil also claim the title. The United States and China view the Global South as a critical force, whose impact could determine the global balance of power and which will likely play an increasingly important role in international affairs in the future.
Amid the geopolitical, regional, personal, economic, and identity tensions that make up the heterogeneous Global South, there is often a common position of the South against the economic, structural, military, and political domination of the West. As such, the idea of the Global South lives on as a political horizon. However, in the current geopolitical juncture, the Global South is more fragmented than united. Various members play different roles and are unequally affected by the changing dynamics of international security, risking neglect and exacerbation of persistent security crises in the Global South, which may make them more complex and entangled with great power rivalries.
Among an array of vast economic and developmental differences, there are some common factors that continue to pull them together in a collective identity of Global South. Shared experience of colonialism and imperial oppression leads them to adopt common approaches to issues of development and international order that they feel challenged by. They are also in tune in their demand for greater participation in the international system and in the search for changes, in this order. However, the reality is that the Global South remains an undefined and leaderless set of countries with very different levels of development.
The differences between countries in the Global South have become more pronounced. Is China part of the Global South or should we leave it aside, which perfectly captures the formula of the G77+China. Beijing’s official position is clear; it maintains that, as the largest developing country, it is “a natural member of the Global South”. Moreover, thanks to its current growth rate and declining population, China will be a high-income country in a few years, according to the criteria of the World Bank.
Whether the Global South means something more than non-Western depends on the issue we are focusing on at any given time. Many of its members are gaining agenda and importance within the international system, due to the impetus of their own growth, changes in the international balance of power and the opportunities offered by rivalry between the great powers, which makes the countries of the South more attractive as allies or partners. Today the Global South is not merely an object of tension between the great powers, it is also a subject, which grants a certain political agency to its members.
Pakistan’s historical ties with the Global South are rooted in shared experiences of colonialism and economic marginalization, influencing its strategic aspirations.
The Global South contributes more than half of the world economy; more than half of world trade involves at least one country considered non-aligned, which has made them an important link to bridge the gap between geopolitical rivals. Some countries in the South are also reaping gains in terms of foreign investment and trade from the US-China gap.
Recent experience thus shows a diminishing willingness on the part of the Global South to work politically with the West and a waning faith in rules-based liberal order, despite an even deeper economic dependence on the West. As the institutions and norms of the Western order are increasingly seen as ineffective or self-serving, the Global South’s relationship with international institutions and the West has become purely transactional.
Despite the many loopholes opened by the rivalry between great powers, the economic relevance of the Global South has not so far been matched by a similar increase in the influence of this group in matters of international security. In this dimension of international relations, few countries in the Global South can afford to develop a grand strategy. However, the most powerful, those with the greatest relevance in the international system, such as Brazil, India, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and China aspire to become net security providers in their sub-regions or peripheries.
The existence of a more multipolar world order allows many countries in the Global South to find greater opportunities to escape the eternal dominance of the West and to diversify their security alliances and collaborations. In recent years, China and India have expanded their military and security cooperation with other countries in the South. China, in particular, has championed its Global Security Initiative (GSI) by addressing the diverse security concerns of African, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia countries.
The Horn of Africa is a case in point. With a key location on major international shipping routes, including access to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, this area has become a hub of intense geopolitical competition involving a growing number of foreign actors and countries. Djibouti, one of the smallest states on the continent, is currently home to a stable military presence of eight foreign countries: Germany, Spain, Italy, France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and China.
12The entire region is increasingly drawn into Middle Eastern political rivalries, with Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iran all competing to exert influence. breakaway region of Somalia – signed a controversial agreement granting Addis Ababa access to the Red Sea, Somalia responded by signing a new maritime security agreement with Türkiye. The United Arab Emirates, an ally of Ethiopia and Somaliland, has lent its support to Ethiopia, while Egypt and Qatar have sided with Somalia. This complex and shifting situation illustrates how current conflicts in the Global South often involve multiple actors, and how a crisis involving a single enemy is increasingly likely to drag in others.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) exemplifies Pakistan’s integration into the Global South’s economic fabric and the Belt and Road Initiative.
While the rise of China and Russia appears to offer an escape route to the Global South from Western hegemony, the logic of the situation increasingly resembles that of the Cold War, in which two powers compete for power and influence in the Global South. The initial surprise and criticism that accompanied the refusal of the Global South countries to unconditionally support the West’s condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is reminiscent of the “either you are with us or against us” era, as is the subsequent competition to make friends and allies and votes at the United Nations, especially among the 54 African states.
Pakistan’s perspective on the Global South is multifaceted, rooted in its historical experiences, socio-economic challenges, and strategic aspirations. As the world undergoes significant transformations, Pakistan’s engagement with the Global South becomes increasingly vital. By fostering alliances and advocating for equitable development, Pakistan positions itself as a key player in shaping the future of the Global South.
The importance of Pakistan’s perspective on the Global South extends beyond its national interests; it reflects a broader aspiration for a more just and equitable global order. As developing nations continue to assert their agency on the world stage, Pakistan’s active participation in the Global South will be instrumental in addressing shared challenges and promoting sustainable development. In an era marked by uncertainty and change, Pakistan’s commitment to the Global South not only enhances its own standing but also contributes to the collective voice of developing nations in the quest for a more inclusive and balanced international system.
Pakistan’s historical ties with other developing nations are rooted in shared experiences of colonialism and economic marginalisation. The Bandung Conference of 1955, which laid the groundwork for the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), exemplifies Pakistan’s early engagement with the Global South. By positioning itself within this coalition, Pakistan sought to assert its sovereignty while advocating for a multipolar world order that could provide a counterbalance to Western hegemony.
The socio-economic landscape of Pakistan significantly influences its perspective on the Global South. With a population exceeding 220 million, Pakistan grapples with profound challenges, including poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment. In this context, Pakistan views the Global South as a potential ally in addressing its socio-economic challenges.
By forging partnerships with other developing nations, Pakistan aims to leverage shared experiences and resources to promote economic growth and social development. Initiatives such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) illustrate Pakistan’s strategic approach to harnessing foreign investment while simultaneously strengthening ties within the Global South. CPEC not only enhances Pakistan’s infrastructure but also positions it as a vital link in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), thereby integrating it further into the economic fabric of the Global South.
Pakistan’s engagement with the Global South is also shaped by its strategic aspirations amidst a shifting global order. The resurgence of China as a global power presents both opportunities and challenges for Pakistan. As a close ally, China offers not only economic support but also a partnership that aligns with Pakistan’s vision of a multipolar world. This relationship facilitates Pakistan’s efforts to assert its influence within the Global South, particularly in countering Western hegemony.
Furthermore, the evolving geopolitical landscape compels Pakistan to navigate its foreign policy with caution. The concept of the Global South becomes a crucial lens through which Pakistan can advocate for a more balanced global order that prioritizes the needs of developing nations. By positioning itself as a champion for the Global South, Pakistan seeks to enhance its diplomatic leverage and secure a more favorable international environment for its national interests.
Amid shifting global power dynamics, Pakistan positions itself as a champion of the Global South to promote equitable development and counter Western hegemony.
Regional cooperation is another dimension of Pakistan’s perspective on the Global South. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), although often plagued by political tensions, serves as a platform for Pakistan to engage with its neighbours in addressing common challenges. Initiatives aimed at fostering trade, cultural exchange, and disaster management are vital for promoting regional stability and economic integration.
Additionally, Pakistan’s engagement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) reflects its commitment to regional cooperation beyond South Asia. The SCO represents a convergence of interests among member states in combating terrorism, enhancing economic connectivity, and addressing security concerns. This engagement underscores Pakistan’s recognition of the importance of regional collaboration within the broader context of the Global South.
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.
