A Trilateral Think Tank Initiative: The Rise of the Global South – New Consensus Wanted
The year 2023 marked a significant milestone for BRICS members as 19 additional countries were invited to join the club, expanding its influence. Notably, India assumed the G20 presidency, succeeding Indonesia and preceding Brazil, demonstrating consecutive leadership from the Global South. This succession prompts an exploration of the rising influence of the South and its aspiration to reshape the international order, challenging the post-World War II system.
Amidst unprecedented global challenges and geopolitical tensions, the session aims to address the pertinent question of whether the time is ripe for a more balanced international order. While the economic prowess of the South has surged, geopolitical complexities pose challenges as emerging powers seek to assert themselves, and the West endeavors to maintain the status quo.
The frustration stemming from the Global South's underrepresentation in international bodies, such as the IMF, fuels a narrative for a united front. However, this narrative is nuanced, given the diverse strategic interests among Global South countries.
Initiated by the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI), Observer Research Foundation (ORF), and Policy Center for the New South (PCNS), this collaborative effort brings together three think tanks from Europe, Asia, and Africa. With a commitment to fact-based analytical research, the initiative aims to explore the meaning of the "Global South" and its evolving concepts, including the "New South." It seeks to identify common denominators and assess the implications of its rise for global public goods.
- How can the Global South contribute to shaping a more balanced international order?
- What are the key challenges and opportunities arising from the economic clout of the Global South?
- How can diverse strategic interests within the Global South be navigated to establish a unified front?
- In what ways can the Global South, or the New South, collaborate with the North to address global public goods challenges?
