INDIA'S LEADERSHIP IN THE GOVERNANCE OF GLOBAL SOUTH

Global South in the last decade appears to be gaining greater prominence and there are rightful reasons for it too. 

- Ravi Srivastava

Challenging Times

Not exactly defined on a cardinal basis neither it exclusively represents everything South of Equator. The term is a broader and rather politically correct one which quickly replaced references to Third World countries or even East and West.

It roughly divides the world as half into North and South but isn't an exact representation of geographical contours. Neither it's an exclusive divide as a fair number of countries like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Australia falling in the region are actually part of the "Rich North". It was only in the latter half of the last century that most of the countries in the Global South attained independence, this was a momentous occasion for the people who had gained the capacity to decide their own future. The value and potential of the Global South was not something new to the developed world. The raw materials, minerals and most important of all labour was all available in abundance. It was a very attractive proposition, in fact, these were the aspects which was magnetic for imperial powers as they landed with a commercial agenda but felt occupation made better business sense!

While aspirations of these developing economies in the Global South grew sky-high what was missing in many cases were adequate planning and safeguards. Most of the countries in the rush to attract quick investments failed to plan for contingencies like financial, environmental and even manipulation. It created severe discontent locally resulting in a change of political discourse to outright civil wars. Global South expansively divided by versatile geography realised it is bonded by strong similarities of challenges. The region subsequently grew wiser in the choices it has to make and support its needs.

Historical Connect