The rebirth of the global south: geopolitics, imageries and developmental realities

Abstract

The term ‘Global South’ has seen a resurgence in recent years, evolving from a synonym for the ‘Third World’ to a geo-historical concept representing low- and middle-income countries and emerging powers. Despite growing prominence in global policy debates, its meaning remains contested. In this introductory article to the special issue, we first discuss five distinct interpretations identified in the literature. We emphasize that Global South is characterized by internal diversity, evolving roles, and shifting alliances, while remaining anchored in the broader struggles for global justice and systemic transformation that give the concept its political meaning. The second part analyses the role of the Global South in reshaping global governance as countries within this grouping navigate strategic balancing between major powers, influencing emerging multipolar dynamics. Through a dialogue with the articles in the special issue we illustrate how the role of the Global South moves far beyond being critical of the west and a liberal world order, but rather both challenge and reaffirm some of the norms underpinning such an order. The third part discusses how South-South Cooperation (SSC) emerges as a vehicle for reconfiguring global cooperation, driven by strategic interests and diverse forms of engagement. The articles in this special issues provide examples of the multifaceted nature of this engagement. Overall, this special issue provides insights into how the Global South’s complexities intersect with geopolitical shifts, challenging traditional norms and offering new frameworks for global governance transformation.