The Global South’s assertion in geopolitics

Source– The post is based on the article “The Global South’s assertion in geopolitics” published in The Hindu on 24th September 2022.

Syllabus: GS2- International Relations

News– The article explains the changing international politics. It tells about the strategy of major powers in changing geopolitics. It also explains the global south strategy to maintain its neutrality.

What is the present geopolitical scenario?

Case of USA– The United States wants to maintain its primacy in the international system.

The US’s national security documents mention its strategic interest. It wants to curb China’s rise, weaken Russia’s capabilities, maintain good relations with Europe. It also advocates for building satellite alliances with countries which conform to U.S. interests and values.

Case of China– China has emerged as an economic power. It wants to challenge US primacy through building counter institutions like AIIB.

Case of Russia-Russia with its military capability has the capacity to challenge the USA in global politics. Russia aggression against Ukraine is a watershed moment in geopolitics.

It is used by the USA to maintain its primacy in global affairs. Europe is now firmly behind the USA. The increasing Sino-Russia strategic partnership without limits is a threat to the west.

Case of global south- The countries of the south especially India and China are being blamed for failing sanctions against Russia.

Southern countries want a quick and peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict. They oppose the sanctions against Russia.

They are advocating neutrality. Their reason for neutrality is their dependence on Russia for oil and energy needs. They also have memories of colonialism and recent interventions such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

What steps are being taken by major powers to maintain their global status?

China is expanding military footprints in Asian countries. It is following expansionary policy in the neighbouhood. It is also violating the maritime zone in South China Sea and other water bodies.

The US response against neutrality has been to pressurise the southern countries that are not following the sanction regime. Recently the US Congress passed a bill to punish African countries that engage with Russia.

What is the strategy of Southern countries to maintain neutrality?

African Foreign Minister, in a press Conference with U.S. Secretary of State said no African country could be bullied and described this U.S. Bill as offensive legislation. She called for diplomacy.

China is waiving debt owed by 17 African countries as India did in 2003.

Stronger countries of the Global South such as India have used their leverage to negotiate with multiple sides. India increased oil purchases from Russia.

It has a military Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) with the U.S. At the same time, it has developed the International North-South Transport Corridor connecting Russia and India via central Asia and Iran with three sanctioned states.

It participates in military exercises such as the U.S.-led RIMPAC and Russian led Vostok exercises.

The South’s choices are extending slowly to geoeconomics. The fear of the U.S. strategy of

freezing dollar reserves has made the South cautious. This is leading the South to gradually find ways of bypassing the dollar in bilateral trade by using local currencies. They are using currency swap arrangements.