what is the global south?
The Global South encompasses a large portion of the countries in the world; however, they only have two major similarities within all the countries: imperialism and underdevelopment.
Some countries including the BRICS should no longer be considered here while other European countries could also be categorized under the Global South as well. In the end, the Global South is a very general term that could be interpreted in different ways.
Some countries including the BRICS should no longer be considered here while other European countries could also be categorized under the Global South as well. In the end, the Global South is a very general term that could be interpreted in different ways.
Sovereignty, Authority, Power
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Countries in the Global South do not have a strong presence in the world's economy nor do they have much power.
However, many countries are continuing to grow and develop, and are looking for a place as a decision maker in the world.
Membership in organizations such as the G-8 (Group of Eight), World Bank, of United Nations Security Council would secure their position.
Countries known as the BRICS (Britain, Russia, China, South America) have been closing the gap between rich and poor countries within the Global South. The developing economies could potentially rocket them into major players in the world's economy.
Many times Western countries neglect the existence of the Global South, even on a small scale, that they could possibly become a world power. Again, there are countries who are far less developed and need help in creating stability within their country.
However, many countries are continuing to grow and develop, and are looking for a place as a decision maker in the world.
Membership in organizations such as the G-8 (Group of Eight), World Bank, of United Nations Security Council would secure their position.
Countries known as the BRICS (Britain, Russia, China, South America) have been closing the gap between rich and poor countries within the Global South. The developing economies could potentially rocket them into major players in the world's economy.
Many times Western countries neglect the existence of the Global South, even on a small scale, that they could possibly become a world power. Again, there are countries who are far less developed and need help in creating stability within their country.
Political/Economic Change
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Countries in the Global South are mostly dependent on other countries to help out by providing aide and money for their country.
-- FOREIGN COUNTRIES ARE NOT focused upon political change, but rather only economic change.---
Rather than focusing on developing changes in the Global South governments, foreign countries are very much money oriented and are looking for ways to continue growing economically for themselves while claiming to help the Global South at the same time.
Aide provided is expected to in some way return to the providing country through purchasing materials and hiring consultants from the donor.
In the end, the process of trying to create any economic change has only brought out more dependence towards aide providing countries.
-- FOREIGN COUNTRIES ARE NOT focused upon political change, but rather only economic change.---
Rather than focusing on developing changes in the Global South governments, foreign countries are very much money oriented and are looking for ways to continue growing economically for themselves while claiming to help the Global South at the same time.
Aide provided is expected to in some way return to the providing country through purchasing materials and hiring consultants from the donor.
In the end, the process of trying to create any economic change has only brought out more dependence towards aide providing countries.
Citizens, Society, the State
Poverty is one of the biggest factors that identify countries as part of the Global South. Of course there are always richer, better off people living within those borders, but the majority of the people live on less than $1000 a year.
Their lives are consistently following economic changes. As it goes up, they will have food, but when it falls, there is little currency to pay for food. Many are illiterate. As many citizens do not have an education, they are less likely to be able to make changes in their government. Health conditions in the Global South are poor. Living conditions are bad, mortality rates are low, and chances of obtaining HIV and AIDS are high. Gender roles are very divided among the Global South. Women likely do a lot more work than men do in forms of domestic chores, but do not receive payment. It is more common for women to become enslaved and become sex workers while living in the Global South. |
POlitical Institutions
Almost all of the countries categorized in the Global South has gone through imperialism and therefore have been heavily influenced by the governments of the countries. Countries who had a stronger presence in the world and a greater economy took it upon themselves to "help" countries in the Global South.
The Global South does not have political institutions like industrialized democracy countries, rather after their imperialistic times, they revert back from their sprouting democracy into a militaristic, single-party, authoritarian rule. However, the Global South can be categorized into some sort of institutions, just not into political parties like democratic countries. Identity politics come into play very much in these countries; religious beliefs, ethnicity, and linguistics separate their citizens far more than any sort of political affiliation. People in countries like India, West Africa, and Iran are constantly at odds with each other as they are forced into the same geographic areas. This further causes tension between these religious, ethnic, and linguistic groups. |
PUblic POlicy
Creating change in public policy has been challenging for the countries within the Global South. As many have not been able to successfully integrate into a democratic government, many laws and policies created do not reflect those of citizens' wants and beliefs.
In reality, the countries of the Global South have experienced much corruption within their government, causing the efficiency of public policy to be weak. As stated under the political institution section, the countries revert back to authoritarian governments with sole rulers. They are called "failed states" as they are unable to become democratic countries.
Decision making is extremely weak in correcting corruption within the government and outside.
In reality, the countries of the Global South have experienced much corruption within their government, causing the efficiency of public policy to be weak. As stated under the political institution section, the countries revert back to authoritarian governments with sole rulers. They are called "failed states" as they are unable to become democratic countries.
Decision making is extremely weak in correcting corruption within the government and outside.
Links: http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/12/17/251950362/how-the-u-s-helped-to-fight-the-global-aids-epidemic