New Era, New Solutions: COGGS Proposes 5 Points at Global Thinkers Dialogue

|

In his lecture at the Plenary session of the Second Global South Think Tanks Dialogue in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu Province, on November 14th, Mohammed Saqib, Convenor of the Center for Geoeconomics for the Global South (COGGS), eloquently outlined the transformative potential of South-South Cooperation in advancing sustainable development and promoting global equity. He argued that the traditional North-South development paradigm is increasingly obsolete, and that South-South cooperation—defined by collaboration among developing nations—has emerged as a pivotal mechanism for achieving shared prosperity and addressing common challenges.

The second edition of the Think Tanks Dialogue brought together over 200 think tanks from the Global South, culminating in the formation of the Global South Think Tanks Alliance, a platform for exchanging ideas and advancing collective solutions among Global South nations.

In his address, Saqib emphasized the ongoing shift in global geopolitics, underscoring the rise of a multipolar world in which South-South cooperation plays a central role in shaping the future of global development.

He, representing COGGS, proposed five critical areas where the collective efforts of the Global South are urgently required:

I. Reforming the Global Financial System

Mohammed Saqib began by addressing a foundational issue: the global financial system, which was “established in a different era,” is no longer adequate for meeting the needs of today’s multipolar world. He called for urgent reform to make financial structures more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the Global South. As he puts it:

“The global financial system needs reform, as it was established in a different era.”

He highlighted initiatives like the New Development Bank (NDB), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and India’s RuPay card as positive steps forward in this direction. These institutions, which are spearheaded by countries from the Global South, represent an alternative to traditional Western-dominated financial bodies like the IMF and World Bank.

He argued that these efforts are important, but more must be done to “address the challenges faced by developing economies.” Specifically, he called for the creation of innovative financing mechanisms that rethink debt sustainability. This means developing more flexible financial instruments that can better serve the Global South’s needs without burdening countries with unsustainable debt.

“We should create innovative financing mechanisms that rethink debt sustainability and develop flexible instruments to serve the Global South better.”

Such reforms would empower developing nations to access capital on more favorable terms and with more autonomy, creating a financial ecosystem that is not bound by the legacy structures of the past. These reforms, according to him, are critical not only to address immediate financial challenges but also to enable long-term development and stability.

II. Digital Revolution for Development

Mohammed Saqib found immense potential in the ongoing digital revolution as a driver of development. He asserted that technology offers an opportunity for the Global South to “speed up development” and bypass traditional stages of industrialization. By skipping over certain phases of development, such as mass manufacturing or infrastructure-heavy projects, Global South nations can directly embrace new technologies, leapfrogging to more advanced systems.

“The digital revolution offers a great chance to speed up development and skip traditional stages.”

However, he stressed the importance of creating technology transfer platforms that respect intellectual property (IP) rights while also ensuring broad access to technological innovations.

He pointed to the BRICS nations as an example of how such cooperation can lead to inclusive growth. These countries, through collective initiatives, are demonstrating that the benefits of the digital revolution can be equitably distributed. Initiatives like the BRICS Network University, for instance, are providing educational and research opportunities that can accelerate technological development and knowledge sharing across member states.

 

III. Addressing Climate Change 

The convenor of COGGS brought attention to one of the most pressing challenges facing the Global South: climate change. While developing countries contribute far less to global carbon emissions, they are disproportionately affected by its consequences, from rising sea levels to extreme weather events.

“The Global South faces the harshest impacts of climate change despite contributing the least to the problem.”

Here, South-South cooperation can play a crucial role in sharing climate-resilient technologies and solutions. Mohammed Saqib highlighted successful examples of such cooperation, including China’s success in the Kubuqi Desert and India’s International Solar Alliance (ISA). The Kubuqi Desert initiative, where China transformed a barren landscape into a green area using innovative technology, showcases the power of practical solutions to environmental challenges. Meanwhile, the ISA, which includes 124 countries, represents an extraordinary collaborative effort to scale solar energy across the Global South.

He further argued that initiatives for addressing climate issues, along with the sharing of climate-resilient technologies, can help developing countries adapt to the challenges posed by climate change while reducing their carbon footprints.

IV. Healthcare and Knowledge Sharing

While addressing at the dialogue, Mohammed Saqib stressed the importance of healthcare reform and the sharing of medical knowledge.The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the deep vulnerabilities in global healthcare systems, particularly in developing countries. However, it also demonstrated the power of unity and cooperation in addressing global crises.

“The COVID-19 crisis has not only exposed our vulnerabilities but also demonstrated the power of our unity in overcoming challenges.”

South-South cooperation in healthcare, he argued, is critical not only for pandemic response but also for long-term health resilience. By sharing medical technologies, research, and healthcare best practices, Global South nations can build stronger, more responsive health systems that are better equipped to handle future health emergencies. This would also help address the chronic health disparities that exist within and between countries in the Global South.

V. Reforming Global Governance Structures

While addressing the assembly of think-tankers from the Global South nations, Saqib underscored the need for reforming global governance structures to align with the contemporary economic and political realities of a multipolar world. The current international order, according to him, is outdated and fails to reflect the growing influence of the Global South. The existing power dynamics in institutions such as the UN, the IMF, and the World Bank disproportionately favor the Global North, leaving developing countries with limited influence.

“To effectively pursue these objectives, it is important to reform global governance structures so they align with today’s economic and political realities.”

This reform, he suggested, should aim for more equitable representation of the Global South in decision-making bodies. This would involve revising voting rights, increasing participation in key international institutions, and ensuring that the interests of developing countries are better represented in global policy discussions. Only through such reforms, he argued, can the Global South fully contribute to shaping the global order in a way that benefits all nations.

New Era, New Solutions: COGGS Proposes 5 Points at Global Thinkers Dialogue Read Post »

Global South: Expanding Relevance in International System and India’s Strategic Interest

|

Flat lay of travel items including a map, compass, and polaroid for adventure planning.Balaji Chandramohan

The Global South is, in fact, a coalition of what is referred to as the ‘Global East’ (China and Russia) and the Global South. The two components of BRICS—China and Russia—have their own distinct interests, and the Global South grouping reflects the wider scope of BRICS. The Global South sees value in this coalition due to the many failures of the US-led world order that emerged after World War II.

For instance, collective efforts on climate change by the G77 at the COP summits serve as an example, as does the broad participation of the Global South in international legal actions related to Gaza. It is understood that a world centered on national interests will always leave some space, albeit limited, for collective action.

Despite these challenges, most states of the Global South are not interested in a radical overhaul of the existing global order. Nor do they see Washington as an adversary. In fact, they would prefer to maintain strong relations with the United States, albeit in a world where American primacy no longer holds. However, their increasing alienation from the US-led order is largely due to systemic constraints that limit their rise, compounded by the transgressions and oscillating foreign policy of Washington. The US’s preference for forming military alliances has been a key factor in strengthening the need for the Global South.

One example of such constraints is the international sanctions regime, which has expanded to the point where more than a quarter of the world’s countries—and nearly a third of the global economy—are currently targeted by such sanctions.

While Washington maintains that its sanctions are not aimed at the Global South, those states perceive them differently. The secondary sanctions regime is enabled by global US dollar hegemony, making de-dollarization a major common interest across much of the Global South. However, de-dollarization is easier said than done. While BRICS has made it a key focus of its rhetoric, achieving progress would require the central banks of its member states to relinquish some degree of sovereignty—a tall order. Moreover, with China being by far the largest trading power within BRICS, India is concerned about Beijing’s dominance in any BRICS-driven alternative currency arrangement.

Efforts towards de-dollarization beyond BRICS are also underway, with mixed results. In response to sweeping Western sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has tilted sharply toward China. This has led to the yuan replacing the dollar as the dominant currency in bilateral trade between the two countries. Indian exports to Russia have also boomed, thanks to growing trade denominated in rupees.

Southeast Asia and ASEAN are similarly pushing to empower local currencies in regional transactions. In 2023, five ASEAN countries, including Indonesia and Singapore, signed an agreement to establish a regional cross-border payment system, allowing consumers to make payments using QR codes, bypassing the foreign exchange market. Indonesia has also signed agreements with China, India, Japan, and South Korea to trade in local currencies.

Unfortunately, these efforts are still insufficient. In Washington, Moscow, and Beijing, there is a tendency to view the “rest” of the world primarily as a battleground for great power competition, or simply as victims. The Global South, however, is more aspirational than anything else. It is not seeking a savior or hoping to emerge as one itself, but rather wishes for the powers blocking its rise to step aside.

The great powers have been resistant to reforming the international system to better accommodate the growing autonomy and power of the Global South. Beijing, in particular, is seen as the biggest obstacle to the much-needed reform of the UN Security Council. Voting shares in the IMF and World Bank remain heavily skewed in favor of wealthy Western nations. Washington has mostly paid lip service to international climate finance, and there appears to be no intention in Washington, Moscow, or Beijing to de-escalate the steady march toward militarized great power competition.

The great powers are often unable to grasp the new realities of the vast middle, largely because the Global South remains an enigma they are conditioned not to understand. The Global South encompasses 120 countries that vary greatly in terms of economic interests, development trajectories, resource endowments, and political landscapes. The term itself is intellectually elusive, and the renewed interest in the ‘Global South’ should not be seen as divorced from its underlying political and strategic motivations.

While there is oversimplification inherent in the North-South binary, there are practical areas of convergence, such as climate action, trade policy, and technology, where the Global South remains relevant and generally in agreement. There are also arguments for a more nuanced understanding of the Global South, advocating for selective engagement based on economic considerations rather than ideological alignment.

 

pexels-photo-6564830-6564830.jpg

The History of the Global South

The term “Global South” was coined in 1969 by Carl Ogelsby, an American writer and activist associated with the New Left. During that time, Western analysts divided the world into three “worlds,” as first conceptualized by French demographer Alfred Sauvy in 1952. These included the “First World,” comprising the United States and its Western allies; the “Second World,” composed of the Soviet Union and its Eastern bloc satellites; and the “Third World,” consisting of developing nations, many of which were newly independent from colonial rule.

The concept of the Global South as a synonym for the Third World began to gain traction in the 1970s, with the call for a New International Economic Order, but it rose to prominence with the 1980 Brandt Report. This landmark document, produced by an international commission led by former West German Chancellor Willy Brandt, distinguished between wealthier nations concentrated in the Northern Hemisphere and poorer ones in the South.

The Global North, especially the West, benefited greatly from the Industrial Revolution. The majority of countries in the Global South were located south of the Brandt line, an imaginary boundary that runs from the Rio Grande through the Mediterranean Sea, Central Asia, and the Pacific Ocean. However, from a purely geographic perspective, the Brandt line left much to be desired, as many nations designated as “southern” (e.g., India) are located in the Northern Hemisphere, while countries like Australia and New Zealand, categorized as “northern,” lie south of the equator.

Following the end of the Cold War, the term “Third World” gradually fell out of favor because the Second World no longer existed and the term itself had negative connotations. In contrast, the term “Global South” emerged as a more neutral and appealing label. Over time, the Global South became synonymous with the Group of 77 (G77), a coalition of developing countries that united in 1964 to advocate for their collective economic interests. Today, the G77 comprises 134 countries, which regularly refer to themselves as the Global South. The UN has launched multiple initiatives in response to their needs, including the UN Office for South-South Cooperation.

Renewed Use of the Global South Label

The question today is whether the label “Global South,” despite its historical relevance, still makes sense. Its most obvious limitation lies in its conceptual incoherence. The label groups together a remarkably diverse set of countries—130-odd nations representing perhaps two-thirds of the world’s population and spanning Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, Oceania, and the Middle East. These nations range from emerging powers such as Brazil, India, and Nigeria to smaller states like Benin, Fiji, and Oman.

While some members of the Global South share overlapping strategic interests, the practical relevance of this broad meta-category is unclear given the vast economic, political, and cultural diversity it encompasses. The term risks reinforcing outdated dichotomies and stereotypes at the expense of appreciating the world’s full variety.

 

taj mahal, architecture, tourism

India’s Strategic Positioning within the Global South
India’s desire to assert itself as a leading voice of the Global South comes at a time when other powers, particularly China and Russia, are competing for influence in the developing world. India’s position is complex—it is both a developing economy and a strategic partner of the developed world. Additionally, India’s identity conundrum, rooted in its anti-hegemonic history, plays a role in its global ambitions.

India’s rise in the global order has significant implications for the non-Western world. A balanced and inclusive strategy will be essential in asserting India’s position. India can capitalize on its unique position by fostering triangular cooperation between Western powers and developing states. However, India must engage with the non-Western world on its own terms, rather than simply mirroring the strategies of other major powers.

Historically, India has had a unique role within the Global South. During the Cold War, under leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, India spearheaded the Non-Aligned Movement and positioned itself as a leader of developing nations. In recent years, however, India has focused more on strengthening relations with Western powers, such as Japan and the United States, viewing these relations as increasingly important.

The geopolitics of the Global South is also complicated. There is a growing divide between the West—critical of Russia, strengthening sanctions, and enhancing military support for Ukraine—and the Global South, which sees the prolongation of the war as causing economic hardship. India, for its part, has refrained from joining Western sanctions and continues to maintain strategic ties with Russia, purchasing oil and fertilizers despite the West’s disapproval.

In conclusion, the Global South plays an increasingly significant role in the international system. As India seeks a larger leadership role, claiming the mantle of Global South leadership will serve its strategic interests and help shape a more inclusive international order.

[ Balaji Chandramohan is a Chennai, India based geopolitical analyst and former visiting fellow with Future Directions International, Australia]

Global South: Expanding Relevance in International System and India’s Strategic Interest Read Post »

NDB President Dilma Rousseff Discusses NDB’s Role in Infrastructure Projects with Global Leaders

|

Dilma Rousseff, President of the New Development Bank, engaged in discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, On October 22, 2024 –  on the margins of 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan. Their meeting touched on significant themes such as local currency financing, the pressing issue of indebtedness in Global South countries, and the proposed expansion of BRICS, according to the official statement of New Development Bank.

President Putin recognized the significant achievements of the New Development Bank (NDB), stating, “We hold in high regard the accomplishments you have achieved in recent years, and the New Development Bank is a strong, evolving, and promising financial institution.”

President Putin underscored the New Development Bank’s impact by noting that since 2018, it has financed approximately 100 projects totaling $33 billion. President Putin further emphasized that increasing the use of national currencies for transactions helps lower debt servicing costs, enhances the financial independence of BRICS nations, and reduces geopolitical risks.

Addressing the challenges of Global South, Rousseff said, “we have indeed implemented and allocated a substantial amount of funds towards a variety of projects. However, this remains insufficient relative to the needs of the Global South. Therefore, it is crucial to provide funding in national currencies and in specialised formats. The New Development Bank is dedicated to this endeavour, funding not only sovereign projects but also private initiatives.”

Dilma Rousseff held discussions with several other heads of state and state functionaries in the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan on October 23. She reaffirmed the Bank’s dedication to advancing projects that align with the development goals of its member countries, as well as their commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. In discussions with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, NDB’s contributions to infrastructure and sustainable development within its member nations was raised. They explored various potential collaboration areas, including education, technological advancement, social sector support, industrial modernization, logistics, digitalization, and energy infrastructure.

During her conversation with Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, Rousseff underscored the importance of the upcoming 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku in November 2024. She emphasized that climate finance is a critical focus for international financial institutions, including the NDB.

In a meeting with Retno Marsudi, Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rousseff highlighted the alignment between Indonesia’s national strategic initiatives and the NDB’s mission, expressing optimism about future partnerships. She reiterated the Bank’s commitment to supporting infrastructure and sustainable development projects that align with its members’ development goals.

In the sidelines of the 16th BRICS Summit, Rousseff also met with Aruni Wijewardane, Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka, to discuss potential areas for collaboration between the NDB and Sri Lanka. She reaffirmed the NDB’s role as a multilateral development bank dedicated to mobilizing resources for infrastructure and sustainable development in BRICS and other emerging markets. Rousseff engaged with Mohd Rafizi bin Ramli, Malaysia’s Minister of Economy, to further explore avenues for cooperation in the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan.

The  dialogues led by  Dilma Rousseff, President of the New Development Bank (NDB), elegantly highlight the Bank’s essential role in meeting the urgent needs of emerging markets of Global South. With holding the dialogues with leaders from Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Azerbaijan, Rousseff reaffirmed the NDB’s dedication to mobilizing resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects. The focus on NDB’s initiatives and the overarching goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate finance, especially in light of the upcoming COP29, underscores the Bank’s proactive commitment to combat pressing issues, the Global South nations facing.

 

NDB President Dilma Rousseff Discusses NDB’s Role in Infrastructure Projects with Global Leaders Read Post »

Timeline: How Has BRICS Evolved Over the Years?

|

Economist Jim O’Neill sparked a revolution in global economic thought by coining the term “BRIC” in 2001. He foresaw a future where Brazil, Russia, India, and China would rise to prominence and further reshape the global economy. Rich in resources and human capital, these four nations formed BRI to challenge traditional economic powerhouses.  The bloc was established to unite the world’s key developing countries, creating an alternative to the political and economic dominance of wealthier nations in North America and Western Europe.

The journey began with the first BRIC ministerial meeting in 2006, held on the margins of a UN General Assembly session, establishing the groundwork for future cooperation. The leaders of the BRIC countries—Brazil, Russia, India, and China—held their inaugural meeting in St. Petersburg, Russia, during the G8 Outreach Summit in July 2006.  In May 2008, the BRICS foreign ministers convened, signaling the coalition’s growing importance in international diplomacy. This gathering marked the formal beginning of BRIC as a cohesive unit and this emphasized the need for collaboration to address shared economic challenges and seize opportunities.

Momentum increased on 16 June 2009 with the inaugural BRICS summit in Yekaterinburg, Russia. Leaders convened to discuss their economic ambitions and declared their intent to institutionalize their alliance. Prior to this, the first BRICS Academic Forum was held in May 2009 to promote intellectual exchange and collaboration among scholars from member states.

In December 2010, South Africa joined the group, transforming BRIC into BRICS. This expansion symbolized a commitment to inclusivity and recognized the diverse voices within emerging markets, amplifying the perspectives of a wider range of developing nations.

In April 2010, the second BRICS summit was hosted in Brasilia, Brazil, leading to the establishment of the BRICS Inter-Bank Cooperation Mechanism and the first BRICS Business Forum to enhance economic ties among member nations. The inclusion of South Africa that same year further diversified the coalition’s representation.

The third summit took place in Sanya, China, on 14 April 2011, followed by the fourth summit in March 2012, both reinforcing the bloc’s commitment to collaboration. The fifth BRICS summit in Durban, South Africa, in March 2013 was notable for establishing the BRICS Think Tanks Council and the BRICS Business Council, as well as initiating the inaugural BRICS-Africa outreach dialogue to strengthen ties with African nations.

In July 2014, the sixth BRICS summit in Brasilia led to the establishment of the New Development Bank, aimed at financing infrastructure projects and promoting sustainable development. The seventh summit in Ufa, Russia, in July 2015 focused on innovation with the launch of the BRICS Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Framework Programme.

 

Subsequent summits continued to build on this agenda, with the eighth in Benaulim, India, in October 2016, and the ninth in Xiamen, China, in September 2017. The tenth summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, in July 2018, and the eleventh summit in Brasilia in November 2019 further advanced the group’s objectives.

In July 2020, the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance was launched, highlighting the importance of gender equality and women’s participation in economic activities. The twelfth summit, held virtually in November 2020, adapted to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the thirteenth summit, also virtual, in September 2021.

In March 2022, the virtual BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Center was launched, showcasing the bloc’s commitment to global health issues. The fourteenth BRICS summit convened in June 2022, setting the stage for further collaboration.

The fifteenth BRICS summit took place in August 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa, where significant developments occurred, including the addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia as new members. This reflected the growing influence and interest in BRICS as a platform for international cooperation. The upcoming sixteenth BRICS summit is scheduled for 22-24 October 2024 in Kazan, Russia, marking another important chapter in the coalition’s ongoing evolution and its role in the changing world order. The summit is set to come up with a declaration and some announcements on payment, currency and banking systems. This initiative could pave the way for enhanced economic collaboration and greater financial autonomy among member nations.

 

Read More: Kazan Convergence: BRICS+ and Quest for a Fairer World Order – COGGS

 

Timeline: How Has BRICS Evolved Over the Years? Read Post »

Kazan Convergence: BRICS+ and Quest for a Fairer World Order

|

Ayanangsha Maitra,  COGGS

flag, china, brazilThe 16th BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, on October 22-23 is expected to be a landmark summit, teeming with expectations for innovative announcements and remarkable changes in geopolitics and geo-economics. There will be talks beyond currency mechanism. As the group expands into BRICS+, the significance of the bloc continues to rise. The bloc has welcomed five new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This expansion not only enriches the group’s diversity but also creates a powerhouse with a combined population of approximately 3.5 billion—about 45% of the world’s total. The collective economies of these member states now exceed $28.5 trillion, accounting for roughly 28% of the global economy. Remarkably, with the inclusion of Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, BRICS nations now command an impressive 44% of global crude oil production, making BRICS a formidable force in both geopolitical and economic arenas.

Why is BRICS getting popular?

Several Global South nations feel marginalized by the current world order, which they believe disproportionately favors a handful of wealthy Western countries. Accusations of hypocrisy against the U.S. regarding its selective application of international law—especially in conflicts like those in Ukraine and Gaza—underscore the need for a more equitable global framework. Consequently, BRICS, which promises a fairer international system and proper representation of developing nations’ interests and aspirations, is emerging as a viable alternative to Western-led mechanisms.

However, Jim O’Neill, who coined the term BRIC and is a noted commentator on the bloc, argues that “BRICS has done nothing to effect meaningful organizational or structural change within international institutions.”

Despite Western efforts to isolate Russia following its military actions in Ukraine, Moscow continues to find solidarity among middle powers and Global South nations. This perception is immensely significant for BRICS+, which seeks to challenge the privileges enjoyed by Western nations, primarily through the creation of alternative and parallel institutions. The 16th BRICS summit could mark a pivotal moment for BRICS+, aiming to provide a platform for emerging and middle powers to advance their often overlapping interests while subtly reshaping the global multilateral system.

BRICS+ nations are increasingly driven to gain greater independence from the Western-dominated international monetary system. Presently, approximately 90% of global foreign exchange transactions are conducted in US dollars,  and most of them processed through banks in the U.S. and Europe.

Will BRICS+ Appeal to Corporations?

BRICS+ is expected to deliver what the original BRICS could not. Some major corporations, not only from Russia and China but also from Southeast Asia and Africa, are likely to support BRICS+ for a variety of compelling reasons.

First, BRICS+ offers a platform for emerging markets to align on key global issues, creating opportunities for corporations to tap into burgeoning markets across continents. To establish an effective and smooth supply chain and trade network, BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—must leverage their unique strengths, which will attract more multinational corporations for economic integration. This would involve setting up a comprehensive framework for trade facilitation, including streamlined customs procedures, reduced tariffs, and standardized regulations. There must also be a serious and continuous focus on enhancing infrastructure connectivity, such as transportation and logistics networks, which are crucial for reducing transit times and costs.

With India and China, two tech giants, on board, BRICS needs to deliver technology-driven solutions, such as digital platforms for trade and supply chain management. Collaboration in sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, and manufacturing among BRICS members is essential, especially given the vast FMCG market in the Global South that presents opportunities for MNCs from BRICS+ nations.

As BRICS+ continues to evolve—establishing political and financial institutions along with a payment mechanism for transactions—it could significantly influence several markets and marketers. The implications for energy trade, international finance, global supply chains, monetary policy, and technological research are substantial. Corporations from BRICS+ nations can position themselves at the forefront of these developments, enhancing their competitive edge in a well-networked market.

The expansion of BRICS or formation of BRICS+ represents a strategic initiative to unite a diverse array of developing countries. At the same time, it has the capability to address the concerns of Global South nations. If BRICS+ maintains its commitment and delivers tangible outcomes, it could dictate several rules of the game. To achieve this, BRICS+ must address economic growth, climate change, resource equity, and the pressing issues affecting its population.

Kazan Convergence: BRICS+ and Quest for a Fairer World Order Read Post »

Why Kazakhstan Said No to BRICS?

|

 

[ Illustration via META]
Ayanangsha Maitra, COGGS

It’s shocking for BRICS and surprising for many others in the fraternity that Kazakhstan, Central Asia’s cornerstone economy, has refrained from joining BRICS just before the BRICS summit to be held on October 22-24 in Kazan, Russia. By not joining BRICS, Kazakhstan retains the flexibility to engage more with Western markets. Its geographical and strategic location at the crossroads of Asia and Europe provides a unique advantage in facilitating trade and collaboration between these two prime and prosperous economies. Initiatives such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) enhanced the connectivity, allowing goods to flow seamlessly from Southeast Asia and China through Kazakhstan to the European economies.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s spokesperson, Berik Uali, according to the media reports stated that Kazakhstan will not seek BRICS membership now or in the near future. Uali further emphasized Tokayev’s support for the UN as an essential international organization.

The main reason behind  such move of Astana is because of its commitment to the United Nations as the foremost international body overseeing global affairs. Kazakhstan’s foreign policy, focused on multilateralism and peace, is evident in its role in the Astana Process for the Syrian civil war and recent negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. This positions Kazakhstan as a neutral mediator in conflicts, but a close alignment with BRICS could weaken its ability to mediate effectively.

Kazakhstan is an active participant in several regional organizations that include China and Russia, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). Additionally, as a founding member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which encompasses Russia and other nations, Kazakhstan has ample opportunities for collaboration on regional security and economic projects.

Can Kazakhstan be a EU member?

Astana has expressed interest in discussing the possibility of eventual EU membership, despite not sharing a geographical connection with Europe. While the EU may not take this proposal seriously, it is clear that the bloc is committed to build a closer relationship with Kazakhstan. The EU will ensure that discussions about membership do not hinder future diplomatic relations, particularly as Kazakhstan’s influence grows in the Central Asian region.

Astana’s Ties with China and Russia

Kazakhstan’s decision not to pursue BRICS membership will not affect its warm ties with either China or Russia. The country maintains robust economic and trade relationships with both giants. Kazakhstan’s relationship with China is rooted in its Communist past and has evolved rapidly since the collapse of the Soviet Union. President Tokayev not only studied in China but also began his career at the Soviet embassy in Beijing, establishing personal and historical connections.

In 2023, trade between Kazakhstan and China reached a record $41 billion, reflecting a 32% increase from the previous year. This growth is fueled by numerous investment initiatives, with 45 joint ventures worth over $14.5 billion established in vital sectors such as energy and infrastructure.

Conversely, Russia remains a crucial trade partner for Kazakhstan, particularly for land-based trade due to their extensive shared border. In the Post-COVID era, Kazakhstan’s trade with Russia has surged. The years 2022 and 2023 marked record levels of economic cooperation, with trade figures hitting $26 billion and $27 billion, respectively. A $6 billion deal was also inked for Russia to construct three coal plants in Kazakhstan, and several Russian firms operate within the country.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Kazakhstan’s foreign relations have shifted significantly. While Kazakhstan does not officially endorse international sanctions against Russia, citing their potential negative impact on its own businesses, the country has complied with these sanctions.

However Kazakh President Tokayev is expected to attend BRICS summit as a guest.  Such move of scaling back from joining BRICS – just ahead of the BRICS summit appeared to be setback for Moscow, which aspires to promote BRICS as a coalition representing “the global majority” as part of its strategy to counter Western dominance and resist sanctions imposed due to the war in Ukraine. After Kazakhstan announced its withdrawal from BRICS, Russia’s agricultural safety watchdog temporarily halted imports of tomatoes, flax seeds, peppers, fresh melons, wheat, and lentils from the country.

Why Kazakhstan Said No to BRICS? Read Post »

Global South’s Impact on Peace and Equity: Under-Secretary-General Erik Solheim’s Insights

|

Erik Solheim, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Co-Chair of the Europe-Asia Center, highlighted the significant role of the Global South in promoting a more peaceful and equitable world
amid historical Western dominance. He made the comment, while delivered a significant address at
the Global South Think Tank Forum in Beijing, organized by Chinese broadcaster CGTN.

Solheim began by reflecting on the last two centuries, a period dominated by Western powers, particularly European colonial forces and the United States, which wielded considerable influence over global affairs. While acknowledging the advancements in science and industry during this era, he emphasized the accompanying social injustices, including racism and colonial oppression.

Solheim is a diplomat and former Politician, served in the Norwegian government from 2005 to 2012 as Minister of International Development and Minister of the Environment. He was  Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme from 2016 to 2018.

The central theme of Solheim’s remarks was the emergence of the Global South, particularly nations like China and India, which he characterized as key players in this transformative phase.

He described this rise as a “positive development” that promises a fairer and more sustainable world,
contrasting the Global South’s focus on sustainability and inclusive prosperity with the historical practices of Western powers.  In concluding his remarks, Solheim expressed optimism for the 21st century, envisioning it as a time of increased peace and prosperity. He pointed to regions in Asia where large populations coexist without conflict as models of this promise.

Solheim highlighted the peaceful nature of major Global South countries, a few key points:

China has not engaged in military conflict for the past 45 years.
India has only been involved in conflict with neighboring Pakistan since its independence.
Other Global South nations, such as Indonesia, Brazil, South Africa, and Nigeria, have refrained from military aggression against other countries.

This emphasis on non-aggression suggests that the Global South is poised to play a commendable role in promoting global peace, which Solheim identifies as a crucial asset in the evolving geo-politics. Solheim proposed the creation of a multipolar world where diverse nations coexist and collaborate. He articulated a vision in which:

The United States, China, India, and Europe all play significant roles in global governance.
It is essential to acknowledge the unique political systems of each nation; he asserted that the U.S. will not adopt the Chinese political model, nor will China adopt the American one.

Principles of Respect and Dialogue

To facilitate cooperation in this new multipolar context, Solheim emphasized two foundational principles:

Respect: Mutual respect among nations is essential for fostering collaboration on prosperity, environmental sustainability, and peace.

Dialogue: Open communication is crucial for addressing differences, particularly regarding contentious issues such as conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as economic and environmental policies. The former Under Secretary argued that constructive dialogue can lead to resolutions and understanding, positioning these principles as necessary for a stable global order.

 

Global South’s Impact on Peace and Equity: Under-Secretary-General Erik Solheim’s Insights Read Post »

Why Gulf Cooperation Council Needs to Act to Illuminate Global South

|

Ayanangsha Maitra, COGGS

As the sand is shifting, the Global South nations need more sunlight to emerge from darkness.  The South nations need both a hand as well as a compassionate during their transition towards prosperity. Despite the strong bonhomie that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) shares with the countries in Africa, Latin America, and South Asia, the council’s overall influence and camaraderie within the Global South remain very limited. Established in 1981, the GCC, the hexad club, is a union of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

Over the decades, Arab-African ties have scaled newer heights. Dubai is now the New York of Africa. On the flip side, the Gulf region too is finding Africa more interesting due to its minerals, resources, huge human habitat, hardworking skilled workforce, and emerging economies. The diversity of the continent is highly appealing. But as an organization, the Gulf Cooperation Council still lacks a sharp vision to strategically enhance its influence in the Global South.

GCC in Africa

Worried about the increasing influence of China and Russia in Africa, the US has begun urging the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to take on a larger role in Africa. Last year, GCC companies unveiled 73 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects in Africa, totaling over $53 billion. Among the GCC nations, Kuwait has historically played a remarkable role in shaping Arab-African relations, being the first Arab country to host the Arab-African Summit in 2013. Agility, a Kuwait-based global logistics firm, is actively working to encourage foreign direct investment (FDI) and facilitate access for multinational companies to the African economies.

The UAE stands out as a significant player, currently the fourth-largest investor in Africa after the European Union, China, and the United States. In 2021 alone, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development allocated approximately $16.6 billion to over 66 projects across 28 African countries. Additionally, Dubai Ports World has established itself as a leader in port expansion and maritime collaboration, managing operations in more than 10 African nations. DP World is pumping $80 million to develop a 300,000-square-meter logistics park in Sokhna, Egypt, in partnership with the Suez Canal Economic Zone, while also securing a 30-year contract to upgrade and manage sections of Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam port.

group, children, boy

Over the past decade, GCC countries have made significant strides in their investments in the continent, collectively surpassing capital of $100 billion. The United Arab Emirates leads the charge with an impressive $59.4 billion invested across various sectors. Saudi Arabia follows with $25.6 billion, focusing on infrastructure, energy, and technology projects. The other GCC nation, Qatar, has contributed $7.2 billion, primarily targeting strategic investments in areas such as real estate as well as hospitality.

Africa’s social challenges remain a concern for Saudi Arabia too. Saudi Arabia is actively engaging African countries with proposals for debt reduction and conflict resolution.

During its G20 chairmanship in 2020, Saudi Arabia emphasized the need for suspending debt service obligations for African nations. Several GCC investments are often criticized for prioritizing short-term returns over sustainable development. To maximize its influence in Africa, the GCC must contemplate a more strategic approach.

GCC in Latin America

In the Latin American region, the Council’s footprint remains minimal despite significant opportunities. In the early 2000s, ties between the GCC and Latin America were revitalized as both regions committed to enhancing their relationship through political exchanges and bilateral initiatives. The inaugural Summit of South American-Arab Countries (ASPA), hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in 2005, played an immense role in strengthening ties, leading to the signing of an Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement between the GCC and MERCOSUR. Despite geographical distance, formal exchanges between the GCC and Latin America saw a remarkable surge in trade during the 2010s. Gulf states significantly increased imports from Latin America, with Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Argentina being key contributors. In recent years, Gulf countries have exported goods like fertilizers, plastic polymers, aluminum, ammonia, and oil to Latin America. Latin America has exported iron ore and manufactured aluminum to the Gulf on the other hand.

portrait, man, people

Brazil is the main trade partner for the GCC in Latin America, but a substantial trade deficit exists there. Uruguay and Panama enjoy a favorable trade balance with the GCC. Saudi Arabia has a keen interest in mining and minerals within Latin America. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) is planning to invest approximately $15 billion in Brazil, focusing on sectors such as green hydrogen, infrastructure, and renewable energy. Additionally, the UAE’s state-owned defense technology firm, EDGE Group, has acquired a 50% stake in the Brazilian high-tech weapons systems company SIATT.

What Can the GCC Do in the Global South?

It’s high time for the GCC to act in the Global South for mutual prosperity. The Global South represents large markets for the GCC, and the Council should seek to enhance its influence in these fast-emerging economies.

The behemoths and venture capitalists belonging to the GCC are expected to flex their muscle in the continent. Substantial economic investments can be a game changer, which in turn makes the ties between the Gulf and Africa stronger. As GCC countries are diversifying their investment portfolios and actively seeking opportunities in sectors such as infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy, the Global South would be a perfect destination for investment.

Areas of infrastructure projects, transportation, and telecommunications are highly lucrative. The UAE has invested in numerous projects across Africa to enhance connectivity as well as increase local economies. Qatar has completed projects aimed at improving water security in drought-stricken Global South nations. The GCC may identify new geographies in the Global South for capacity building and high-impact community infrastructure development. At times of crisis, the GCC nations have extended help to nations in Africa on humanitarian aid grounds. Similarly, the Council can consider empowering more local leaders and enhancing institutional capacity in the Global South. To uphold its position at the global level, the GCC should no longer be just a bloc of elite nations but should position itself at a higher stage for its contribution through impact as well as impression, leaving lasting works. The GCC is missing its clout in the Global South and the potential in those economies. Promotion of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in developing nations would widen the Council’s avenues for economic growth.

 

References:

  1. Africa and the Gulf states: A new economic partnership | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)
  2. DP World allocates $80mln to develop logistics area in Sokhna (zawya.com)
  3. South-South Solidarity and the Summit 
of South American-Arab Countries – MERIP
  4. Saudi Arabia’s PIF plans to invest $15 billion in Brazil, says Brazilian minister | Reuters

 

Why Gulf Cooperation Council Needs to Act to Illuminate Global South Read Post »

Why BRICS Needs Ruh – a Soul?

|

Ayanangsha Maitra

BRICS, the Panch Pandavas or a pentagon of power is opening its doors to new members, despite facing a barrage of sanctions and a flurry of allegations. Iran, Saudi and several oil rich nations inclusion has made the group more energetic. One thing is crystal clear: BRICS, having built itself “brick by brick,” is now aiming to “cement” its place in the global hierarchy.

flag, china, brazil

Among the Five members,the most thrilling story is that of the love-hate relationship between Dragon and Elephant. The strategic ambiguity between India and China, marked by differing perspectives and a lack of trust, has contributed to the stagnation of BRICS in some ways.

India and China may clash fiercely like rival firebrands, but they also trade like old friends haggling over a market stall. It’s a curious dance of diplomacy—one moment, they’re at each other’s throats, and the next, they’re swapping goods as if they’re in a bustling bazaar. No matter how heated our verbal sparring with  China gets, we can’t ignore that it’s ByteDance, the brains behind TikTok, that has truly transformed the worlds of dance, broadcasting, and self-expression. TikTok isn’t just a platform; it’s where foreign ministries and state officials spin their press engagements into viral gold. After banning TikTok, India tried to launch its own alternatives, but let’s be real—none have come close to matching TikTok’s flair or popularity.

While concerns about data centers and local laws loom large, Western companies are relishing the opportunity to tap into India’s rapidly expanding digital audience. If BRICS wants to keep up, it needs to shake off its old bureaucratic ways and get in tune with the current trends.

The tragedy of lives lost to preventable issues like inadequate healthcare and the absence of mosquito nets underscores the urgency for BRICS to evolve and address these critical concerns. Ignoring such realities, BRICS can’t gain value. With Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE on board, BRICS nations are responsible for around 44% of the world’s crude oil. It’s high time BRICS stepped up to meet the energy needs of the Global South, where per capita income often feels like it’s been trapped in a time warp while fuel prices are on a rocket ride.

Now it’s time to excert BRICS’ influence   in global politics. But let’s not just become another offshoot of the P5 duo of Russia and China. This alliance needs to embrace the aspirations, struggles, and stories of all its members.

The West, with its directives, continues to dominate the IMF and World Bank, the so-called Bretton Woods twins. From the heights of wealth, these rich economies can hardly fathom the realities of BRICS and Global South nations—or even think of offering meaningful advice.

In 2014, BRICS established the New Development Bank to finance infrastructure projects. I’m thrilled to mention that one of its co-founders is an advisor to my organization, COGGS. By the end of 2022, the Bank had disbursed nearly $32 billion to emerging nations for new roads, bridges, railways, and water supply projects. The NDB should have to  function for capacity building and empowering communities in the developing member states.

 

New Development Bank’s annual meeting in Cape Town 2024

BRICS should do more to nurture entrepreneurs and product suppliers; after all, India boasts numerous high-quality yet affordable FMCG brands, many of which even Bollywood stars endorse. Each nation has its ambitions and perhaps a few own agendas for joining BRICS. Take China, for instance—it’s keen to deepen its influence in Africa.

Ahead of 2024 BRICS summit in Kazan, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his desire to enhance BRICS’ role in the international financial system,  increase bank cooperation, and multifold  the use of currencies.

Member nations and BRICS supporters should contemplate ways to negotiate duty-free arrangements and slide more items into convenient tariff brackets.

Another pressing issue is currency. India and Bangladesh have found a sweet spot in their currency trading via vostro accounts. At a press meet in February, Bangladesh’s former foreign minister, Dr. Hasan Mahmud in a conversation with this journalist, mentioned plans to multiply currency trading with India. It’s likely happening anytime soon. On the flip side, Moscow has been grappling with a pile of rupees, which has caused headaches for garment manufacturers who’ve had to halt exports to Russia despite demand due to currency complications. BRICS must devise a payment mechanism that enables local traders to conduct transactions smoothly and hassle-free. After all, in the world of international trade, convenience is king.

Andrei Tarkovsky from Russia, Abbas Kiarostami, and my personal favorite, Asghar Farhadi from Iran, have profoundly to the world of arts through their cinematic masterpieces. Their unique storytelling resonates with millions who speak neither English nor any bridge language, reaching hearts across the region and beyond.

While BRICS may not outshine Netflix or Hollywood anytime soon, it boasts a wealth of film festivals and an abundance of talented plot-makers, storytellers, and performers. To truly captivate the screens, canvases, and stages, BRICS must harness this artistic talent and let it shine.

[Ayanangsha Maitra is a Journalist and Research Coordinator of Center of Geoeconomics for the Global South. ]

Why BRICS Needs Ruh – a Soul? Read Post »

How Would New International Reserve Currency Look Like?

|
  • Paulo Nogueira Batista Jr.
    – Paulo Nogueira Batista.

    The challenges that the BRICS countries face are now much bigger than they were when the group was formed back in 2008. The international context has become much more hostile and dangerous. Three of the member countries – China, Iran and especially Russia – have very difficult relations with the West, to put it mildly. Although this may be controversial, I believe it can be said that these difficulties have been initiated primarily by the United States and other developed countries that increasingly impose trade barriers, restrictions  and sanctions of different kinds, including in the monetary field.

    From a geopolitical standpoint, the BRICS are a diverse group. Brazil and India, for example, have on the whole good relations with the US, Europe and Japan. India in particular has its own national reasons to maintain some proximity to the US. But Brazil and India realize, of course,  the dangers of a situation in which the previously hegemonic countries, the US and its allies or satellites, resist fiercely their relative decline in economic, demographic and political terms – to the point of having a destabilizing impact on all countries.

    China is the main source of concern, for obvious reasons. It has become the largest economy in the world, measured in PPP terms, and the truth is that the US views China’s rise with suspicion and jealousy.  The situation is reminiscent of the one that existed in the decades before World War I. Germany was on the rise and this led to great preoccupations in Britain, the previously hegemonic power. La perfide Albion, to use Napoleon’s famous expression, articulated a wide-ranging coalition against the upcoming rival that ultimately led to Germany’s  defeat in 1918. China is, I believe, aware of these precedents. And if I know the Chinese well, they have probably studied the German experience quite carefully. In this respect, they seem to follow Bismarck who once said: “I never learn from my own experience, only from that of other people.”

    What role can the BRICS, now with 9 countries, play in a world fraught with unprecedented risks? Should the BRICS continue to expand the number of its members? If so, how? What have we learned from our experience with major economic initiatives such as the New Development Bank (NDB), headquartered in Shanghai, and the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), the group’s monetary fund? How should we proceed with discussions concerning matters such as alternative payment systems, the use of our national currencies in external transactions, and the especially the possible creation by us of a new international reserve currency? Can the BRICS act together to provide a viable alternative to the US dollar and the existing international monetary and financial arrangements?

    These are the issues I intend to briefly address.

    BRICS expansion: pros and cons

    Although national perspectives differ and the BRICS are a heterogenous group, we have shown that we can act together. We have created the NDB and the CRA, two financing mechanisms that have significant potential to evolve and contribute to a change in the international financial architecture. These two initiatives have a long way to go and have achieved less than could be expect, but they are there and can be developed fruitfully. The CRA is a small and still unused virtual reserve pooling arrangement, but the NDB has actual physical and practical existence.

    The BRICS formation is now expanding. Four new members have come in as of January 2024 – Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and United Arab Emirates. Argentina rejected the invitation to join. Saudi Arabia, also invited, is sitting on the fence; it has neither accepted nor rejected the invitation and participates irregularly in the BRICS gatherings. The four new members would need to be incorporated into the NDB and the CRA. Two of the four have already joined the NDB (Egypt and United Arab Emirates); none have yet joined the CRA.

    So now we are 9 countries. And it is reported that a large number of other countries would like to join BRICS. How should we view this? The issue is not simple. Expansion has positive and negative sides to it.

    On this point, as in other BRICS-related matters, it is important to distinguish political and media hype from the actual on the ground realities of BRICS cooperation. A lot of noise has been made about the rapid growth of the group and the challenge it represents to the G7 and the West more generally. It is indeed true that the entry of new members can increase the clout of the group, especially if they are medium or large size countries.

    The downside is that the BRICS may become too large and even more heterogeneous than it already is, undermining its capacity to generate practical results. Do we not run the risk of seeing the BRICS become a talk shop? Something like the G77 – a platform for grand speeches and fine words with little true impact on world affairs?

    Having participated in the negotiations that led to the NDB and the CRA, as well as in the early years of the NDB as one of its founding members, I can tell you that it was extremely difficult to achieve anything with only five countries around the table, especially because of the tradition of taking decisions by consensus, carried over from the BRICS political formation to the actual working of the NDB – and mind you this was something we had not desired and not  foreseen in the bank’s Article of Agreements. Consensus, especially if understood rigidly as unanimity, paralyses decision-making.

    Well, now consider the existence of nine members – and possibly more. Practical results may elude us. We should thus proceed with caution. Any further expansion better be very gradual and orderly. One possibility would be to incorporate new countries as strategic partners, and not right away as full members of the BRICS.

    Monetary initiatives

    This brings me to the main topic I wish to address – the possibility of building alternative arrangements to the US dollar and the Western payment systems, an objective that has been on our minds for some time. Can we work out such arrangements with a larger group of participating countries? With nine members or even more, if further expansion of the BRICS occurs? Let us hope so. But it will undoubtedly be a challenge. And a challenge it would be in any case, even with a smaller number of countries.

    The reasons for designing alternative arrangements are clear and there is no need to repeat at length what I and many others have written in recent years. Two points only. First, the dollar, the euro, and the Western payment system have been dramatically misused as political and economic weapons. Second, the fiscal and financial fragilities of the US economy raise legitimate doubts about the feasibility of continuing to rely on the dollar as the hegemonic international reserve currency.

    So, we must act. Easier said than done, of course. As the Indian proverb goes: “When all is said and done, more is said than done”. Although the Chinese are an exception to this dictum, I add in parenthesis,  since they normally do more than say.

    The challenge for the BRICS is, first of all, political – the US deeply resents any attempt to unseat the dollar and to undermine what De Gaulle called the United States’ “exorbitant privilege” – understood, in short, as the capacity to pay its  bills and debts by simply issuing currency. The US is ready to blacklist any person or country that truly works to create alternatives to the dollar in a practical and effective manner – not talking here about speeches and grand proclamations. And Americans do not hesitate to call into action the allies and clients they have within  most countries in order to undermine any initiatives of such sort. China, Russia and Iran are probably immune to these maneuvers. The same cannot be said of other countries of the BRICS. This is essential to the full understanding of the political economy of BRICS monetary and financial initiatives.

    But the challenge is also technical. Constructing an alternative monetary and payment system requires hard and specialized work, as well as prolonged and difficult negotiations. Are we capable of carrying this out? I believe we are. Have we, however, made sufficient progress since the matter hit the headlines? Some progress was made since this group of government officials, scholars and politicians last met, in Johannesburg, in August 2023. But less than could be expected.

    Under the Russian presidency of the BRICS, in 2024, there have been partly successful attempts to move the discussion forward. For instance, a group of independent experts has been created, of which I am a member, and in which other economists take part, notably the American economist Jeffrey Sachs, to discuss the reform of the international monetary system and the possibility of a BRICS currency. These experts will meet in early October, here in Moscow, to continue the exchange of views and hopefully to come to concrete suggestions. The Executive Directors of the BRICS have also been discussing the matter, under the leadership of the Russian Executive Director in the IMF, Aleksei Mozhin, who also convenes the group of experts. So far, however, not much progress has been made on the issue of monetary reform and the possible creation of a new currency as an alternative to the dollar. Brazil will be the next president of the BRICS in 2025. Let’s hope Brazilians can pick up where the Russians left off.

banknotes, currency, finance

 

Transactions in national currencies and alternative payment systems

More progress seems to have been made during the Russian presidency on related matters, such as transactions in national currencies intra-BRICS and also between BRICS and other countries, as well as in the construction of possible alternatives to the SWIFT payment system, most notably the so-called BRICS Pay or BRICS BRIDGE. I am not sure BRICS Pay is a ready to go initiative, but such work is undoubtedly a most welcome initiative that goes some way into ridding us of the excessive dependence on the Western currencies and payment systems.

Nevertheless, it should be recognized that settlements in national currencies by-passing the US dollar and  alternatives to SWIFT have their limitations in terms of the main objective which is to de-dollarize and foster a multicurrency system for an increasingly multipolar world.

The crux of the matter is that the existence of an alternative reserve currency is ultimately indispensable to make de-dollarization work. The reason lies in the fact that only accidentally will there be an equilibrium in the balance of transactions in national currencies among countries. An alternative international reserve currency is needed to allow countries to register surpluses and deficits over time. In the absence of this, countries would either revert to some sort of barter – or fall back on the US dollar and other traditional currencies, something that would defeat the whole purpose of the exercise.

An example. Russia has a substantial surplus with India. Trade and other transactions are carried out mostly in their national currencies, if I am not mistaken. Therefore, Russia is accumulating large stocks of rupees. Now, it may not want to hold this currency permanently in its reserves, perhaps because the rupee  is not fully convertible and the Russian central bank may harbor doubts about its stability. What are Russia’s options? It can try to dispose these excessive surpluses in rupees by seeking investment opportunities in India or by making an additional effort to buy Indian goods and services. It can also use these rupees in third countries that have an interest in obtaining Indian currency due to close economic proximity to India. These alternatives, however, are clearly second best and hark back to the antiquated barter system in which economic agents traded goods bilaterally and sought third parties to dispose of unwanted goods. It was precisely to avoid this inefficient barter system that money was created in the first place to serve as a means of payment, a common standard of value, and an instrument for holding reserves. For the very same reason, the BRICS need a new reserve currency as an alternative to the US dollar and other traditional reserve currencies.

A new reserve currency – the NRC

How could this new currency look like? There are several possible routes. Allow me to sketch out, in conclusion, the route that looks more promising.

Let’s call the new currency the NRC, the acronym for new reserve currency. A previous great name was the R5 proposed by Russian economists when the BRICS were five countries and all of their currencies began with the letter R. This name was ruined, however, by two circumstances. Some of the four new members have currencies that do not begin with the letter R. Not a big deal, of course. So, could we then call it simply the BRICS or BRICS + currency? Not possible, unfortunately. Some of the BRICS+ countries are reluctant or even opposed to the idea, India most notably. This is a major barrier, but we can work around it, as I will attempt to explain.

The NRC could have the following characteristics. It would not be a single currency, replacing the existing national currencies of the participating countries. It would therefore not be a euro-like currency issued by a common central bank. The NRC would be a parallel currency designed for international transactions. The national currencies and central banks would continue to exist in their current format, as normal currencies and normal monetary authorities.

The NRC would not have a physical existence in the form of paper money, coins, and demand deposits in commercial banks. It would be a digital currency, analogous to the CBDCs (central bank digital currencies) that have been or are being created in a number of countries.

Note in passing that digital format largely replaces the traditional role of banks as intermediaries and creators of means of payment. The CDBCs and the NRC would downplay the role of banks, provided their use is not tied to the possession of an account in a commercial bank.

An issuing bank – let’s call it the NRMA, the New Reserve Monetary Authority – could be established jointly by the participating members. The NRMA would be in charge of creating NRCs and also bonds – call them the NRBs, new reserve bonds –  into which NRCs would be freely convertible. The NRBs would be fully guaranteed by the National Treasuries of the members. This scheme is similar in some respects to the celebrated hyperstabilization of Germany in 1923-1924, achieved by the creation of the Rentenmark as devised by the great but largely forgotten German economist Karl Helfferich.

A first step, that has been advocated for some time by Russian economists, could be the creation of a unit of account for the NRC, an SDR-like basket in which the weight of the national currencies of the participating countries would correspond roughly to their share in the GDP of the group. China’s renminbi would have the highest weight in the basket, say 40%; Brazil, Russia, and India, 10% each, for example; and the remaining 30% could be shared among South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.

Well, this relatively simple step could have been taken already. Disappointingly, the Russian presidency of the BRICS in 2024 did not manage to take it until now. Let’s see if Brazil manages to do so during its presidency in 2025.

The reason for the slow progress in this area seems to be the lack of consensus. It is reported that India and South Africa, presumably for political reasons, are against the idea. India – and this is only a conjecture – may be hesitant to displease the US on such a crucial matter. Why? Perhaps because it feels it may need US support in case of a deterioration of the traditionally tense relations with China. Brazil, I note in passing, is also not invulnerable to similar difficulties. In Brazilian society and even within the Lula administration, there are many that look up to the US and have ties with American business and official circles.

I hope that these vulnerabilities and the tensions between China and India will be overcome. But, in the meantime, could we not move forward on the basis of a coalition of able and willing countries? The NRC could be created by a sub-set of the BRICS. The others would join later. This is advisable, in my opinion, but runs up against our entrenched tradition of consensus. If we stick to this tradition, however, we may not get anywhere.

The alternative to something like the NRC would be a gradual replacement of the US dollar by the Chinese renminbi, the currency of the rising superpower. This is already

happening to some extent. Can it continue in a major way? Seems doubtful. One thing to remember is that the rising superpower is also an emerging market and middle income country. It has vulnerabilities and concerns not necessarily shared by the US and other high income nations.

What I mean is that in China’s case, the “exorbitant privilege” could become an “exorbitant burden”. Would China be willing to make the renminbi fully convertible? Would it contemplate giving up the capital account restrictions and foreign exchange controls that protect the Chinese economy from the vagaries of international finance? Would it accept renminbi appreciation as a result of the increased demand for it as an international asset? Would this appreciation not harm the Chinese economy`s international competitiveness and dynamism? The trend towards appreciation could be countered by accumulating additional international reserves. But where would these additional reserves be parked? In dollar, euro or yen denominated assets? Back to square one.

Final remarks

Let us therefore brace ourselves and rise to the task of creating a new reserve currency, a potential game changer in global monetary and financial affairs. In parallel, we should  continue with the expansion of transactions in national currencies and with the promising ongoing work on alternatives to Western payment arrangements.

One should keep in mind that the BRICS will be causing disappointment all over the Global South, if they remain in the realm of slogans, speeches and proclamations and show themselves uncapable of groundbreaking  practical initiatives.

References: 

Bao, Gai. “From De-Risking to De-Dollarisation: The BRICS Currency and the Future of the International Financial Order”, Wenhua Zongheng, Volume 2, Issue no. 1, May 2024, Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research.

Klomegah, Kester Kenn. “Prospects for BRICS New Currency and New Payment System”, Modern Diplomacy – All Views/All Voices, August 15, 2024

Lissovolik, Yaroslav. “Boosting the use of national currencies among BRICS”, Russia in Global Affairs, September 14, 2018.

Lissovik, Yaroslav. “A BRICS Reserve Currency: Exploring the Pathways”, BRICS+ Analytics, December 21, 2022.

Galbraith, James Kenneth. “The Dollar System in a Multipolar Word”, The Institute for New Economic Thinking, May 5, 2022.

Galbraith, John Kenneth. Money: When it Came, Where it Went, Princeton University, 2017, first published 1975.

Nogueira Batista Jr., Paulo. “A BRICS currency?”,  Contemporary World Economy Journal, Vol 3, No 1, 2023, School of World Economy, Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, HSE University. 

Yifan, Ding. “What is Driving the BRICS’ Debate on De-Dollarization”, Wenhua Zongheng, Volume 2, Issue no. 1, May 2024, Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research.

Yonding, Yu. “China’s Foreign Exchange Reserves: Past and Present Security Challenges”, Wenhua Zongheng, Volume 2, Issue no. 1, May 2024, Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research.

 

[The paper was presented at the BRICS Seminar on Governance & Cultural Exchange Forum 2024, in Moscow, Russia, on September 23, 2024. The Seminar was organized by the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies and the China International Communications Group with the support of Russian institutions.

Paulo Nogueira Batista Jr. is a Brazilian economist,   former Vice President of the New Development Bank , and former Executive Director for Brazil and other countries in the International Monetary Fund .]

How Would New International Reserve Currency Look Like? Read Post »

COGGS Convenor Proposes Strategic Leadership for BRICS at Moscow Forum

|

While speaking at BRICS Seminar on Governance & Cultural Exchange Forum in Moscow on September 23, Mohammed Saqib, Convenor of COGGS offered a pointed evaluation of the BRICS coalition, stressing both its prospects and its current shortcomings. While he recognized the establishment of the New Development Bank as a remarkable achievement, Economist Saqib contended that the organization has fallen short in realizing its goal of making collaborative economic models among its member states: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. He underscored the lack of a unified vision in the BRICS that rises above domestic political interests.

Mohammed Saqib, Convenor of COGGS

Private Sector-Global South Engagement & BRICS Business Club

Saqib stressed the importance of engaging private entrepreneurs from the Global South, arguing for the formation of an elite BRICS Business Club. He suggested that such a group could provide critical insights to governments and help forge a path toward accountability and achievable targets.

Furthermore, he advocated for practical measures like currency swaps among BRICS nations to address trade deficits, arguing that this could alleviate dependency on established financial systems like SWIFT.

Saqib concluded with a hopeful perspective, asserting that the Global South is on the verge of a new economic order. He positioned China as a key player that must overcome its cautiousness to catalyze this shift.

He underscored the critical juncture at which BRICS finds itself, as well as the potential consequences of inaction in the face of external pressures, particularly from the United States.

“If we allow swapping of currency, then 86 % of the trade deficit among each other can be sorted out within Global South. We don’t need to go to any either SWIFT or any other system,” Mohammed Saqib remarked.

Each BRICS Member Should Guide Global South

Saqib outlined a vision where each BRICS member nation could take on specific leadership roles in various sectors. For instance, he proposed that India and Russia should spearhead efforts in education and development, showcasing their achievements at the end of the year. Similarly, he argued that Brazil could lead initiatives focused on agriculture and food security, with South Africa playing a pivotal role in environmental protection.

Furthermore, he noted that while India and Russia could jointly host educational initiatives, Russia could also assume a leadership position in energy security for the Global South.

“So similarly, for all the five countries and plus eleven countries, we have worked out a table of what kind we should be the combination of the partners, a main leader, a co-leader, and some kind of performance they will have to show. That is not happening, and BRICS is not performing,” he asserted, while speaking at the seminar in Moscow.

COGGS Convenor Proposes Strategic Leadership for BRICS at Moscow Forum Read Post »

IMF Veteran Proposes Currency Solutions to Decrease Dollar Dependence

|

Ayanangsha Maitra, COGGS

Brazilian Economist Paulo Nogueira Batista, former Vice President of New Development
Bank (NDB) and former Executive Director for Brazil (as well as some other countries) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), asserts that moving away from the dollar necessitates a feasible alternative reserve currency. “The dollar, euro, and Western payment systems have been grossly misused as political and economic tools. Furthermore, the fiscal and financial vulnerabilities of the US economy raise serious questions about the viability of relying on the dollar as the dominant international reserve currency,” Batista stated during the BRICS Seminar on Governance & Cultural Exchange Forum 2024 in Moscow on September 23, 2024.

“BRICS will disappoint the Global South if they remain focused on slogans and speeches without executing groundbreaking practical initiatives,”- Paulo Nogueira Batista.

Prescribing Ways for Easier Currency Trade

He emphasizes that without an alternative currency, countries will struggle with managing trade surpluses and deficits. Citing Russia’s trade surplus with India, he explained that while Russia accumulates significant rupees from bilateral trade, it may not want to hold them long-term due to concerns over convertibility and stability. He suggested that Russia could:

Invest in India: Use the rupees to invest in Indian businesses or assets.
Increase imports: Purchase more Indian goods and services to alleviate the rupee surplus.
Trade with third countries: Utilize the rupees to engage in trade with nations seeking Indian currency.
“The challenges faced by BRICS nations today are much greater than when the group was established in 2008. The global environment has become significantly more hostile and perilous,” Batista noted.

New Reserve Currency: Reducing Dollar Dependence

He proposed New Reserve Currency (NRC a name for example) aims to function alongside existing national currencies as a parallel digital currency for international transactions. It will be overseen by the New Reserve Monetary Authority (NRMA), which will issue NRCs and new reserve bonds (NRBs) supported by the treasuries of member countries. Initially, an SDR-like unit of account could be established, reflecting the GDP contributions of participating nations.

“The NRC would not have a physical existence in theform of paper money, coins, and demand deposits in
commercial banks. It would be a digital currency, analogous to the CBDCs (central bank digital currencies)
that have been or are being created in a number of countries,” Batista opined.

The Economist further identifies BRICS—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE—as potential key players in the process of making an alternative of dollar. These nations could create alternative payment systems and engage in trade using their national currencies, thereby reducing reliance on the US dollar.

However, to avoid disillusioning the Global South, BRICS must move beyond mere rhetoric and implement tangible initiatives that showcase their dedication to collaboration and innovation.

“BRICS will disappoint the Global South if they remain focused on slogans and speeches without executing groundbreaking practical initiatives,” he cautioned.

IMF Veteran Proposes Currency Solutions to Decrease Dollar Dependence Read Post »

The Double Engine: Why Thaw in India-China Relations Crucial for Global South?

|

Mohammed Saqib, COGGS

Indian industry and foreign affairs observers have welcomed recent signals indicating a thaw and potential improvement in India-China relations, albeit cautiously. This potential rapprochement has significant implications not only for bilateral ties but also for the broader Global South, which urgently needs, in the words of PM Modi, a “double engine” to spur growth and address present-day issues.  The current economic environment is marked by suffering and distress in developing countries. Most nations are still grappling with the aftereffects of the pandemic, debt crises, and other systemic challenges. It has become increasingly clear that traditional economic prescriptions are insufficient to address the scale and complexity of these issues. Therefore, a renewed focus, cooperation, and effective leadership from emerging economies in the Global South is essential.

g73dafc51b687b2da8037889c4772c2a2131cea9534c3be64df6e5775fcd3b4f3a1bfd8283da2e5bcca000e98f472c607_1280-371412.jpg

In this regard, the emerging market economies of the Global South have immense role to exercise. Overcoming the challenges faced by the majority of Global South countries will require collective action, collaboration, and strategic guidance to unlock new opportunities for growth and development. These economies need to unify and leverage their unique strengths and experiences to help shape a more equitable and sustainable global economic order.

Given that collaborative efforts and strong leadership are essential for overcoming challenges and creating new opportunities for growth, India and China will be key players in this context. By working together and utilizing their strengths and experiences, these countries can generate momentum for economic growth and create unprecedented opportunities for manufacturing, trade, and technological advancement across the developing world. As the world’s major economic powers and most populous nations, India and China have the ability to find common ground and collaborate. Their combined influence can serve as a “double engine” of growth, with the potential to reshape global economic dynamics and offer new pathways for progress in the Global South and the world.

Double Engine: A Dual Force

The combined economic might of India and China is substantial, representing approximately one-third of the world’s population and accounting for more than 35% of global GDP. India’s GDP is estimated at $3.6 trillion, while China’s stands at $18 trillion. This economic prowess has the potential to be a game-changer for the Global South.pexels-photo-5235169-5235169.jpg

The concept of a ‘double engine’ in this context assumes that both countries have complementary contributions. For instance, India, with its booming IT and pharmaceutical sectors and a large pool of human capital, offers unique advantages. Conversely, China is a manufacturing powerhouse with expertise in infrastructure development and a strong presence in innovation and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and renewable energy. The Chinese market is also emerging as a significant source of investment outflows through overseas investments and foreign direct investment into developing countries. Pooling these complementarities for development would be a boon for the Global South.

In infrastructure development, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aside from its political implications, has made significant strides in building infrastructure across Asia, Africa, and beyond. India’s private sector, with its expertise in construction and engineering, boasts a large pool of engineers and a semi-skilled workforce. Collaboration on such projects could provide cost-effective, sustainable benefits for all stakeholders. A report by the Center for Global Development (2020) estimates that the BRI has the potential to add $2.6 trillion to global GDP by 2040.

Why India-China Collaboration Matters

Another important area for potential collaboration is digital technologies. India’s success in digital public infrastructure, exemplified by its Aadhaar program (a biometric digital identity system) and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for mobile payments, offers valuable lessons for developing nations. Combining this expertise with China’s advancements in 5G technology and digital infrastructure can create powerful synergies, bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth.pexels-photo-20445170-20445170.jpg

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the weaknesses of global healthcare systems. India, a leading producer of generic drugs, and China, with its expanding biotechnology sector, can collaborate on joint R&D, patenting, and production to ensure affordable access to vital medicines and vaccines for the Global South.

The benefits of India-China collaboration extend far beyond these specific sectors. A joint approach to tackling climate change, cooperation in science and technology, disaster management, and food security can yield substantial results for the entire developing world.

However, achieving this “double engine” vision presents several challenges. It requires a robust political will to resolve long-standing issues between the two neighbours amicably. For decades, the relationship between India and China has been characterized by a complex mix of cooperation and competition. Historical baggage, border disputes, and strategic rivalry have often overshadowed the potential for collaboration. The world, especially the developing nations, needs India and China to work together. The success of India-China collaboration in driving Global South development could serve as a model for South-South cooperation and contribute to a more balanced and multipolar world order.

[ Mohammed Saqib is the Convenor of Center for Geoeconomics for the Global South. ]

The Double Engine: Why Thaw in India-China Relations Crucial for Global South? Read Post »

The UN’s Summit and Pact For the Future

|

Flags of Countries in front of the United Nations Office at GenevaIn a bold move, the world leaders at the Summit of the Future on 22 September 2024 rolled out a groundbreaking Pact for the Future, complete with a Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations. Dubbed the most comprehensive international agreement in years, this Pact looks at fresh areas while tackling issues that have been stuck in limbo for decades. It’s like giving an old car a turbocharged engine—this is all about making sure international institutions can keep up in a world that’s flipped upside down since their inception. As the Secretary-General wisely pointed out, “we cannot create a future fit for our grandchildren with a system built by our grandparents.”

Pact for the Future: What It Reads? 

Member States reaffirmed their commitment to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the 2023 SDG Summit Political Declaration through urgent and scaled-up actions, policies, and investments aimed at eradicating poverty and hunger, ensuring that no one is left behind. The Pact also highlights the importance of considering how to advance sustainable development beyond 2030.  Global leaders agreed to significantly enhance financing for the SDGs and close the SDG financing gap, which includes establishing an SDG Stimulus, meeting official development assistance targets, attracting private sector investment, mobilizing domestic resources, fostering inclusive and effective international tax cooperation, and exploring a global minimum tax rate for high-net-worth individuals.  Regarding climate change, the Pact emphasized the necessity of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, transitioning energy systems away from fossil fuels to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and promoting disaster risk-informed approaches to sustainable development.

Reform of the Security Council: The summit marks the most progressive and concrete commitment to Security Council reform since the 1960s. This initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness and representativeness of the Council, particularly by addressing the historical under-representation of Africa.

Nuclear Disarmament Recommitment: The summit represents the first multilateral recommitment to nuclear disarmament in over a decade, clearly affirming the goal of eliminating nuclear weapons entirely.

For the Youth

The Summit of the Future introduced the historic Declaration on Future Generations, outlining concrete steps to incorporate the needs and perspectives of future generations into decision-making, including the potential establishment of an envoy for future generations, while also committing to creating more meaningful opportunities for young people to actively participate in shaping the decisions that impact their lives on a global scale.

The summit gathered over 4,000 participants, including Heads of State and Government, observers, intergovernmental organizations, the UN System, civil society, and non-governmental organizations. In a concerted effort to amplify the voices of diverse actors, the formal Summit was preceded by the Action Days held on September 20-21, which drew more than 7,000 individuals from all walks of life. These Action Days showcased robust commitments to meaningful action from all stakeholders, culminating in pledges totaling USD 1.05 billion to promote digital inclusion.

The UN’s Summit of the Future concluded amid a backdrop of growing frustration regarding global representation and decision-making. The resulting document includes commitments to address historical injustices, particularly concerning Africa, and to enhance representation for regions such as Asia Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, it emphasizes the need to reform the international financial architecture, improve responses to global shocks, and foster cooperation in outer space exploration while preventing an arms race.

The UN’s Summit and Pact For the Future Read Post »

United for Progress: Regional Collaboration in the Global South

|

[The Global South shares common challenges related to economic development, social inequality, and geopolitical positioning. Regional cooperation among Global South countries has been recognised as a crucial strategy for addressing these shared challenges and promoting sustainable development. However, cooperation among the countries of the global south faces numerous obstacles.] 

pexels-photo-7634549-7634549.jpg

Over the years, successful regional initiatives have delivered significant gains across economic, political, and sustainable development dimensions. This is why regional cooperation has become an important strategy for countries in the Global South to address common challenges, leverage their collective strengths, and expedite socio-economic development.

This approach has gained momentum in recent years owing to the growing global realisation that global issues are interconnected and cooperative action can generate mutual benefits. Developing countries are increasingly looking towards regional partnerships to address complex challenges and exploit growth opportunities in the context of rapid globalisation, climate change, and economic interdependence.

It is a departure from traditional development models emphasising North-South cooperation and bilateral aid relationships. Instead, it focuses on South-South cooperation through collective action among nations facing similar developmental obstacles. These could range from formal economic integration/trade agreements to shared infrastructure projects, including joint resource management or harmonised policy responses to transnational issues within a region. These initiatives cover agriculture, energy, education, health care, and environmental protection. By combining resources, expertise, and political willpower, countries in the Global South can achieve economies of scale, thus enhancing their bargaining power at the global level and devising more effective ways of dealing with common problems.

In addition to fostering economic growth and social progress, it also enhances stability and security at regional levels due to increased interdependency or shared prosperity among states involved. It further serves as a platform for knowledge exchange whereby countries learn from each other’s experiences and best practices. In some cases, solutions that work in developed economies may not be suitable for developing ones directly.

 

Benefits of Regional Cooperation

The positive outcomes of this form of partnership include improved conditions for trade between regions, which results in enhanced economic stability and political sovereignty, plus better chances for achieving sustainability in terms of ecological balance (OAU/AU), etc.

 

Economic Attractiveness

One key economic advantage of regional cooperation is the possibility of increasing intra-regional trade. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), intra-regional exports among developing countries increased from 42% in 2006 to 52% in 2018 (UNCTAD, 2019). This shows that South-South trade is becoming more critical. When ASEAN implemented the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) in 1992, there has been a remarkable increase in intra-ASEAN trade. Between 1993 and 2020, the ASEAN Secretariat put its total trade at $2.8 trillion, increasing from $123.1 billion in intra-ASEAN trade.

Regional cooperation can also improve the attractiveness of member states’ foreign direct investment (FDI). Larger markets and harmonising regulations attract more FDI into regional blocs. In Latin America, for example, ECLAC notes that “regional integration efforts” have influenced FDI inflows, as the region received $160.7 billion in FDI inflows in 2019 (ECLAC, 2020).

Cooperation can also boost the economy to protect it from external shocks. Regional integration is another important factor in helping African economies cope with global financial crises (AfDB, 2019). For example, African countries with closer regional ties had less severe economic contractions during the 2008 global financial crisis (AfDB, 2019).

pexels-photo-6564830-6564830.jpg

 

Political Stability and Security

Regional organisations often provide mechanisms for peaceful conflict resolution among member states. One of these frameworks is the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) developed by the African Union (AU), which includes conflict prevention, management, and resolution mechanisms. As a result of APSA’s contribution, there has been a reduction in interstate conflicts across Africa, from 16 armed conflicts in 2002 to only seven in 2019 (SIPRI, 2020).

Democratic norms and good governance are often enforced through regional bodies. For instance, the Organization of American States (OAS) has played a crucial role in supporting democratic processes all over Latin America. In developing countries, participation within such organisations increases the chances of democratic transition and consolidation, according to Pevehouse’s study cited by Brooks et al. (2005:727).

The collective security capabilities are enhanced by regional cooperation. Terrorism and drug trafficking have forced several Central Asian countries’ governments into joint military exercises as well as intelligence sharing through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SIPRI). UNODC (2019) has reported that such collaboration led to a 17% increase in drug seizures between the years 2014-18.

 

Sustainable Development

Regional cooperation is required to tackle cross-border environmental issues. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has implemented the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution against forest fires and haze since its establishment in 2003, leading to a 36% decline in hotspots regionally, according to the ASEAN Secretariat (2020).

Climate change responses could be better managed at the regional level. A good example is the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), which has played a significant role in devising climate change strategies for the region. In the Caribbean, coordinated regional action can reduce costs of climate adaptation by up to 25% compared to country approaches, according to the World Bank (2018).

Cooperation makes it possible to manage shared natural resources efficiently. This river basin organisation has coordinated sustainable development and management of the Mekong River Basin, including several Southeast Asian countries, such as Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. As a result of these efforts, fish stocks increased by 12% and water quality improved by about 15% between 2010 and 20 (MRC, 2021).

Regional power pools and energy cooperation can ensure energy security and promote renewable energy uptake. For instance, the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), which facilitated electricity trading among southern African countries, increased the region’s renewable energy capacity by 22% from 2015 to 2020 (International Renewable Energy Agency, 2021).

 

Obstacles to Regional Collaboration and Solutions

 

Economic Inequalities

One of the major hurdles in regional cooperation is economic inequalities among member countries that may stall cooperation. Rich countries might be hesitant to share their resources with others or open up their markets because they fear economic losses. For example, within the East African Community (EAC), Kenya’s GDP per capita is almost twice as much as Tanzania’s and four times higher than it is for Burundi’s (World Bank, 2022), which puts trade discussions into tension.

A possible way to subvert this inequality problem in regional cooperation is to implement asymmetric integration strategies that allow less developed countries more time to adapt to regional policies. The ASEAN-minus-X formula, which gives space for some members to temporarily opt out of certain economic initiatives, has been useful in managing disparities (Asian Development Bank, 2019).

 

Political Stability and Conflicts

Political instability or conflicts at the country level can derail regional efforts to promote cooperation. An ongoing conflict in South Sudan, for instance, has impeded the progress of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in eastern Africa.

Strengthening regional capacities for resolving conflicts and their peacekeeping abilities will mean greater gains. Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) successfully intervened in several conflicts, such as The Gambia’s 2017 case, thus showcasing how regional bodies can ensure stability (International Crisis Group, 2019).

 

Weak Organisational Capacity

Numerous organisations in the global south regions lack sufficient institutional frameworks and means to enforce these. South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has not succeeded due to poor institutions implementing most of its initiatives.

Enhancing institutional capacity requires investment in capacity-building activities targeting regional institutions while creating clear rules that can be implemented and enforced at all times. The African Union’s reform process, which commenced in 2016, seeks to increase the organisation’s effectiveness and efficiency (African Union, 2020).

 

Sovereignty Concerns

Countries might feel challenged to surrender their decision-making powers to regional bodies because of fears about loss of sovereignty. For instance, Mercosur has faced a problem deepening its integration among South American countries due to the member states’ unwillingness to give up their economic policy autonomy.

A practical solution involves adopting a flexible approach to integration that respects national sovereignty while promoting cooperation. The Pacific Alliance has been successfully pragmatic and business-oriented, thus making strides in areas like trade and investment without compromising members’ autonomy (Inter-American Development Bank, 2018).

 

External Influence

Global South regional cooperation must take into account external influences. For example, individual agreements between China and some ASEAN countries sometimes complicate ASEAN’s collective bargaining position. It is important to formulate joint strategies for dealing with outside powers to solve this. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a good step towards strengthening Africa’s collective bargaining power in global trade negotiations (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, 2021).

 

Infrastructure and Connectivity Gaps

Poor physical and digital infrastructure can significantly hinder the actualisation of regional cooperation initiatives. For instance, inadequate transport linkages in Central Asia have significantly limited the potential for intra-regional trade within the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program. Regional infrastructure projects must be prioritised while multilateral development banks’ funding capacities are tapped. To bridge the continent’s infrastructure gap, the African Development Bank supported the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) (African Development Bank, 2020).

 

Public Support Inadequacy

Limited public awareness and support for regional integration sometimes impede the political will to collaborate. For example, the low voter turnout in East African Legislative Assembly elections shows little public engagement with EAC. To address this, it is crucial to increase the level of education and public outreach about the benefits of regional cooperation. This program has helped create a regional identity through student exchanges that could be replicated in other regions (European Commission, 2019).

These challenges underscore how complicated regional cooperation can be in the Global South; however, potential solutions show that these hurdles can be crossed given political willingness, innovative approaches, and sustained efforts. Successful regional cooperation must be multidimensional since it covers economic, political, and social aspects while still being flexible enough to accommodate the specificities of different regions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, regional cooperation in the Global South has proven to be a powerful catalyst for development, fostering economic growth, political stability, and sustainable progress. The benefits of this collaborative approach are manifold, including increased intra-regional trade, improved foreign direct investment attractiveness, enhanced conflict resolution mechanisms, and more efficient management of shared natural resources. However, various obstacles persist, such as economic inequalities, political instability, weak institutional capacity, sovereignty concerns, external influence, infrastructure gaps, and insufficient public support.

Several recommendations can be made to overcome these challenges and fully harness the potential of regional cooperation. Firstly, implementing asymmetric integration strategies can help mitigate economic disparities among member countries. Secondly, strengthening regional conflict resolution and peacekeeping capacities is essential for maintaining political stability. Thirdly, investing in the institutional capacity of regional organisations can improve their effectiveness and efficiency. Fourthly, adopting a flexible approach to integration that respects national sovereignty can alleviate concerns about the loss of decision-making power.

Moreover, formulating joint strategies for dealing with external powers can help safeguard the interests of regional blocs. Prioritising regional infrastructure projects and tapping into multilateral development banks’ funding capacities can help bridge infrastructure gaps. Lastly, increasing public education and outreach about the benefits of regional cooperation can foster greater public support for and engagement with these initiatives.

Regional cooperation does not answer all development challenges. However, in an increasingly interconnected world, regional cooperation is a vital strategy for countries in the Global South to address common challenges and leverage their collective strengths. More effectively pursuing their development objectives and finding their positions within the global economy would necessitate pooling resources, harmonising policies, and presenting united fronts by those nations. Therefore, the leaders in the global south should build upon existing achievements, learn from past mistakes, and deepen their commitment to regional integration for the good of their people and others globally.

United for Progress: Regional Collaboration in the Global South Read Post »

Scroll to Top