Members Forum Salon: Exploring The Geopolitics of Global South

The term “Global South” commonly appears across international media and public policy publications, but the geographic location and definition of the “Global South” remains unclear and varied according to context and audience. The term “Global South” can refer to one or more “developing” economies whose leaders are deploying economic and political leverage in new and influential ways, often as a counterweight to “the West” (another geopolitically imprecise term usually pointing to the United States and Europe). Its origins tie to the United Nations’ Group of 77.

This Members Forum Salon aims to sharpen attendees’ understanding of the term “Global South” and why and how “Global South” countries are leveraging their influence with significant geopolitical impact. Recent and ongoing examples include countries’ responses to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the war in Gaza, China’s Belt & Road Initiative, BRICS, and divergent approaches to democracy, climate change, and human rights.