In the evolving geopolitical landscape, the Global South faces significant challenges as the dynamics of power shift in a post-Cold War world. Jomo Kwame Sundaram argues that the end of the first Cold War was perceived as a triumph for the United States, leading to a unipolar world dominated by American interests. However, this new geopolitics has undermined both peace and development, particularly for developing countries [50548c1b].
The relevance of NATO has declined in recent years, yet the alliance was revitalized following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which reinforced its strategic importance [50548c1b]. As tensions rise, developing nations are increasingly pressured to align themselves with either the US or its rivals, complicating their diplomatic stances and economic strategies [50548c1b].
Historically, after World War II, the Bretton Woods Institutions and the United Nations established a global order that favored Western values. The collapse of the Soviet Union in December 1991 marked the beginning of US hegemony, which imposed these values on global societies. This shift led to severe economic contraction in Russia and political stagnation in Latin America, while Africa saw its poor population increase from 56% to over 67% [b4d96bce].
Amidst these geopolitical shifts, the official development assistance (ODA) provided by wealthy nations remains alarmingly low, currently at just 0.3% of their national incomes, falling short of the promised 0.7% [50548c1b]. This shortfall in aid is exacerbated by a significant increase in military spending, which overshadows funding for sustainable development initiatives [50548c1b].
In contrast, China has succeeded economically by rejecting Western models, lifting nearly 800 million people out of poverty. This success has been highlighted by Xi Jinping's message at the G20 Summit, emphasizing that developing countries can achieve similar outcomes [b4d96bce]. The Global South Think Tanks Alliance, launched on November 14, 2025, aims to foster collaboration among developing nations to navigate these challenges [b4d96bce].
As the US and its allies navigate this complex landscape, the implications for the Global South are profound. The need for a balanced approach that prioritizes development alongside security is more critical than ever, as nations grapple with the pressures of a new Cold War that threatens their sovereignty and progress [50548c1b].