The concept “global south” is itself relatively recent. But it stems from a long line of critical discourse that finds its roots in critiques of imperialism and colonialism, through to the development of dependency theory and uneven development, and world systems theory. The “third world”, the “undeveloped world”, the “developing world” and the “global south” are notions that have what Wittgenstein calls familial similarity. In this sense it is part of an ethos; a political and critical theoretical ethos that has contributed to thinking about the praxis of development. China, Chinese scholars and Chinese government officials have long held a practical interest in this broad family of concerns. Its own development experience, stemming from anti-imperial / anti-colonial struggles, speaks to an objective positioning and alignment within this milieu. Its own domestic uneven development experience reinforces this broad sensibility.
"An Indonesian asks me: "Why are the Chinese suddenly interested in the concept of the 'Global South'? Why do Chinese people talk about this concept? What are you really after? You must have interests at stake, right?"
The concept “global south” is itself relatively recent. But it stems from a long line of critical discourse that finds its roots in critiques of imperialism and colonialism, through to the development of dependency theory and uneven development, and world systems theory. The “third world”, the “undeveloped world”, the “developing world” and the “global south” are notions that have what Wittgenstein calls familial similarity. In this sense it is part of an ethos; a political and critical theoretical ethos that has contributed to thinking about the praxis of development. China, Chinese scholars and Chinese government officials have long held a practical interest in this broad family of concerns. Its own development experience, stemming from anti-imperial / anti-colonial struggles, speaks to an objective positioning and alignment within this milieu. Its own domestic uneven development experience reinforces this broad sensibility.
I’m guessing they mean the southern half of the globe, somewhere the US only goes when they need to overthrow some democratically-elected government.
This Indonesian asks the right questions...
"An Indonesian asks me: "Why are the Chinese suddenly interested in the concept of the 'Global South'? Why do Chinese people talk about this concept? What are you really after? You must have interests at stake, right?"