Summary Polsci 222 Weekly notes

Polictical science 222

Global political economy

Week 4 Notes

Lecture 10
- The Global South & GPE
- Rise of the Global South in the GPE



Lecture 11
- BRICS
o Not your typical Organization
o Aims and Challenges
- New Development Bank
- BRICS +
- A BRICS currency in the making?


Lecture 12
- Mao Zedong
- Deng Xiapong and the Emergence of the China Model
- Four Economic pillars of The China Model
- The Washington Consensus Vs Beijing Consensus




Readings this week:
 BRICS and the World order: A beginners Guide
 The Global South and development Policy of 2023
 The China Model 2010
 Policy Center for the South, the rise of the south




Lecture 10
- The Global South & GPE
- Rise of the Global South in the GPE
 Reading: The Global South and development Policy of 2023
 Policy center for the south, the Rise of the south
The Global South & GPE

,  The global south is a term used to refer to countries that are generally less
economically developed than Global North countries.
 The term “Global South” emerged in the mid-20th century to describe
former colonies that were seeking to assert their economic and political
independence from the industrialized countries of the Global North
 Brandt Line
 Broad term that includes a diverse range of countries with different levels
of development, political systems, and cultures
 Global south is not a geographical concept.
 The concept is debated.
 Russia (a foot in both groups)
 China (a foot in both groups)
 General characteristics
 Lower levels of economic development
 Higher levels of poverty and inequality
 Dependence on primary commodity exports
 Limited access to foreign direct investment and technology
 Weak institutions and governance

Rise of the Global South in the GPE
 The GPE has traditionally been dominated by the Global North, which
consists of developed countries with strong economies and political
influences.
 Historically the global south has occupied a peripheral position in the GPE.
(many GS countries were formed colonies reliant on primary commodity
exports)
 Limited industrial base and lack of technological advancement =
not much economic power and influence
 Could not shape economic rules and international institutions.
 BUT… the Global South (specifically some countries in the GS) are
experiencing a rise in economic power, political influence, and
development.
 Factors driving the rise.
 Economic growth and diversification
 Demographic shifts and growing labour forces
 Technological advancement and innovation
 Resource wealth and strategic importance
 Shifting power dynamics?
 Increased bargaining power in trade negotiations
 Emergence of new economic powerhouses (China, India)
 Growing influence in international institutions
 Challenges
 Inequality with the Global south
 Vulnerability to extend shocks (e.g. climate change + financial
crises)
 Balancing economic growth with social development
 Integration into the Global economic system
 Transfer to more sustainable innovation, energy transition.