Prof. (Dr.) Hebatallah Adam

Full Professor of Economics
Founder and Director of Jindal Centre for the Global South,
O.P. Jindal Global University, India
Founder and President of Global South Research Foundation
Expert in International Development, Global South and Africa
Email: dr.adamheba@gmail.com

The pushback of multilateralism against regionalism has become one of the distinguishing features of the contemporary geopolitical environment, especially the Global South. The historical underpinnings and emerging paradigms of cooperation indicate strategic shift with nation states positioning much closer to its neighbors in solving their common problems; and in a way asserting themselves and developing socio-economically. Critical assessment of this change shows the ramifications of the multilateralism and how such groups as BRICS could be used in constructing a more global and inclusive international order.

The End of Multilateralism

The decline of multilateralism is emblematic of increasing nationalistic dictums and a distrust in global governance, heavily contributed to, at least, by the acts of large powers like the United States. Most recent work focuses on how the America First policy under President Trump was a step away of any collaborative efforts, resulting in a drastic loss of effectiveness of such international organizations as the World Trade Organization and the halt in major international agreements. This view of multilateral cooperation has not only shaped the course of the U.S. foreign policy, but it has also contributed to tensions and conflicts internationally whereby many nations especially in the Global South have sought other avenues of involvement including regional cooperation.

In fact, the collapse of multilateralism is proven by several phenomena, including the stagnation in trade negotiations and an increase in protectionism. As key actors move away multilateral commitment, nations in the Global South have been left on the periphery of any significant discussion on global governance. Such a situation highlights the absolute necessity of these countries to cooperate on regional forums that can increase their impact and protecting their interests in the context of escalating international rivalry.

The Rise of Regionalism

The rise of regionalism is an attempt to resolve such controversial challenges and offers a system where Global South countries can combine their bargaining power and social-economic resilience. It has been framed as a response to globalization that is needed to address different contexts and needs of developing countries that is often not considered. Concerted efforts of strengthening regional governance arrangements may be used to offer peacekeeping solutions, conflict settlement, and to enforce sustainability objectives, which empowers the regions to move beyond participation as passive actors in the system of global governance.

Organizations like BRICS, which include initially Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, are very important platforms through which these countries can effortlessly pass through global political economy. There are differences in agenda and approach, however, BRICS countries have in common the willingness to change the current global order by focusing on the developmental agenda, setting the example of alternative models of governance, and promoting the better representation of the emerging economies in the world politics. The establishment of BRICS Plus brings this structure to the other countries of the Global South to establish a more encompassing platform of dialogue and cooperation which would better understand the multiple interests among the Global South.

The importance of regional groups like BRICs is not only related to economics; these groups are seen as a joint stand against the domination of historically rich countries in the international areas of governance. The increasing number of BRICS engagements as peacebuilding actors highlight the realization that there is a significant need to rely on local solutions to achieve stability and settlement of local conflicts in such regions like Africa and Latin America where exhaustive Western interventions were usually credible and ineffective. The South-South cooperation promoted by these actors has established a network based on local knowledge, know-how and co-development that are core to the kind of era in which the world is living, including climate crises, health emergencies and economic turbulence.

In addition, regional forces of globalization are significant in defining cooperation among the economies of the Global South. Regional value chains are increasingly more popular as they enable the exchange of goods, services, and ideas across borders and they usurp the trade patterns that dominated the history of the North and the South. The significant growth of the South-South trade is an example. Between 2007 and 2023, South-South trade more than doubled from $2.3 trillion to $5.6 trillion, signaling new opportunities for developing economies. (UNCTAD, 2024). This achievement symbolizes a strong tendency towards interdependence and mutual growth in developing countries, striving to establish a balanced dispersion of the resources and opportunities. Such dynamics show that regional structures are not only alternatives to the multilateral way of doing things but also the key to joint prosperity in the new world.

Perspectives on the Future of the Global South

To sum up, the weakening of multilateralism poses a critical problem to Global South countries but the emergence of regionalism especially under collective structures like BRICS is a positive step in redressing the situation. Due to the combined efforts of emerging economies to increase their combined voice and position their interests on the international level, emerging economies are displaying an increasing resilience and versatility when confronted with a challenge. This collaboration not only increases their bargaining power but also allows them to come up with sustainable development strategies that would suit the needs of individual populations.

As we move forward, there is several possible gazes on the future of regionalism under the umbrella of BRICS and suchlike. First, with geopolitical dynamics ever transforming, more voices will be heard and desired toward alternative kinds of global governance. The potential role of BRICS as an alternative to the classic Western-led organizations may become consolidated, including, as member countries search ways of de-dollarisation and economic independence. The shift to BRICS Plus and the inclusion of a wide variety of countries can result in the creation of a more diverse and less polarized distribution of political and economic power in the world, creating a multipolar world.

Also, climate change is another burning problem that needs to be tackled through collective efforts. The focus of BRICS on sustainable development will play a critical role in solving environmental issues in the member countries and developing a green economy. With nations in the effort to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), teamwork in environmental concerns can turn out to be a major feature of BRICS discussions. Including climate diplomacy into regionalism may lead to the fact that the BRICS could become a leader in seeking new and fair solutions to the global climate crisis.

Also, emergence of digital economies and technology innovation offer both the hope and the challenge of BRICS. Member countries will be keen on the investment of infrastructure in technology and digital governance to take advantage of the digital revolution. The mobilization of technology transfer and innovations partnerships among the member countries might increase the economic resilience and adaptability in the swiftly shifting global environment.

Health cooperation between BRICS countries will play a role in addressing socio-economic inequalities that were accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The next steps that focus on the development of public health infrastructure, fair access to vaccines, and partnership in research may enhance the general resILience of the member states in addressing global health emergencies.

Lastly, a regionalist vision of the future of BRICS and regionalism in the Global South can benefit not only by the perspective of cooperation, but also by seeing it as a flexible and adaptive new agenda. Emerging economies have faced the new power balance and the dynamics of international relations, and their response to the internal and external pressures will define the effectiveness of their collaborate work. The next few years will probably require the member countries of BRICS to harness their differences, synergies and the ability to work towards common objectives that alleviate structural inequalities in a world that is not only uncertain but is in a state of transition.

Conclusion: Regionalism is the Solution

In conclusion, regionalism embody a crucial change of what might be described as more autonomy and self-control among Global South nations. Moving forward, they will be able to survive and even thrive based on their ability to innovate and adjust to the paradigm of an interconnected and a multipolar world. This coalition of cooperation, innovation, and resilience is the kaleidoscope of changes which can transform the world order to the more equal and environment-friendly future.

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The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Global South Research Foundation or its members.

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