South-South Cooperation is political

SCC is political. It represents a collective change of the current power dynamic in the established international order, by providing a forum for the voices of the Global South’s nations. SSC is upending the donor-recipient paradigm that has historically long defined North-South relations by promoting cooperation amongst governments in the political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, and technical spheres. Instead of passively accepting the terms set by the Global North, countries in the Global South are using SSC to assert their sovereignty and to build an alternative Global order.

SSC aims to change the dynamics of global power. SSC provides a new North-South aid model. Using SSC, nations in the Global South are constructing a new geopolitical bloc that opposes Northern power supremacy and reinterprets world governance over developing nations.

For example, the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum is a key political and economic alliance that exemplifies SSC in action. It brings together three major democracies from different continents to promote mutual cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture, trade, terrorism and energy. IBSA has provided these nations with a platform to coordinate their positions on global issues. In addition, they also have a fund to help alleviate hunger and poverty in the global south. [IBSA]

This political shift is evident in the growing alliances formed through SSC. When countries in the South collaborate on infrastructure projects, energy initiatives, or trade agreements, they are not just advancing their economies—they are building political alliances that have the power to shift the global balance of power. These collaborations are strategic, aimed at reducing dependence on the North and strengthening the South’s collective bargaining power against those in northern countries.

For Small Island Developing States (SIDS), SSC is not just a beneficial framework—it is a political imperative. SIDS face existential challenges due to their vulnerability to climate change, economic isolation, and limited resources. Through SSC, these nations gain access to critical knowledge, technology, and financial resources, enabling them to enhance their resilience and assert their interests on the global stage.

SSC allows SIDS to participate as equals in a global political movement. Collaborations on climate adaptation, renewable energy, and disaster risk management are assertions of political sovereignty. By engaging in SSC, SIDS are able to strengthen their regional cooperation, increase their collective influence, and ensure that their voices are heard in global negotiations on critical issues like climate change and sustainable development.

While SSC holds immense political potential, it also faces significant challenges. Resource constraints, economic disparities, and differing political systems among participating countries can limit the effectiveness of SSC initiatives. For many developing countries, including SIDS, the challenge lies in sustaining these initiatives despite limited financial and technical resources.

The political landscape of SSC is complex, requiring countries to navigate a web of diverse and sometimes conflicting agendas. Coordination is key, yet difficult to achieve, particularly when countries have varying governance structures and priorities. However, these challenges only underscore the need for strategic political leadership and collaboration within the Global South. They also highlight the importance of building resilient institutions that can sustain SSC efforts in the long term.

SSC is more than just a framework for cooperation—it is a political movement that is reshaping global power dynamics. By emphasizing mutual benefit, solidarity, and collective self-reliance, SSC challenges the traditional global order and empowers the Global South to take control of its affairs. This shift is redefining how countries in the South interact with each other and how they engage with the rest of the world. This is true with the 2030 SDGs, countries are at 15 percent of their goals. SSC helps with this improvement if reaching their SDGs.  [UN]

For SIDS and other developing nations, SSC is not just an opportunity—it is a strategic necessity. It provides the political and economic tools needed to navigate the complexities of global politics, ensuring that these nations can assert their sovereignty and secure a sustainable future in an increasingly multipolar world.

In conclusion, SSC represents a profound political shift that is redefining the global landscape. It offers the Global South a powerful platform for collaboration and collective action, challenging the established global order and paving the way for a more equitable and just world. It is a vital method for achieving political autonomy, sustainable development, and a rebalanced global power structure.

 Written by Kevin, volunteer at avinjo.