Date: 8th November 2024.
Authors: George Lmangeyan.
Country: Kenya
SUMMARY
This article discusses how the Global South formally has sovereignty, but in practice its independence tool is limited by the influence of the Global North through economic dependence, political pressure, and structural inequalities. While they are politically independent nations, their dependence on international aid funds and borrowing from international financial institutions, as well as multinational corporations, often undermine true self-rule.
Such dependence creates neo-colonial like conditions, whereby powerful states and institutions dictate policies that serve their interests, limiting the Global South's policy avenues. Although regional alliances and South-South cooperation are making efforts to strengthen independence, the Global South is still under great external constraints, restricting its complete sovereignty.
BACKGROUND
Introduction
Sovereignty, in a scholarly sense, refers to the supreme authority and absolute power of a state to govern itself and make decisions independently, free from external interference. It is a foundational principle in international law and political science, signifying the ultimate control over a territory and its population, including the authority to legislate, enforce laws, and determine foreign relations.
Historically, sovereignty has been viewed as a state's claim to legal and political autonomy within its boundaries. Jean Bodin, a key early thinker, described sovereignty as "absolute and perpetual power" inherent in the state. Thomas Hobbes further conceptualized it as the state's authority to protect and uphold social order.
The Global South, encompassing regions such as Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia, is broadly defined by historical, economic, and social characteristics that differentiate it from the Global North (typically referring to wealthier, more industrialized regions like North America, Europe, and parts of East Asia). Although the term "Global South" is not strictly geographical, it captures a set of commonalities rooted in historical colonialism, economic dependency, and often socio-economic challenges.
According to Dependency theory, emerging from Latin American economists like Raúl Prebisch, explains that economic dependency isn't just a legacy of colonialism but a structural reality in which the Global North and international institutions perpetuate the economic and political subordination of the Global South.
This theory suggests that the economic models imposed on Global South nations reinforce their peripheral role in global economics, emphasizing export-oriented growth and underinvestment in domestic industries.
Analyzing sovereignty in the Global South is essential for understanding the global political and economic system because it highlights the impact of historical and contemporary power dynamics on the ability of states in these regions to govern themselves fully and autonomously.
Sovereignty in the Global South is often influenced or shaped by external forces, making it a focal point for understanding global inequalities, international relations, and the influence of globalization.
Challenges to Sovereignty in the Global South
Colonial Legacy
Colonization fundamentally reshaped the territories that now make up the Global South. European powers imposed political, social, and economic structures that served their interests, often disregarding or dismantling indigenous governance systems, cultures, and economies.
Colonial authorities exploited natural resources and labor to fuel industrialization and wealth accumulation in Europe, leaving colonies impoverished and economically dependent.
This colonial legacy has had long-lasting effects, Colonial powers often drew artificial borders that grouped diverse ethnic and cultural groups into single political entities, resulting in post-independence conflicts and instability.
Colonial economies were structured around exporting raw materials and importing manufactured goods, creating a dependency on global markets that persisted after independence. Colonization altered social hierarchies and imposed foreign languages, religions, and educational systems, reshaping local identities.
Economic Dependency.
Colonization established an economic model that depended on the extraction and export of raw materials from Global South countries to fuel industries in the Global North, leaving these countries with limited industrial bases.
Post-independence, Global South economies largely remained integrated into global markets in a subordinate role, often relying on exporting commodities while importing manufactured goods.
Terms of trade remain largely unequal, with former colonies often facing fluctuating commodity prices and trade policies that maintain economic dependency on wealthier countries.
Development and Globalization.
In recent decades, globalization has deepened economic interconnectedness, yet it has also accentuated disparities between the Global North and South. While some Global South countries, such as those in East Asia, have experienced rapid economic growth, many remain marginalized in the global economy.
International organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have promoted structural adjustment programs (SAPs) that require liberalization, privatization, and austerity measures, which critics argue exacerbate poverty, income disparity and limit Economic sovereignty.
Political Instability and Fragile States:
The artificial borders drawn by colonial powers often grouped disparate ethnic, linguistic, and cultural groups within new states, which lead to ongoing conflicts and tensions.
Many countries in the Global South have experienced authoritarianism, political instability, and corruption partly due to power struggles in post-colonial states and partly due to foreign interference. Neo-colonial influence through economic or political interventions has sometimes destabilized democratic movements or bolstered authoritarian regimes.
In some cases, foreign aid can strengthen the political leverage of donor countries or organizations. They may use aid to influence political decisions, support specific political factions, or strengthen governance in a way that aligns with their strategic interests. This external influence can reduce the autonomy of local governments in shaping their policies according to their citizens' needs.
Security and Geopolitics:
Many Global South states are hotspots for geopolitical competition, where powerful countries attempt to exert influence over local affairs, impacting regional security, governance, and sovereignty. For example, rivalries among powerful states are often played out in regions like the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Studying sovereignty in these contexts highlights the complexities of international security, where national interests of Global South states frequently intersect—and sometimes clash—with those of more powerful nations, impacting global stability.
Additionally, the long-term presence of foreign troops may lead to economic distortions, with host nations becoming dependent on foreign funding and military contracts, rather than developing their own industries.
Recommendations
Enhance Regional Cooperation and South-South Alliances
Strengthen Regional Trade Agreements: Encouraging intra-regional trade through agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) can help reduce dependency on Global North markets, create regional value chains, and foster stronger political ties.
Support South-South Cooperation: Collaborating with other Global South countries in areas such as trade, technology, and healthcare can foster self-reliance and shared growth. Platforms like BRICS provide alternatives to Global North-dominated institutions and can support development on more favourable terms.
Pursue Common Positions in Global Governance: By aligning on issues of shared interest (e.g., climate change, trade rules), Global South countries can strengthen their bargaining power in international organizations and negotiations.
Economic Diversification and Self-Reliance
Reduce Dependency on Export: Many Global South economies are heavily reliant on a few export commodities, which makes them vulnerable to global market fluctuations. By investing in diverse industries such as manufacturing, technology, and services, countries can build resilience and reduce reliance on raw material exports.
Promote Value-Added Industries: Developing industries that add value to local resources (e.g., refining minerals, producing finished agricultural goods) rather than exporting raw materials can help retain more economic benefits domestically.
Support Local Enterprises and SMEs: Strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can create a robust domestic market, reduce unemployment, and foster innovation. Local businesses are less likely to be influenced by foreign interests and can contribute to greater economic independence.
Reform International Financial Institutions
Push for Equity in IMF and World Bank Policies: Global South countries could advocate for reforms in international financial institutions to ensure fairer loan terms and greater representation. This would reduce the influence of powerful economies over loan conditions that often undermine local autonomy.
Establish Alternative Financial Institutions: Regional financial institutions like the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) or the New Development Bank (NDB) could provide funding options with fewer constraints. These alternatives can offer countries more favorable terms that prioritize development goals over austerity.
Strengthen Governance and Anti-Corruption Measures
Invest in Transparent and Accountable Institutions: Building strong, transparent governance structures and reducing corruption can enable governments to better serve their citizens and resist external pressures. Effective institutions bolster sovereignty by ensuring that national policies reflect domestic priorities.
Promote Civic Engagement and Public Accountability: Empowering citizens and civil society groups to hold leaders accountable can reduce foreign influence in domestic affairs. A politically active population can help safeguard sovereignty by challenging policies that serve external rather than local interests.
Leverage Technology for Digital Sovereignty
Build Local Digital Infrastructure: Investing in local data centers, internet connectivity, and technological infrastructure can reduce reliance on foreign technology companies. A stronger digital infrastructure allows countries to manage and secure data domestically.
Encourage Open-Source and Indigenous Technology Solutions: By adopting open-source software and encouraging local tech development, Global South nations can reduce dependency on proprietary technology from foreign companies and enhance control over their digital ecosystems.
Assert Resource Sovereignty and Sustainable Development
Implement and Enforce Fair Resource Contracts: Ensuring that contracts with foreign corporations are equitable, transparent, and beneficial to local populations can help Global South nations retain control over their resources. Contracts should be periodically reviewed and renegotiated to reflect fair terms.
Promote Sustainable Development: Emphasizing sustainable management of natural resources and investing in renewable energy can reduce economic vulnerability to environmental pressures. This not only protects the environment but also reduces dependency on extractive industries dominated by foreign interests.
Foster Education and Skills Development
Invest in Quality Education and Vocational Training: By improving education systems and creating opportunities for skills development, countries can reduce dependency on foreign expertise and develop a highly skilled workforce capable of driving domestic innovation.
Encourage Research and Development (R&D): Investment in R&D can lead to local technological and scientific advancements, fostering self-sufficiency in key areas such as agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Negotiate Fairer Trade Agreements
Push for Trade Agreements with Mutual Benefits: Global South countries should advocate for trade agreements that protect their interests, such as safeguarding local industries from cheap imports and securing better market access for their goods.
Challenge Unfair Trade Practices: Countries can work together to resist unfair trade practices such as subsidies for agricultural products in the Global North, which undermine local farming industries in the Global South.
Promote Environmental Sovereignty and Resilience
Develop and Implement Climate Adaptation Policies: Climate change disproportionately affects the Global South, which has limited resources to address its impacts. Investing in climate adaptation policies can strengthen resilience and reduce reliance on external aid in response to environmental crises.
Resist External Pressure on Resource Exploitation: By prioritizing sustainable practices and resisting foreign pressures for rapid extraction, Global South nations can preserve their environmental resources for long-term economic independence and sovereignty.
Build Strong Diplomatic Alliances
Create Multilateral Partnerships on Equal Terms: Countries in the Global South can build alliances that resist dependency on any single powerful nation or bloc, promoting more balanced foreign relations.
Participate Actively in International Forums: Increasing representation and involvement in global decision-making forums (e.g., the United Nations) can strengthen their influence and push for reforms that better reflect Global South interests.
Conclusion
The Global South often struggles to enjoy its sovereignty fully due to historical legacies, economic dependencies, and ongoing geopolitical pressures that limit its autonomy in practice. While these countries technically hold sovereignty as independent nations, their decision-making power is frequently influenced by both internal and external factors, resulting in a form of "conditional sovereignty."
Achieving a balance where the foreign aid complements national policies, respects local priorities, and strengthens the autonomy of the government which can be the key to fostering sustainable development.
Empowering the Global South to enjoy its sovereignty fully requires a combination of internal reforms and international advocacy. By focusing on economic diversification, regional cooperation, fairer trade practices, and strong governance, these nations can enhance their autonomy. Additionally, pushing for reforms in international financial and governance systems and establishing alternative institutions can reduce dependency on the Global North and promote self-determined, sustainable growth.
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