‘In new world order, roles of middle powers and Global South increasing’

Islamabad:Vice-Chancellor, of Beaconhouse National University, Dr Moeed Yusuf, has said that the erosion of traditional unipolar world order is paving way for a multipolar framework where the roles of middle powers and the Global South is increasingly prominent.

Dr Moeed was delivering keynote address on the last day of 3-day Islamabad Conclave 2024 organised here by Institute of Strategic Studies (ISS) on the theme “Space for middle powers & Global South.”

Dr Moeed defined middle powers as crucial players that cannot be overlooked as these nations refuse to engage in bloc politics and are determined to maintain their independence without aligning with any particular side. He emphasised that the most successful middle powers are those that embrace multi-alignment and deftly navigating complex international dynamics without resorting to binary choices. He recommended Pakistan must focus on geo-economics.

Prof Arshi Saleem Hashmi, Dean Faculty of Contemporary Studies, NDU, rejected the notion of the Global South as a monolithic bloc, instead it as a diverse coalition of countries that prioritise strategic neutrality over rigid alliances. Global South should not merely be viewed as an underdeveloped or struggling region, it encompasses emerging economies and rising powers that are gaining influence on the world stage.

The focus on South-South cooperation is increasingly overshadowing the traditional North-South divide, she exhorted dismissing the assumption that China or India are leaders of Global South. She concluded that Global South has long way to go and faces numerous political and developmental obstacles.

Dr Niu Haibin, Director, Institute for Foreign Policy, Shanghai Institute for International Studies, highlighted that there is neither a clear definable feature of middle powers nor an understanding of who are the members or leaders of Global South. This is an abstract concept but it is important in present world due to changing global context, transforming world order and rising and emerging powers. The global disorder and conflicts have created new space for countries who seek anti-protectionist and pro-inclusive policies. He asserted that China self-identities as member of Global South and shares the interest of Global South countries. He concluded that BRICS enlargement is first way to pave the way to an inclusive world for Global South.

Dr Ali Awadh Asseri, former Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, defined middle powers as having unique attributes and strengths and aim at practicing pragmatic diplomacy and a bridge builder with a focus on cooperation over confrontation. Shifting global dynamics led to middle powers and Global South in limelight. He believed Saudi Arabia has a greater role to play in Middle East to ensure stability. Terrorism and humanitarian crisis are the major challenges. He stressed that the new world order will be shaped significantly by these rising and emerging middle powers which advocate for a more inclusive global community rather than exclusive groupings.