US debates Global South's role in new world order

At the Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi, experts discussed the role of the Global South in a changing world. They examined how the United States, under President Trump, affects global governance and whether traditional alliances can adapt to new powers. The session, titled “Pole Vaults: The Revanchist West and a Rising South,” took place on March 18. It was moderated by Ken Jimbo from Japan. Panelists included experts from Russia, the UAE, Morocco, India, and Italy. They explored how the U.S. aims to redefine its global role through stronger unilateral actions. Alexander Dynkin from Russia noted positive developments in peace talks regarding Ukraine, linking them to Trump’s leadership. He highlighted the significant role of countries like China, India, and Russia in a new multipolar landscape, suggesting that Europe’s influence is diminishing. Ebtesam Al-Ketbi from the UAE discussed the challenges posed by Trump's administration. She emphasized the Gulf region’s balancing act between American and Chinese influences. Al-Ketbi called for collective action from countries in the Global South to counter U.S. unilateralism. Karim El Aynaoui from Morocco reflected on Africa’s experience with foreign interference. He stated that the war in Ukraine serves as a wake-up call for Europe and emphasized the need for strong governance in Africa. Manjeet Kripalani from India spoke about India’s strategic autonomy and its potential role in reshaping alliances. She suggested revisiting the Non-Aligned Movement to strengthen the Global South's voice in global affairs. Paolo Magri from Italy analyzed the shifting dynamics in Europe, noting that economic losses could lead to political changes. He highlighted new trade partnerships with Global South countries as crucial for future cooperation. The discussion raised important questions about global governance and emphasized the need for inclusive dialogues. With U.S. multilateralism in decline, collaboration on issues like climate change and trade remains a challenge. South Africa, as the current G20 president, must navigate these tensions to find common ground on global issues. The Raisina Dialogue is a significant conference on geopolitics hosted by the Observer Research Foundation and India’s Ministry of External Affairs.