Global South – What is it?
The term “Global South” is relatively new, but its roots go back to the Cold War, when the term “Third World” was used to describe developing countries. Today, the Global South refers to countries that do not have strong representation in global institutions such as the G20, and to countries seeking common strength to change the existing world order. These countries are fighting for equal conditions for development and cooperation in the international arena.
As Prof. Dębski points out, the definition of the Global South is not clear. Examples of this are China and India – countries with enormous economic potential that can no longer be classified as “developing”, even though they could once be part of this group.
Poland, as a medium-sized European country, can build political alliances with countries in this area to increase its role in shaping the international order.
Poland’s Political Interests in the Global South Poland’s cooperation with the countries of the Global South has two main aspects:
political and economic. In the political context, Prof. Dębski indicates that Poland can cooperate with these countries, building alliances to combat imperial tendencies and promote equality and peace. Cooperation with the countries of the South can also strengthen Poland’s position in the international debate on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which is important in light of current political events.
However, as noted by Prof. Dębski, African countries and some South American countries are taking a distanced approach to the conflict in Ukraine, arguing that it is a European war. In their eyes, Europe is not dealing with their local conflicts, so they do not feel the need to get involved in European problems.
Poland without the Colonial Heritage
One of the arguments that Poland can use in contacts with countries of the Global South is the lack of a colonial past. Unlike many Western European countries, Poland has never been a colonial power, has not imposed zones of influence and has not divided borders in Africa or Asia. This lack of historical burdens can be an asset in building understanding and alliances with countries that still feel the effects of colonialism.
Poland can present Russian aggression against Ukraine as an example of global imperialism that must be stopped before it affects the countries of the Global South. This is an approach that Polish diplomacy, as Prof. Dębski notes, is already actively using in the international arena.
Economic Interests: Searching for New Markets From an economic perspective, Poland is currently in a period of intensive development, which according to Professor Dębski can be considered a “golden era” in the country’s history. However, achieving a certain level of development requires searching for new stimuli for further growth. In this context, searching for new markets in the Global South – in Asia, Africa and South America – becomes crucial.
One of the challenges for Polish business is competition with large, well-developed enterprises from Western Europe, which for decades have benefited from the economies of scale and colonial resources.
In order to effectively compete with these companies, Poland must look for alternative markets and cooperation opportunities in less saturated regions of the world.
Poland as a Gateway to Europe
In the context of relations with countries of the Global South, Poland still has certain advantages that can make it an attractive economic partner.
The Silk Road – the rail link to China – runs through Poland, making the country a key point on the logistics map. Although competition, especially from Hungary, is growing, Poland can still play a key role as a gateway to the European Union.
However, as Professor Dębski notes, Poland’s domestic market is still unsaturated in many sectors, which may attract external investors who are looking for more competitive conditions than in countries such as Germany or France. Poland, although it would like to become independent from cheap labour, still offers attractive conditions for companies wishing to enter the EU market.
Poland and the Global South
The Global South is not only an opportunity, but also a necessity for Poland.
Both politically and economically, Poland can benefit from cooperation with countries in this area, especially since the country is in a period of intensive development and searching for new opportunities. As noted by Prof. Dębski, the growing understanding of the importance of cooperation with the Global South is a step towards a more balanced and diversified development of Poland in the international arena.
Poland, as a country without a colonial past, has a unique opportunity to build partnerships with countries that are still struggling with the historical traumas of colonialism. These markets, insatiable and full of opportunities, may become a key direction for Polish business in the coming decades.
