GLOBAL NORTH AND GLOBAL SOUTH

INTRODUCTION
The terms Global North and Global South are widely used in International Relations to describe the economic, political and developmental divide among countries of the world. These concepts frequently appear in prelims through conceptual questions, match-the-following and statement-based MCQs. For beginners, this topic helps in understanding global inequality, development patterns and India’s positioning in world affairs.

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ORIGIN OF THE TERMS

• The division evolved after the Cold War
• Earlier terms used were Developed vs Developing countries and First World vs Third World
• The Brandt Line (1980) visually represented this divide
• The terms Global North and Global South are preferred as they are less ideological

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GLOBAL NORTH

MEANING
• Refers to economically developed and industrialised countries
• Characterised by high income, advanced technology and strong institutions

COUNTRIES INCLUDED
• United States
• Canada
• Western Europe
• Japan
• Australia
• New Zealand

KEY FEATURES
• High per capita income
• Advanced industrial and service sectors
• Strong financial and technological capabilities
• Greater influence in global institutions like IMF, World Bank and WTO

PRELIMS POINTER
• Global North is not strictly geographic (Australia is in Southern Hemisphere)

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GLOBAL SOUTH

MEANING
• Refers to developing and less developed countries
• Includes emerging economies and least developed countries

COUNTRIES INCLUDED
• Asia (except Japan)
• Africa
• Latin America
• Middle East

KEY FEATURES
• Lower per capita income
• Higher poverty and inequality
• Dependence on primary sector exports
• Limited influence in global governance
• Greater developmental challenges

PRELIMS POINTER
• Global South includes emerging economies like India and China

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KEY DIFFERENCES (FOR REVISION)

• Income – High (North) vs Low/Middle (South)
• Development – Advanced vs Developing
• Global influence – Higher vs Lower
• Technology – Advanced vs Limited

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GLOBAL SOUTH AND INDIA

• India is a leading voice of the Global South
• India advocates reform of global governance institutions
• India promotes South–South cooperation
• Platforms include G77, Non-Aligned Movement and BRICS

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CURRENT RELEVANCE
• Renewed focus on Global South in international diplomacy
• India’s leadership in representing Global South concerns
• Issues related to debt, climate finance and development financing
• Calls for inclusive and equitable global order

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PRELIMS NOTES AND COMMON CONFUSIONS
• Global South does not mean poor countries only
• Global North and South is not a rigid classification
• Emerging economies can belong to Global South

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Subject: International Relation

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