Global South Rises As New force Reshaping World governance

By Zarul Effendi Razali

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- The year 2025 witnessed the rise of the Global South as one of the most significant forces reshaping international politics and economics, as developing nations push for a fairer, more representative global governance system.

No longer mere passive recipients of policies defined by Northern powers, countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Pacific are increasingly asserting their own development models and diplomatic influence.

Analysts say this shift is driving renewed calls for multipolarity, equitable growth and genuine multilateralism.

The momentum is reflected in the strengthening of platforms such as BRICS, which has expanded to include Indonesia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Ethiopia, now representing half of the world’s population.

The grouping continues to advance a collective agenda aimed at balancing Western dominance in global economic structures, grounded in inclusivity, solidarity and sustainable development.

China, in particular, stands out for its development model that integrates ecological considerations with economic planning. Its achievements in poverty eradication, green development and technological innovation are seen by many Global South countries as evidence of viable development pathways beyond Western templates.

Observers say the Global South’s vision for global governance is anchored on principles such as true multilateralism, equitable development and respect for national sovereignty. The approach emphasises cooperation based on mutual benefit rather than hierarchy.

They note that this leadership shift represents more than a geopolitical adjustment — it reflects a broader aspiration for a global order that upholds dignity, diversity and shared prosperity.

Malaysia Close Engagement With Global South

Geostrategist Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said Malaysia’s close engagement with the Global South, BRICS and the G20 stems from a long-held concern that decisions made by a handful of advanced economies often affect the developing world without adequate consultation.

He said this reality explains why Malaysia has gravitated naturally toward alternative groupings, adding that the Global North’s dominance within the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and G7 has left many developing countries “discarded or overlooked”.

“During Malaysia’s recent ASEAN chairmanship, the country did not push the regional bloc to side with any major power but instead encouraged all ASEAN member states to maintain dialogue amid rising geopolitical tensions, including during the tariff disputes involving the United States,” he told Bernama.

According to him, Malaysia’s neutral stance helped strengthen ASEAN’s credibility and contributed to a record presence of world leaders at the most recent ASEAN Summit.

Leading geopolitical expert Prof James Chin from the University of Tasmania said Malaysia’s emphasis on the Global South can be traced back to the era of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim now reinforcing and expanding this strategic direction.

“Malaysia is not putting all its eggs in one basket. Beyond BRICS, we are already part of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and we maintain numerous free trade agreements and strategic partnerships,” he said.

The inclusion of Brazil and South Africa as "Guests of the Chair" during the 20th East Asia Summit signalled ASEAN widened engagement with BRICS and G20 nations.

Shaping ASEAN’s strategic outlook

Malaysia’s long-term alignment with the Global South is expected to shape ASEAN’s strategic outlook in the coming years, as the region prepares for intensifying major-power rivalry, currency vulnerabilities and mounting pressure to preserve ASEAN centrality.

In outlining the road ahead, Malaysia’s established Global South strategy positions ASEAN to broaden its partnerships, strengthen multilateralism and expand geopolitical space at a time when traditional global institutions are struggling to reflect the interests of developing nations.

Chin said Malaysia’s continued outreach to BRICS, the G20 and other Global South coalitions reflects a forward-looking approach aimed at giving ASEAN greater strategic options and reducing overdependence on Western-dominated structures such as the G7, IMF and World Bank.

“Malaysia’s interest in BRICS is part of a long-term strategy. As BRICS expands, now representing around 25 per cent of global GDP and 45 per cent of the world’s population, its influence will continue to challenge existing global economic structures,” he said.

He said BRICS' growing emphasis on alternative financial mechanisms, including the New Development Bank and de-dollarisation initiatives, could offer ASEAN new tools to manage risk amid renewed unpredictability in the United States.

A recent news report notes that the Global South is gradually encouraging de-dollarisation  by making use of its growing economic role, promoting the use of alternative payment platforms such as BRICS Pay.

A rising number of countries, especially within BRICS and ASEAN are promoting local currency use such as India's rupee, China's renminbi and Malaysia's ringgit for international trade, often through bilateral agreements and special accounts, like India's Vostro accounts.

Challenges Lies Ahead

Looking ahead, Chin said ASEAN’s main challenges will include sustaining centrality, advancing long-standing economic integration projects such as the ASEAN Single Window, and managing internal divisions over relations with China.

He also cautioned that ongoing instability in Myanmar will continue to undermine ASEAN’s credibility, noting that progress on the Five-Point Consensus will remain a key test of the grouping’s effectiveness.

However, he said Malaysia’s long-standing Global South orientation offers ASEAN a broader foundation to navigate uncertainty, deepen cooperation and position the region as a more influential global player.

“At a time of shifting power dynamics, Malaysia’s strategic push to widen ASEAN’s partnerships provides an important outlook for the region’s future,” he said.

Azmi also said Malaysia’s recent role in widening ASEAN’s engagement platforms, including elevating the ASEAN-GCC Summit by inviting China, reflects a broader regional outlook focused on diversifying partnerships and expanding economic opportunities.

He said Malaysia’s neutral, dialogue-driven approach during its ASEAN chairmanship is expected to remain central to the region’s diplomatic posture, especially as the Philippines assumes the role of ASEAN chair next year.

“They will inherit an environment where the US–China rivalry is not easing. Neutrality, engagement and balance will continue to be ASEAN’s most important tools,” he said.

-- BERNAMA