The term 'Global South' refers to a collection of developing and emerging countries, primarily located in the southern hemisphere, though there is no definitive list of which countries belong to this group. Attention has recently shifted towards these nations due to their responses to international crises, illustrating a diverse range of stances compared to Western powers. An example of this is their varied responses to the geopolitical implications of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, where many countries opted to maintain diplomatic ties with Russia rather than take a definitive stance against it.

Many nations within the Global South have historically faced imperialism and colonization from Western powers, and they emphasize their sovereignty and national interests in contemporary geopolitics. Their relative cohesion is marked by a commitment to prioritizing mutual economic development and a stable international landscape over alignment with major power blocs such as the U.S. or China. This has allowed them to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics while avoiding pressures to take sides in conflicts between superpowers, fostering a unique position on the global stage.

The growing relevance of the Global South is further attributed to their collective economic weight and demographic significance, allowing them to assert more influence in international discussions on topics such as trade, climate change, and security. Their ability to unite on specific issues of mutual interest demonstrates their potential to shape global policy, challenging the historical dominance of developed nations by advocating for a multi-polar world where diverse voices and approaches are acknowledged and respected.