This book gives a new compelling meaning to the metaphor of ‘Global South’ against the background of the global political challenge to international order, driven not only through the BRICS grouping, but also by the activities of middle powers striving to alter the political status quo.

Expert contributors highlight the interplay between politics, economy, and security, offering insights into how the Global South perceives and responds to pivotal events like the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2008 Financial Crisis. They uncover how non-Western countries interpret and react to these turning points, and explore a diverse array of interests, values, and political behaviours often misunderstood in the West. The volume also examines whether initiatives from the Global South can reshape global governance institutions, influence the existing structures, and provide a historical and philosophical context to understand the continuities and changes in global governance.

Ideal for scholars and students, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the rise and influence of the Global South, BRICS, global governance, and the evolving international system.