As U.S. tariffs reshape global trade dynamics, nations of the Global South are being called to reimagine globalization with equity at its core, argues Marcos Cordeiro Pires, a Brazilian expert in international political economy. In an exclusive interview with CGTN, the São Paulo State University professor emphasized that developing economies must counter protectionist policies by building cooperative frameworks prioritizing social justice and shared prosperity.
\"The current system disproportionately benefits wealthy nations,\" Pires stated, noting that 78% of global trade growth since 2020 has occurred among Global South partners. He highlighted initiatives like cross-border digital payment systems and renewable energy partnerships as evidence of emerging alternatives to Western-dominated institutions.
Key areas for collaboration include:
- Streamlining trade agreements bypassing the U.S. dollar
- Expanding BRICS+ alliance capabilities
- Developing climate-resilient infrastructure networks
This shift comes as Southeast Asian and African nations report 9.2% year-on-year growth in regional trade agreements signed without Western participation, per United Nations Conference on Trade and Development data.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
