RW Johnson – Hypocrisy abounds in unresolved contradictions on “Global South”, “NAM” bluster
In this article, RW Johnson critically examines the contemporary relevance and contradictions surrounding the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the broader concept of the "Global South." Focusing on President Ramaphosa's decision to attend the NAM conference in Uganda, Johnson traces the historical origins of NAM, which emerged in 1961 with a focus on neutrality during the Cold War. However, the author highlights the tumultuous fates of its founding members, such as Sukarno, Nkrumah, Tito, Nasser, and Nehru. Johnson argues that NAM's original purpose, rooted in anti-colonialism and non-alignment, has become increasingly unclear in the post-Cold War era. He points out the inherent contradictions within NAM, including the lack of emphasis on democracy and the coexistence of members with conflicting interests and conflicts. The term "Global South" is criticised for its vagueness, allowing countries to simultaneously criticise the West while accepting aid. Johnson concludes that NAM's unresolved contradictions persist, reflecting the vacuity of the "Global South" notion. Johnson, provides a historical perspective to underscore the challenges and inconsistencies associated with these geopolitical concepts.
Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here.
By RW Johnson
 President Ramaphosa's decision to attend the 19th conference of the Non-Aligned Movement in Uganda is, we are told, in line with South Africa's role as a member of "the Global South" which is the latest and not very satisfactory euphemism for poor countries. Both India and China lie in the Northern Hemisphere, after all, as do a large number of other developing countries. But the larger question is what does NAM/the Global South stand for ?
___STEADY_PAYWALL___