Heine Urges Global South: Embrace Active Non-Alignment

In his recent blog post for The Oxford Martin Programme on Changing Global Orders, Ambassador Jorge Heine, Research Professor at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies and Interim Director of the Frederick S. Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future, explored the rising significance of Active Non-Alignment (ANA) amidst shifting global dynamics. He highlighted the reactions across Africa, Asia, and Latin America to Israel’s actions in Gaza, showcasing a deepening divide between the West and the Global South. The increasing isolation of Israel and the United States on the global stage underscores the urgency for nations of the Global South to assert their stance in international affairs.

Heine drew attention to South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), criticizing Western powers’ contrasting attitudes towards conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. He highlighted the limitations of the Western narrative on human rights, emphasizing its selective application based on geopolitical interests.

Against the backdrop of geopolitical transformations, Heine underscored the rise of the Global South and the need for a redefined foreign policy approach. He introduced Active Non-Alignment (ANA) as a pragmatic response, building upon the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement while adapting to contemporary realities.

ANA advocates for prioritizing national interests and resisting pressures from Great Powers, offering countries in the Global South a pathway to assert their autonomy on the international stage. Heine illustrated ANA’s applicability beyond Latin America, citing instances of its adoption in Africa and Asia, particularly in response to external pressures such as the conflict in Ukraine.

He emphasized ANA’s proactive nature, highlighting examples like Brazil’s diplomatic initiatives under President Lula da Silva. He concluded by asserting ANA as a vital tool for navigating the complexities of global politics, safeguarding the interests of the Global South against external pressures and conflicts.

Heine’s insights shed light on the evolving dynamics of global governance, urging countries of the Global South to embrace ANA as a guiding principle in shaping their foreign policies in a rapidly changing world order.   The full post can be accessed here.