Strengthen Global South Research, Gather the Mighty Force of the Global South

At present, the world’s changes unseen in a century are accelerating, profound adjustments are taking place in the global balance of power, and the collective rise of the Global South has become an irreversible historical trend. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized at the “BRICS Plus” Leaders’ Dialogue that “the common march of Global South countries toward modernization is a major event in world history and an unprecedented feat in the course of human civilization.” Strengthening research on the Global South helps to continuously enhance the voice and influence of the Global South, and is of great significance for gathering the mighty force of the Global South and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

当前，世界百年变局加速演进，全球力量对比发生深刻调整，全球南方群体性崛起成为不可逆转的历史潮流。习近平总书记在“金砖+”领导人对话会上强调，“全球南方国家共同迈向现代化是世界历史上一件大事，也是人类文明进程中史无前例的壮举”。加强全球南方研究，有助于持续提升全球南方的发言权和影响力，对于汇聚全球南方磅礴力量、推动构建人类命运共同体具有重要意义。

1. Research on the Global South Has Important Strategic Significance

1. 全球南方研究具有重要战略意义

General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “Looking around the world, the ‘Global South’ is growing in momentum and playing a pivotal role in advancing human progress.” Against this backdrop, strengthening research on the Global South undoubtedly has important strategic and global significance.

习近平总书记指出：“环顾世界，‘全球南方’声势卓然壮大，为推动人类进步发挥了举足轻重的作用。”在此背景下，加强全球南方研究，无疑具有重要的战略意义和世界意义。

It helps to promote common prosperity and consolidate the foundation for cooperation. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that “the ‘Global South’ rose for development and thrives through development.” In recent years, the economies of Global South countries have developed rapidly, the voice of the Global South has gradually expanded, and the Global South has already become an important engine of world economic growth. Economic cooperation is the ballast stone and propeller of relations between China and Global South countries. Global South countries share common topics in poverty reduction, improving people’s livelihoods, and forming new economic growth points. Only by deeply understanding and analyzing the current economic and social development status of Global South countries, and examining the pain points and difficulties in their economic and social development, can we broaden the scope of economic cooperation between China and Global South countries, deepen the level of such cooperation, advance trade and investment facilitation within the framework of South-South cooperation, and better carry out practical cooperation that benefits the Global South.

有助于促进共同繁荣，夯实合作基础。习近平总书记指出，“‘全球南方’为发展而起，因发展而兴”。近年来，全球南方国家经济发展迅速，全球南方声量逐渐扩大，全球南方已然成为世界经济增长的重要引擎。经济合作是中国与全球南方国家间关系的压舱石和推进器。全球南方国家在减贫、改善民生和形成新的经济增长点方面存在共同话题。唯有深入了解、分析全球南方国家的经济社会发展现状，勘验其经济社会发展的痛点、难点，才能拓宽中国与全球南方国家的经济合作广度，挖掘中国与全球南方国家的经济合作深度，在南南合作框架内推进贸易与投资便利化，更好开展造福全球南方的务实合作。

It helps to deepen exchanges on modernization experience and jointly advance modernization. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “Realizing modernization is an inalienable right of all countries.” After independence, Global South countries generally harbored the aspiration to achieve modernization, and the concepts and practices of Global South modernization exhibit distinctive traits different from Western modernization. First, researching the Global South helps to recognize the value of the Global South’s rise from the perspective of world history, providing an independent narrative system for Global South modernization. “After the end of the Second World War, third world countries represented by China and Africa successively achieved independence and development, continuously correcting historical injustices in the process of modernization.” The process of Global South modernization is also a process of advancing fairness and justice in human society. Second, researching the Global South helps to provide theoretical support for the exchange and mutual learning of experiences between Chinese-path modernization and Global South modernization. Third, researching the Global South helps to explore the risks and challenges faced by third world countries in the modernization process, while also deepening third world countries’ understanding of their own modernization, gathering the collective wisdom of the Global South, and jointly promoting the world modernization process.

有助于深化现代化经验交流，携手推进现代化。习近平总书记指出：“实现现代化是世界各国不可剥夺的权利。”全球南方国家在独立后普遍怀揣实现现代化的愿望，全球南方现代化的理念与实践呈现出不同于西方现代化的鲜明特质。其一，研究全球南方有助于从世界历史层面认识全球南方崛起的价值，为全球南方现代化提供独立自主的叙事体系。“第二次世界大战结束后，以中国和非洲为代表的第三世界国家相继实现独立和发展，不断纠正现代化进程中的历史不公。”全球南方现代化的进程也是推进人类社会公平正义的过程。其二，研究全球南方有助于为中国式现代化与全球南方现代化的经验交流互鉴提供理论支撑。其三，研究全球南方有助于探查第三世界国家在现代化进程中的风险和挑战，同时能够深化第三世界国家对自身现代化的认知，汇聚全球南方集体智慧，共同推动世界现代化进程。

It helps to maintain world peace and stability and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. First, researching the Global South can construct a structural understanding of world multipolarity. The collective rise of the Global South has brought about changes in the balance of power between East and West. This change is both a manifestation of world multipolarity and accelerates the process of world multipolarity. Research on the Global South helps to better understand and grasp the current world changes, providing academic support for China to handle complex international relations. Second, researching the Global South helps to deeply understand the driving forces behind changes in the international order and grasp the direction of world history. The collective rise of the Global South will inevitably be reflected in the international order and global governance. Research on the Global South is conducive to further expanding the voice and influence of Global South countries on agendas such as peace and stability, sustainable development, and climate change, helping the global governance system evolve in a more just and reasonable direction. Finally, researching the Global South is conducive to enhancing the awareness of a community with a shared future. Global South countries have large populations and diverse cultures, and share many similarities in historical experiences, development aspirations, and problems faced. In-depth research on the Global South helps to strengthen the awareness of a community with a shared future among Global South countries.

有助于维护世界和平与稳定，推动构建人类命运共同体。首先，研究全球南方能构筑起世界多极化的结构性认知。全球南方群体性崛起带来东西方力量对比的改变，这一变化既是世界多极化的体现，也加速了世界多极化的进程。全球南方研究有助于更好理解与把握当下世界变局，为我国处理纷繁复杂的国际关系提供学理支撑。其次，研究全球南方有助于深刻理解国际秩序变革的推动力量，把握世界历史的走向。全球南方群体性崛起，这一趋势必然在国际秩序和全球治理中体现出来。全球南方研究有利于进一步扩大全球南方国家在和平与稳定、可持续发展、气候变化等议程中的话语声量和影响力，助力全球治理体系朝着更加公正合理的方向演进。最后，研究全球南方有利于增强命运共同体意识。全球南方国家人口总量大、文化多样，在历史遭遇、发展诉求、面临问题上存在诸多相似之处，深入研究全球南方有利于增强全球南方的命运共同体意识。

2. The Depth and Breadth of Global South Research Need to Be Expanded

2. 全球南方研究的深度与广度有待拓展

Generally speaking, China’s research on the Global South has already achieved some “stock.” However, with the accelerated evolution of the world’s changes unseen in a century, existing research on the Global South has certain shortcomings. In terms of deepening research, China’s role and responsibilities, etc., there is an urgent need to achieve new research “increments.”

从总体上说，我国的全球南方研究已经取得了一些“存量”。但随着世界百年未有之大变局加速演进，已有的全球南方研究存在一定不足，在研究深度拓展、中国角色与担当等方面，亟须实现新的研究“增量”。

Research on the Global South has already yielded considerable results. This is mainly reflected in the interpretation of the concept of the “Global South,” studies on the “Global South” views of different regions and countries, and the construction of “Global South” discourse and communication systems. First, research on the interpretation of the concept of the “Global South” mainly includes tracing the origins of this concept, general definitions, and reviews of related studies. Second, research on “Global South” views is a relatively popular direction in Global South studies. A “Global South” view is a country’s overall understanding of the Global South and its own position and role within it. This research direction generally explores the impact of a specific country’s “Global South” view on its policies. Currently, there are many research results on the “Global South” views of relatively active actors in the field of international relations; comparative studies of “Global South” views have also produced a certain number of research results. Finally, the construction of “Global South” discourse and communication systems also occupies a place in Global South studies. Research on “Global South” discourse is mainly manifested in the transcendence of Western discourse by “Global South” discourse, while the construction of “Global South” discourse communication systems is manifested in the combination of journalism and area studies.

全球南方研究已有较为可观的成果。主要体现在“全球南方”概念的阐释、不同地区和国家的“全球南方”观研究、“全球南方”话语和传播体系构建等方面。首先，关于“全球南方”概念阐释的研究，主要体现在对这一概念的溯源研究、一般性定义以及对相关研究的综述等。其次，“全球南方”观研究是全球南方研究中较为热门的研究方向。“全球南方”观是一个国家对全球南方的整体性认识以及自身在全球南方中地位和作用的认识。这一研究方向一般探讨特定国家的“全球南方”观对其政策的影响。目前，对在国际关系场域中较为活跃的国际关系行为主体的“全球南方”观，有较多的研究成果；“全球南方”观的对比研究也产生了一定数量的研究成果。最后，“全球南方”话语和传播体系构建在全球南方研究中也占据一席之地。“全球南方”话语研究主要表现为“全球南方”话语对西方话语的超越，“全球南方”话语的传播体系构建则表现为新闻学与区域国别研究的结合。

The depth of Global South research needs to be explored. This is mainly reflected in the fact that research on the significance of the Global South’s rise is concentrated on changes in the international order and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Other dimensions of the significance of the Global South’s rise need to be elucidated by the academic community, and how the representativeness of the Global South is embodied needs to be clarified. At the same time, the academic community needs to conduct systematic research on the challenges faced by the Global South, such as challenges in the digital economy and artificial intelligence. Research results on these issues are few and scattered, and ideas for the Global South to address these challenges need to be systematized and structured. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation that “in the next three years, China is ready to work with Africa to implement ten partnership actions for jointly advancing modernization, deepen China-Africa cooperation, and lead Global South modernization.” Focusing on the practical needs of China and Africa jointly advancing modernization, he solemnly announced a series of major measures for China and Africa to jointly pursue the dream of modernization, opening a new chapter in China and Africa jointly pursuing the dream of modernization and leading Global South modernization. However, currently, academic research on “Global South modernization” is still relatively lagging behind, and the details of “Global South modernization” need to be further explored and expanded.

全球南方研究的深度有待挖掘。主要体现在，全球南方崛起的意义研究集中在国际秩序的变革和人类命运共同体的构建，学界对全球南方崛起的其他意义维度有待阐发，全球南方的代表性如何体现有待明晰。同时，学界对全球南方面临的挑战需进行系统化研究，如全球南方面临的数字经济、人工智能等挑战，针对这些问题的研究成果较少而且较为零散，全球南方应对挑战的思路有待系统化、体系化。习近平总书记在中非合作论坛北京峰会开幕式上指出，“未来3年，中方愿同非方开展中非携手推进现代化十大伙伴行动，深化中非合作，引领全球南方现代化”，着眼中非携手推进现代化的现实需要，郑重宣布中非携手推进现代化的一系列重大举措，开启了中非共逐现代化之梦、引领全球南方现代化的新篇章。但目前学界对“全球南方现代化”的研究仍相对滞后，“全球南方现代化”的细节问题有待深耕和扩容。

3. Contributing Academic Strength to Gathering the Joint Force of the Global South

3. 为汇聚全球南方合力贡献学术力量

The collective rise of the Global South has become an irreversible historical trend, but at the same time, it must be recognized that the road to revitalization for the Global South is destined to be uneven. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that “no matter how the international situation changes, China will always keep the ‘Global South’ in its heart and take root in the ‘Global South’,” and “gather the mighty force of the ‘Global South’ to jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.” Vigorously advancing research on the Global South helps to respond to the international community’s concerns about China’s development and can also provide theoretical references for China to formulate foreign policies oriented toward the Global South.

全球南方群体性崛起成为不可逆转的历史潮流，但同时要看到，全球南方振兴之路注定不会平坦。习近平总书记强调，“无论国际形势如何变化，中国始终心系‘全球南方’、扎根‘全球南方’”，“汇聚‘全球南方’磅礴力量，共同推动构建人类命运共同体”。大力推进全球南方研究，有助于回应国际社会对中国发展的关切，也能够为中国制定面向全球南方的外交政策提供理论参考。

Grasp the dialectical relationship between particularity and universality. First, grasp the internal differences among Global South countries. Global South countries span multiple geographical units, with significant differences in politics, economy, culture, and other aspects. Conducting in-depth analysis of the politics, economy, and culture of Global South countries is an inherent requirement of Global South research. Regional and country-specific studies should be strengthened, the characteristics of Global South countries should be analyzed in depth, entry points for cooperation between China and other Global South countries should be sought, and bilateral relations between China and other Global South countries should be enhanced. Second, grasp the commonalities among Global South countries. Global South countries share common topics on the agenda of seeking international fairness and justice and opposing colonialism, and share common goals on the agenda of seeking economic and social development. The common memories, common cultures, and common goals among Global South countries should be sorted out and systematically explained, providing a theoretical basis for uniting the vast number of Global South countries. Third, correctly grasp the inherent unity of particularity and universality. On the one hand, the differences among Global South countries are the premise for South-South cooperation and exchange and mutual learning; research on the subdivided fields of each country should be done well to provide intellectual support for bilateral cooperation. On the other hand, the universality of Global South countries is the organic combination of their differences; the Global South as a whole is precisely the systematic condensation of Global South countries. Research on the Global South as a whole should be done well to gather the combined force of the Global South for self-strengthening through unity.

把握个性与共性之间的辩证关系。一是把握全球南方国家之间的内在差异。全球南方国家跨越多个地理单元，政治、经济、文化等方面差异显著。对全球南方国家的政治、经济、文化等进行深入分析是全球南方研究的内在要求。应加强区域国别研究，深入分析全球南方国家的特点，寻找中国与其他全球南方国家合作的切入点，加强中国与其他全球南方国家的双边关系。二是把握全球南方国家之间的共同点。全球南方国家在谋求国际公平正义、反殖民主义的议程上拥有共同话题，在寻求经济社会发展议题上拥有共同目标。应做好全球南方国家间共同记忆、共同文化、共同目标的梳理和系统化阐释，为团结广大全球南方国家提供理论基础。三是正确把握个性与共性的内在统一关系。一方面，全球南方国家的差异性是南南合作和交流互鉴的前提，应做好各个国家的细分领域研究，为双边合作提供智力支持；另一方面，全球南方国家的普遍性是差异性的有机组合，作为整体的全球南方正是全球南方国家的系统凝结，应做好作为整体的全球南方研究，汇聚全球南方联合自强的合力。

Provide intellectual support for interaction between China and Global South countries. First, seek a foothold, that is, the construction of China's role in the Global South. For example, how should China safeguard the common interests of Global South countries, how should it promote bridging contradictions and differences among Global South countries, and so on. Second, seek a focal point, that is, the construction of China's functions and responsibilities in the Global South. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, "With unyielding will, the courage to be the first, and the strategy to recognize and respond to changes, build the BRICS into the main channel for promoting the unity and cooperation of the 'Global South' and a vanguard force for promoting global governance reform." [6]6 Xi Jinping, "Gathering the Mighty Force of the Global South to Jointly Build a Beautiful World," speech at the 16th BRICS Summit, October 23, 2024. This important exposition provides directional guidance for the construction of a normalized cooperation mechanism for the Global South and the establishment of long-term development goals. Thus, what capabilities China should possess and what responsibilities it should bear when the Global South jointly responds to external challenges are worthy of in-depth study. Third, seek a point of focus, that is, the construction of China's practical path in Global South cooperation. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, "China and Africa jointly pursuing the dream of modernization will surely set off a wave of Global South modernization and write a new chapter in building a community with a shared future for mankind." [7]7 Xi Jinping, "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future," keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, September 5, 2024. How to promote Global South cooperation, enhance the level of global governance, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind should become the focus direction of future research.

为中国与全球南方国家间的互动提供智力支持。一是寻求立足点，即中国在全球南方中的角色构建。例如，中国应如何维护全球南方国家的共同利益，如何推动弥合全球南方国家间的矛盾与分歧，等等。二是寻求着眼点，即中国在全球南方中的职能和职责构建。习近平总书记指出，“以坚韧不拔之志、敢为人先之勇、识变应变之谋，把金砖打造成促进‘全球南方’团结合作的主要渠道、推动全球治理变革的先锋力量”。这一重要论述为全球南方常态化合作机制的构建以及长远性发展目标的确立，提供了方向性指引。由此，中国在全球南方共同应对外部挑战时应具备什么样的能力，承担哪些责任，值得深入研究。三是寻求着力点，即中国在全球南方合作中的实践路径构建。习近平总书记指出：“中非共逐现代化之梦，必将掀起全球南方现代化热潮，谱写构建人类命运共同体的崭新篇章。”如何促进全球南方合作，提升全球治理水平，推动构建人类命运共同体，应当成为未来研究的着力方向。

Actively cultivate the endogenous driving force of Global South research. On the one hand, the guiding and directional role of policies should be strengthened. Scholars should be encouraged to participate in national foreign research projects, and the adjustment and adaptation of academic research and policy guidance should be done well, forming a situation of "posting a list" and "taking on the challenge"; [8]8 "Posting a list" (张出榜来) and "taking on the challenge" (揭榜挂帅) are Chinese idioms used to describe a competitive, open mechanism for assigning research tasks, where the government or an institution publicly announces a project (posts a list) and qualified individuals or teams compete to undertake it (take on the challenge). a balance between long-duration projects and research on sudden events should be achieved, scholars should be encouraged to delve deeply into the subdivided fields of Global South countries, and Global South countries should be guided to steadily advance towards sustainable development goals; efforts should be concentrated in the fields of digital economy and artificial intelligence, promoting global scientific and technological innovation achievements to benefit the Global South more. On the other hand, the cultivation of research talent should be done well. Field surveys should be actively promoted, the normalization of the mechanism for stationing small-language talent abroad should be encouraged, and the team of language talent should be expanded; Global South research centers should be well established, attracting multidisciplinary talent to conduct comprehensive research on the Global South; a "government-think tank-university" talent cultivation linkage mechanism should be created, and scientific research institutions should be encouraged to strengthen foreign exchanges and transmit China's voice.

积极培育全球南方研究的内生动力。一方面，应强化政策的引领性、导向性。鼓励学者参与国家对外研究项目，做好学术研究与政策引领的调整和适配，形成“张出榜来”“揭榜挂帅”的局面；做好长时效项目和突发事件研究的平衡，鼓励学者深耕全球南方国家的细分领域，引导全球南方国家向可持续发展目标稳步迈进；在数字经济、人工智能领域集中发力，推动全球科技创新成果更多惠及全球南方。另一方面，应做好研究人才培养工作。积极推广田野调查，鼓励小语种人才驻外机制常态化，扩大语言人才队伍；建设好全球南方研究中心，吸纳多学科人才开展全球南方的综合研究；打造“政府—智库—高校”人才培育联动机制，鼓励科研机构加强对外交流，传递中国声音。

(Author: Xu Yanling, Professor at the School of Marxism, Shandong University)

（作者：徐艳玲，系山东大学马克思主义学院教授）

Online Editor: Tongxin

网络编辑：同心