In recent years, developing countries have demanded a stronger voice in global governance.
The BRIC mechanism, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa,
has become an increasingly vital platform for fostering unity and cooperation among global South countries.
Following its expansion in early 2024, BRICs will soon include nine additional partners,
including Indonesia, Belarus, Bolivia and Uganda, as of the beginning of 2025.
2025 also marks the 70th anniversary of the historic Bandun Conference.
So how has the Bandun spirit evolved in the global south?
How can these countries amplify their voices on the global stage?
And how long will it take before a truly multipolar world order emerge?
I sat down with Vijay Prashad in Shanghai to explore these questions and gain a better understanding of the evolving role of the global south in world affairs.
I started by asking him what the new mood signifies.
Making room for all opinions and seeing events from more than one side.
This is the point.
It's a mood because it's the first time we're listening to people, political leaders,
movements and so on in Asia, Africa, Latin America, saying that, you know what, we have ideas.
We don't need to take dictation from London or Washington or Paris.
You know, we don't need to be ventriloquist dummies.
You say something, we repeat it.
We have our own opinions.
And interestingly, when the conflict started in Ukraine or deepened in Ukraine,