SOUTH-SOUTH COOPERATION (MAWDSLEY)

Flashcards on South-South Cooperation

South-South Cooperation (SSC) 3.0

The current phase of South–South Cooperation characterized by greater institutionalization, diversification of actors, and significant expansion in scale, reach, and ambition among Global South countries.

SSC 1.0

The initial phase of South-South Cooperation. Characterized by Third World-ist claims, was relatively less powerful as a geostrategic tool, and was largely neglected by mainstream and critical theorists of international development (early 1950s to late 1990s/early 2000s).

SSC 2.0

A period in which SSC boomed – in resource, visibility, ideational legitimacy (late 1990s/ early 2000s until about 2015).

IBSA, the BRICS, FOCAC, the IAFS

These are formal mechanisms of South-South Cooperation that facilitate dialogue and collaboration among emerging economies in the Global South.

Southernisation of ODA

The shift in Official Development Assistance (ODA) strategies to emphasize Southern countries' interests and perspectives, promoting greater autonomy and reciprocal exchanges in development cooperation.

Horizontality

A principle of South-South cooperation emphasizing equal partnerships and mutual benefits among developing countries, as opposed to a hierarchical approach.

What are some examples of Southern providers active in SSC 3.0?

China, India, Brazil, and Turkey are among the leading Southern providers implementing SSC through financial assistance, technical cooperation, and knowledge exchange.

What are the main challenges facing SSC 3.0 according to the article?

SSC 3.0 faces challenges such as managing increased complexity, ensuring accountability and transparency, balancing interests among diverse Southern partners, and aligning actions with development effectiveness principles.

How has the rise of new Southern donors affected traditional aid structures?

It has disrupted the traditional North–South aid paradigm by introducing alternative development models, challenging donor-recipient hierarchies, and promoting principles like horizontality and solidarity.

Why is institutionalization important for the future of SSC?

Institutionalization is crucial for SSC's future as it enhances coordination among Southern partners, manages growing complexities, fosters sustainability, and ensures that initiatives are aligned with development goals, ultimately leading to more effective and stable cooperation.

What does the article suggest to enhance the impact of SSC?

It advocates for stronger institutional frameworks, inclusive governance, alignment with international norms, and the development of shared metrics and peer-learning platforms.

Triangular Cooperation

A modality of development cooperation involving two or more Southern countries in partnership with a Northern donor or multilateral agency, blending SSC with traditional aid resources.

Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

A flagship infrastructure and development strategy led by China, cited in the article as a major example of South–South Cooperation 3.0. The BRI aims to enhance regional connectivity and economic integration/trade across Asia, Africa, and beyond, but raises concerns about transparency, debt sustainability, and geopolitical leverage within SSC frameworks.

China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA)

The agency responsible for overseeing China's foreign aid and development cooperation initiatives, aiming to enhance China's role in international development, particularly through South-South Cooperation.

Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC)

Brazil's official agency for international development cooperation, coordinating technical assistance programs and promoting horizontal partnerships with other Southern countries.