Where is global power shifting? US, China and the Global South: Fractures Session 1

About this Video

• Video Title: Where is global power shifting? US, China and the Global South: Fractures Session 1
• Channel: Transnational Institute
• Speakers: Sean Macheza, Aziz Rana, Achin Vanaik, Ho-fung Hung, Luciana Vioto, Nick Buckton, Jess (Zoom Moderator), Tyler Jenner
• Duration: 01:30:12

Introduction

This video is the first session of an eight-week Transnational Institute teaching series called "Fractures." The series aims to analyze the shifting global power dynamics, specifically focusing on the impacts of the United States' turn toward reactionary nationalism, China's economic rise, and the implications for the Global South. The initial session features a panel discussion with leading thinkers who offer their perspectives on these complex issues.

Key Takeaways

• The decline of the neoliberal US-led global order: The panelists agree that the neoliberal order is breaking down, creating uncertainty and instability. This is partly due to the 2008 financial crisis and the rise of right-wing populism.
• The US's shift to reactionary nationalism: The panelists discuss the US's turn toward reactionary nationalism, viewing it as a deeply concerning development with potential for global consequences, but also noting that this isn't a universally popular stance within the US.
• China's economic ascendancy and its impact: China's economic growth is identified as a significant factor shaping the current geopolitical landscape. Its rise is viewed as both a catalyst for and a response to the shifting global order, impacting the US and the Global South.
• The complexities of the Global South's response: The Global South's response to these shifts is analyzed as fragmented and non-unified. Individual nations often prioritize their own economic and political interests, hindering collective action for progressive change.
• The need for progressive, transnational movements: The panelists emphasize the crucial need for grassroots movements to build power and advocate for alternative visions of a just and equitable global order, recognizing the limitations of national-level actions alone.