AIV calls for renewed cooperation with the Global South
image: NY Public Library via Unsplash
Countries in the Global South, including India, Indonesia, Brazil, and Nigeria, are gaining increasing influence in the world economy and in international decision-making. The Netherlands and Europe should strengthen ties with these countries to avoid being sidelined, according to the urgent advice of the Advisory Council on International Affairs (AIV).
According to the AIV, the influence of China and Russia in the Global South is growing rapidly. At the same time, as the United States withdraws from international treaties, there is a risk that the Netherlands and Europe could become trapped between China and the U.S. For this reason, they should strengthen their position through closer cooperation with the Global South.
In its advisory report 'The Netherlands, Europe and the Global South in a Changing World Order', the AIV argues that Europe must avoid double standards (e.g., Gaza and Ukraine) and support multilateral reforms. The AIV stresses that partnerships with countries in the South must be based on respect, investment in diplomacy and cultural exchanges, and fairer representation.
Recommendations of the council:
- Invest in diplomatic missions and strengthen international relations with selected partners in the South
- Reform international institutions and reinforce the multilateral system.
- Invest in academic and cultural exchanges to deepen relationships and better identify trends, opportunities, and risks.
- Develop innovative forms of cooperation to address concrete problems.
Anna-Alexandra Marhold, assistant professor of international economic law at the Grotius Centre, played a role in preparing the advice. She is part of the drafting group of the AIV’s Peace and Security Committee. The AIV seeks, through independent and carefully reasoned recommendations, to analyze and interpret current international developments, make suggestions for Dutch foreign policy, and thus contribute to the political and societal debate on international issues.