Abstract

In recent years, it has become apparent that South-South economic relations are increasing, and will continue to do so. There will be more trade agreements and more trade, more economic alliances and more political alliances with economic goals, more investment flows and an increasing acknowledgement that the Global South has more to offer than it has in the past. These new economics relations have great potential, both for harm and for good. In the absence of directed policies and intentional actors, imbalances of power and growing gaps in development will persist. With the right policies in place, however, these relationships could forge a new global order with greater economic and political equality. Covering a wide range of topics, including regional trade integration in Africa, the environmental impact of increased South-South trade, the changing patterns of South-South investment, and the effect of conflict on trade in South Asia, this ground-breaking volume presents an analysis of South-South economic relations, and how they might impact and be impacted by the rest of the world.
Adil Najam is the vice chancellor of the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Pakistan. Until 2011 he was the Frederick S. Pardee professor of global public policy at Boston University and the director of the Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future. Professor Najam was a lead author for the Third and Fourth Assessment Reports of the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC), work for which the IPCC was awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. In 2009 he was selected by the United Nations secretary-general to serve on the UN Committee on Development (CDP). In 2010, he was awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civil awards, and in 2011 he was elected as a trustee of WWF-International. Rachel Thrasher is a research fellow in the Frederick S. Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future at Boston University.
'South-South relations will no doubt be a major driver of global change in the twenty-first century. This volume, delving deep into the motives driving these relations, their intended and unintended consequences, and the diversity of arrangements that are emerging, is a rich collection of insights that raises many questions for a future research agenda.' Sakiko Fukuda-Parr, Professor of International Affairs, The New School 'As the Northern economic engine falters, South-South economic relationships are becoming increasingly significant for the development prospects of poor countries. This important collection is therefore extremely timely. It provides a comprehensive and subtle analysis of burgeoning S-S links within and between regions, pointing to effects (both positive and negative) on the major players as well as the less developed countries, in relation to patterns of development and environmental matters. The book provides a range of extremely useful empirical material on this complex and highly relevant issue.' Professor Frances Stewart, University of Oxford 'This comprehensive collection of compelling analytical contributions from North and South paints a broad canvas of critical issues in South-South cooperation. By openly addressing growing imbalances and conflicting interests among developing countries, the volume helps to demystify Southern cooperation as panacea to an unjust global economy. But going beyond the rhetoric of solidarity, the publication informs scholars as well as policy-makers about the significant potential of South-South interactions for inclusive sustainable development if policy frameworks and market incentives are adequately designed.' Dr Thomas Fues, German Development Institute 'This book is both important and timely, as it highlights some new compulsions for greater South-South cooperation: growing disillusionment with multilateral trade negotiations, shrinking markets in the North following the 2008 financial crisis and a younger and more dynamic workforce compared to an ageing population in the North. It also identifies the obstacles that must be overcome to realize the full potential of South-South cooperation and build an alternative global trade regime that is more resilient, inclusive and sustainable.' Sartaj Aziz, Former Finance and Foreign Minister to Pakistan 'Congratulations to Adil Najam and Rachel Thrasher. This is a major new addition to global knowledge about the important topic of South-South economic relations. The subjects covered deal with critical questions around development, international relations, political science and environmental sustainability, which are made accessible through applied regional and country case studies. Bringing together a diverse range of authors, this volume will be welcomed by students, practitioners and policymakers alike, looking for a clear and concise overview of key issues and challenges facing the world today.' Jeni Klugman, Director of Gender and Development, The World Bank, Washington DC, and Former Director of the Global Human Development Report (2009-11), UNDP 'An excellent book if you wish to catch-up on the emerging dynamics of South-South cooperation, plus learn about the new challenges and limitations that this model faces in the realm of trade, investment and economic cooperation when today's markets are expected to prevail over several other considerations.' Sachin Chaturvedi, Senior Fellow, Research and Information System for Developing Countries