Coronavirus and the Widening Global North-South Gap
Summary
The European Union (EU) has increasingly focused on engaging with the Global South amidst geopolitical tensions with the US and China, aiming to establish new alliances and diversify its international relations. However, the EU's policies and ambitions are often misaligned with the empirical understanding of the Global South's perspective.
A project conducted by Carnegie Europe and the Open Society European Policy Institute over 18 months explored the Global South's views on Europe's international role. This project, launched in 2020, was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting critical issues and dilemmas in the EU's relationship with the Global South.
Key Findings:
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Geopolitical Dynamics: The EU sought to fill a niche in international politics by engaging with the Global South, aiming to bolster multilateralism and diversify its diplomatic relationships. However, the EU's policies were often underpinned by a lack of empirical research on the Global South's perspectives.
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COVID-19 Response: The pandemic offered an opportunity for the EU to redefine donor-recipient relationships and demonstrate the value of multilateralism. However, the EU was perceived as pursuing more insular strategies, such as vaccine hoarding and opposition to vaccine waivers, rather than capitalizing on the chance to strengthen the Global South's resilience.
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Missed Opportunities: The EU's efforts to export vaccines and support the COVAX initiative were seen as positive steps, but subsequent missteps, whether accidental or deliberate, undermined the EU's credibility. This shortsighted approach exacerbated the gap between the EU and the Global South, particularly in terms of addressing structural economic and political imbalances.
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Geopolitical Tensions: The EU's efforts to promote international solidarity were overshadowed by geopolitical games involving the US, Europe, China, and Russia. This not only tarnished the West's image but also fueled resentment and frustration among the Global South.
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Recovery and Resilience: The pandemic highlighted the significant economic vulnerabilities of the Global South, particularly in relation to healthcare, education, and poverty reduction. The uneven recovery has widened the North-South gap.
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Opportunities for Reformation: Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for the EU to regain its standing and foster deeper partnerships with the Global South. By supporting initiatives like the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ACDC) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) efforts, the EU can contribute to building more equitable global partnerships.
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Future Engagement: The coming year offers key opportunities for the EU to correct course, such as discussions on patent waivers in the World Trade Organization (WTO), Indonesia's presidency of the G20, and the launch of the EU's Global Gateway initiative. These platforms provide chances for the EU to redefine its relationship with the Global South, emphasizing ambitious and creative forms of cooperation.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and exacerbated existing inequalities between the Global North and South, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the European Union. To effectively engage with the Global South, the EU must address its strategic misalignments, capitalize on new opportunities for cooperation, and work towards fostering more equal partnerships grounded in shared values and mutual benefit.
