The 2025 G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, brought a renewed focus on how global economics is shifting under changing power dynamics. With the United States notably absent, the Global South took the spotlight—signaling that emerging economies are ready to shape the rules of engagement. 🌍
For decades, growth has hinged on the idea that capital, technology, and labor can cross borders freely. From the 1990s boom in global trade to the rise of manufacturing hubs across the Chinese mainland, this flow powered convergence and development. 🚀
Today, key Western economies are pulling back from openness, putting that premise to the test. Economists admit there’s no recent blueprint for this kind of “reverse globalization,” leaving big questions on the table: what happens when major players start closing doors?
Meanwhile, the Chinese mainland and many rising markets continue to champion openness. Along with peers in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, they’re asking: Can countries that haven’t industrialized yet still follow the same growth path, or is a new model needed for shared prosperity?
For young professionals across South and Southeast Asia, these debates are more than theory. Whether it’s securing cross-border projects, tapping into global tech communities, or attracting investments, the future of mobility could reshape careers and opportunities.
One thing’s clear: the Global South is rewriting the global rulebook. As alliances shift and new frameworks emerge, stay tuned—this new chapter in economic history could define your next big move. 🔥
Reference(s):
G20 South Africa: The Global South's response to a shifting world
cgtn.com
