By Kumari Krishna Indonesia became the first state in Southeast Asia to attain full membership in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) in early January 2025, and this membership became official on 6 January 2025 (Reuters, 2025; AP News, 2025) This is considered a milestone for Indonesia, making it important for Indonesia’s foreign policy because it aligns with Jakarta's adherence to multilateralism and the Global South, while also fulfilling Indonesia's "free and active" foreign policy(Antara News, 2025)...
Author: Global South Studies Series
Global South Studies Series (GSSS) is the Online Publication of Jindal Centre for the Global South (JCGS), a research centre affiliated to the School of International Affairs (JSIA) at O.P. Jindal Global University, Haryana-India.
Mapping Legal Landscapes: International and Domestic Laws Addressing Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C)
By Upali Sarkar While the global movement to endFemale Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) has gained significantmomentum, much of the discourse remains concentrated on Africa, where the practice is most prevalent and- deeply rooted in history...
When Culture Turns Violent: The Persistent Horror of Bride Kidnapping
By Rupika Goundla Girls as young as twelve are abducted by total strangers and forced into marriage under the guise of tradition. This practice of forcible marriage through kidnapping is known as ‘bride abduction’ and occurs in various countries, including South Africa, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Ethiopia...
China’s Digital Strategy: Technology and Influence in the Global South
By Riddhi Khajanchi With the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI), China has been exporting a range of AI technologies with the aim of promoting its governance model and extending its influence across numerous countries in the Global South. Rather than merely selling products, China is exporting AI-powered systems such as “Smart City” and “Safe City” projects, which employ cameras, sensors, and data to manage urban environments...
Social Media Surveillance in Brazil: Security Claims vs. Privacy Rights
By Marisha Chhikara In recent years, digital rights have become a central point of debate across the world, shaped by a central dilemma: how can governments ensure digital safety without undermining fundamental freedoms. Brazil, once praised for its rights-focused approach to internet governance, now shows how quickly this balance can shift due to political and security pressures...
Strengthening Global South Solidarity: Multilateralism, South-South Cooperation, and Global Governance Reform in an Era of Uncertainty
By Aryan Gupta Global challenges -from the COVID-19 pandemic and climate crises to conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza -have tested the resilience of developing nations (Group of 77 and China, 2023; UNCTAD, 2024; Young, 2024). In response, leaders of the Global South have called for deeper unity and more inclusive multilateralism to navigate these uncertainties (CFR, 2024; D. Jaishankar, as cited in Business Standard, 2025a; UNOSSC, 2024)...
Green for Whom? Extractivism and the Global Energy Transition in the Global South
By Anvita Tripathi As our planet turns green, electric cars swoosh quietly down European boulevards, solar panel farms cover Californian plains, and windmills spin along Scandinavian shores. This new world of renewable energy heralds deliverance from climate disaster.
Thailand–India Trade Relations: Trends and Strategic Prospects
By Aadityavikram Rana Thailand and India share a long history of civilizational, economic, and cultural linkages. In the modern era, these connections have evolved into strategic and commercial partnerships grounded in regional cooperation frameworks such as ASEAN, BIMSTEC, and the Mekong–Ganga Cooperation...
Thailand’s Rise through New Soft Power: The Global Reach of the BL Industry
By Aadityavikram Rana
The global order has shifted toward soft power as an equally vital complement to hard power in shaping international influence...
History of Southeast Asia and the Legacy of India
By Aadityavikram Rana
Southeast Asia is one of Asia’s most diverse and dynamic regions, encompassing the lands south of China, east of the Indian subcontinent, and northwest of Australia. It spans approximately 1.7 million square miles, or roughly 3% of Earth’s land area, and is home to over 675 million people, making it Asia’s third most populous region after South and East Asia.
Global South Studies Series 