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From the Tricontinental to the Global South: A Historical Journey of Solidarity and Resistance

Ryūnosuke Akutagawa

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Published in From The Tricontinental To The Global South: Race Radicalism And Transnational Solidarity

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The term "Global South" has become widely used in recent decades to refer to a group of countries that are generally considered to be developing or less economically advanced than those in the "Global North." However, the origins of this concept can be traced back to the 1950s and 1960s, when it was first used by anti-colonial and socialist movements to describe the common struggles of colonized and marginalized peoples.

From the Tricontinental to the Global South: Race, Radicalism, and Transnational Solidarity

by Joan C. Barker

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Language	:	English
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The Tricontinental: A Catalyst for Solidarity

The term "Tricontinental" was first coined in 1966 by Cuba's revolutionary leader, Fidel Castro. It referred to the three continents of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, which had all suffered under European colonialism and were now struggling to achieve independence and self-determination.

In 1966, the first Tricontinental Conference was held in Havana, Cuba. This conference brought together representatives from over 80 anti-colonial and socialist organizations from around the world. The conference issued a declaration that condemned imperialism and neocolonialism, and called for solidarity and unity among the peoples of the Tricontinental.

The Bandung Conference and the Non-Aligned Movement

Another important event in the development of the concept of the Global South was the Bandung Conference, which was held in Indonesia in 1955. This conference brought together 29 leaders from Asia and Africa, and it was one of the first major international events to be held outside of the United States and Europe.

The Bandung Conference issued a declaration that called for the end of colonialism and imperialism, and it also called for the creation of a new international economic order that would be more equitable for the developing countries.

The Bandung Conference also led to the creation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM),which was a group of countries that were not aligned with either the United States or the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The NAM became a major force in international politics, and it played a key role in promoting the interests of the developing countries.

The Global South in the 21st Century

The concept of the Global South has continued to evolve in the 21st century. Today, the Global South is often used to refer to a group of countries that are facing similar challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.

The Global South is also a major force in the global economy. The combined GDP of the Global South is now greater than the combined GDP of the Global North. However, the Global South still faces many challenges, and it is important to continue to work for a more just and equitable world.

The concept of the Global South has a long and rich history, dating back to the anti-colonial and socialist movements of the 1950s and 1960s. The term was first used to describe the common struggles of colonized and marginalized peoples, and it has since evolved to encompass a wider range of countries that are facing similar challenges.

Today, the Global South is a major force in the global economy. However, the Global South still faces many challenges, and it is important to continue to work for a more just and equitable world.