Global South

American  

[gloh-buhl sauth] / ˈgloʊ bəl ˈsaʊθ /

Or global south

noun

1. the low- or middle-income countries located in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania; Third World.

   The article argues that poverty in the Global South stems from European exploitation of its natural resources.

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Etymology

Origin of Global South

First recorded in 1965–70; not literally referring to the Southern Hemisphere, but continuing the 20th century contrasts between the wealthy industrial north and the poverty-stricken agricultural south, and probably beginning with Antonio Gramsci’s essay “The Southern Question” (1926), in which he argued southern Italy had, in effect, been colonized by capitalists from northern Italy

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Global South

But Signal does have support from some women's groups, often those from the Global South who use the app themselves.

From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026

Wang said Friday it was crucial for Beijing and Jakarta to "increase strategic communication, to deepen strategic coordination" as important representatives of the Global South.

From Barron's ● Aug. 21, 2026

Chinese policy advisers say doing so would alienate the Global South audience that has become central to Xi’s goal of reshaping the world order in Beijing’s favor.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 19, 2026

Scientists around the world, particularly in the Global South, will be able to access these resources through institutional portals and platforms such as GBIF, or request specimens for further study.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 27, 2026

"When India and Brazil work together, the voice of Global South becomes stronger and more confident."

From Barron's ● Feb. 21, 2026

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