The present study reassesses the limits of the Global South’s definition to account for contemporary global realities. In this regard, the research is situated primarily within a relational and postcolonial tradition, while also drawing on critical political economy. The article argues that, despite the historical significance of the Global North/Global South division, its re-examination has become imperative from a social science perspective in order to render visible various forms of unequal power relations and the marginalisation of social groups and populations that spatially belong to already ‘privileged’ frameworks. In this context, the paper introduces the term ‘Virtual Global South’ (‘VGS’) as a conceptual extension of the Global South, aiming to broaden its analytical reach beyond strict geopolitical boundaries. The term ‘VGS’ is employed to denote a mode of existence defined by its operative effects rather than by formal or official recognition. The article proposes a historical genealogy of the Global North/Global South distinction, followed by a brief overview of existing critiques of this dichotomy, in dialogue with the author’s critical position. Finally, it explores how the current classification criteria of the Global South can be revised to accommodate the concept of the ‘VGS’. Mediterranean Europe is examined as an illustrative case, insofar as during and after the 2008 economic crisis, there appeared narratives and representations that echoed structures and vocabulary of (neo)colonial character. The analysis moves beyond the level of the nation-state as the sole analytical unit, allowing for the examination of specific subnational regions.

Authors:
Maria Nefeli Giannia, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Germany

About the Presenter(s)
Ms Maria Nefeli GIANNIA is currently a postgraduate student in Cultures of the Global South in Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen in Germany. She is currently on her year abroad in University of Paris 8 | Vincennes - Saint-Denis in France.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

Bookmark