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GS
Concept

Global South

Collective term for developing nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America that assert independent foreign policy from Western blocs.

Last refreshed: 14 May 2026

Key Question

Why does the Global South matter in Iran?

Timeline for Global South

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Common Questions
What is the Global South?
Geopolitical grouping of developing and historically non-aligned states across Latin America, Africa, Asia, Oceania.Source: academic consensus
Why is Iran courting the Global South in 2026?
Tehran uses BRICS and G77 forums to build diplomatic counterweight to US sanctions and military pressure, surfaced via Araghchi at BRICS Delhi 14 May 2026.Source: Mehr News
Which states anchor the Global South diplomatically?
India, China, Brazil and South Africa anchor commercially; Iran, Russia and Venezuela use the bloc as Western counterweight.Source: BRICS membership
How does the Global South differ from Third World?
Global South emphasises political alignment over Cold War economic ranking; broader and less pejorative usage.Source: academic usage

Background

Iran has used Global South diplomatic forums, particularly BRICS, as a counter-weight to US unilateral pressure throughout the conflict. Araghchi's BRICS Delhi appearance on 14 May 2026 was the most direct play yet, with Deputy FM Bagheri Kani calling on BRICS to act against US aggression. India's balancing act between commercial pragmatism and bloc solidarity is the structural fault line being tested.