EDITORIAL

From Bandung to BRICS:
The forthcoming challenge for the Global South

The Bandung Conference was a manifestation of the worldwide revolutionary wave that rose in the post-World War II period with the demand for “independence of states, liberation of nations, revolution of peoples.” The Asian-African countries that came together against hegemonism in Bandung founded the Non-Aligned Movement with the Belgrade Summit in 1961. This initiative allowed the nations of the emerging world, then referred to as the Third World, to acquire significance worldwide. The influence of this transformative wave, coinciding with significant victories in the fight against colonialism in Asia and Africa, was seen all over the world. Third Worldism encompassed the sovereignty of nation-states and the pursuit of a populist, public-oriented system tipped toward socialism. During the subsequent period, the nation-states of the developing world confronted the assault of imperialism during the global surge of neoliberalism, unipolarity, and globalization in the 1990s.

The contemporary terrain is significantly distinct from both eras. In the imperialist states, a decline has commenced, whereas in developing nations, the pursuit of development based on their nation-states is producing favorable outcomes. The opportunities afforded by multipolarity in the international sphere have facilitated the advancement of nation-states. As emerging countries have freed themselves from imperialist domination, they have started to benefit from their relationships with one another as equal partners.

Through the Non-Aligned Movement, developing nations collaborated and learned from each other to resist hegemonism. Currently, the nations of the Global South are mobilizing to assert their national interests in opposition to the imperialist Global North. The North epitomizes a framework of disconnection from production and human need, alienation, individualism, racism, class and sexual discrimination, subjugation of emerging nations, and a neglect for humanity and nature in pursuit of private interest. Production, innovation, public interest, a public-driven economy, cohesion, equitable collaboration among nations, a just world, and the endeavor to create a nature- and human-centered system are emerging from the South.

In its 70th year, the fundamental demands of the Bandung Conference remain pertinent. Today, the national strengths and international conditions are more conducive for developing countries to attain these goals than they were 70 years ago. The imperative for Southern nations is to establish more sophisticated and institutionalized cooperative frameworks to counteract imperialism, which is detrimental to both humanity and nature.

FİKRET AKFIRAT
Editor-in-Chief

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BRIQ Vol.6 Issue:3

Contents

Abstract

Following its independence in July 1962, Algeria commenced the application of non-alignment principles by supporting liberation movements, primarily in Africa, to eradicateWestern colonialism. Algeria gradually sought to instill a new ethos in the Non-AlignmentMovement, transcending mere formal pronouncements and the politics of passive neutrality.Consequently, it advocated for the integration of this movement in addressing globalchallenges and urged the formation of a New International Economic Order (NIEO) toenable Global South nations to assert control over their natural resources, reduce economicreliance on foreign entities, and establish a just and equitable international financialsystem. The article examines the progression of Algeria’s non-alignment policy since theBandung Conference by analyzing its endeavors to attain political liberation for the southernhemisphere and its persistent efforts to reform the global economic system, perceived asharmful to developing nations' economic advancement and well-being. This revolutionaryethos, derived from the principles established at Bandung and evident in Algerian diplomaticconduct, warrants the recognition it truly merits.

Abstract

Whereas the Bandung Conference was a source of hope for humanity’s search for a new civilization, andthe Non-Aligned Movement was one of the initial stages of the road map to this civilization, today we arewitnessing the rise of a new civilization from Asia that constitutes an alternative to the imperialist systemin every sphere of life. The US offensive to destroy the national states of the developing world has led toa rediscovery of the importance of the “national state” as a key element of the Bandung spirit all over theworld. The US offensive triggered the resistance of national states and national armies. “Non-alignment,”which was a precondition for independence in the Oppressed and Developing World at the time of theBandung Conference, is no longer a decisive concept today. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization,BRICS, the Belt and Road Initiative, and related organizations and activities stand out as internationalformations in the developing world. The common characteristic of these formations is that the main factorthat unites and mobilizes the participating countries in the same direction is the common interests andgoals of the countries.

Abstract

During the Cold War, the intense confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union,as well as their competition for influence in the Third World, compelled newly independentcountries like Indonesia to seek closer cooperation. The structure of the international system,the nature of the newly independent states, and Sukarno’s own anti-imperialist and anti-colonialstance contributed to Indonesia’s support for the Asian-African Conference. In the process ofpreparing for and hosting the Asian-African Conference, Indonesia effectively capitalized on itsadvantageous position as the host country and adeptly overcame various challenges to ensurethe seamless progression of the conference. The Bandung spirit of “solidarity, friendship, andcooperation” established during the Asian-African Conference has served as a guiding principlefor Indonesia’s diplomatic endeavors. During the Sukarno and Suharto eras, Indonesia continuedto advance its anti-colonial cause; however, it increasingly became entangled in great powercompetition and resorted to military force in addressing the issues of Malaysia’s independenceand East Timor’s self-determination, thereby deviating from the principles upheld at the BandungConference. In the post-Suharto era, the Bandung spirit has returned as a guiding principle ofIndonesian foreign policy.

Abstract

The Asian-African Conference, referred to as the Bandung Conference, emerged as a beacon ofhope in a post-war world fraught with conflict between two political-ideological extremes, wherethe remnants of pre-war devastation remained and colonialism persisted. The Final Declarationof the Conference, ratified on April 24, 1955, is the essential text that influenced the frameworkof the post-colonial international community. The core tenets of the Final Declaration encompassthe eradication of colonialism, the sovereignty and parity of nations regardless of size, economicand cultural collaboration, resistance to racial discrimination, the right to self-determinationfor nations, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence. In the latter part of the 20th century,humanity significantly eradicated harsh colonialism, narrowed the disparity between small andlarge nations to a degree, and enhanced economic and cultural collaboration among developingcountries. In the latter half of the 20th century, the Bandung spirit, which originated the Non-Aligned Movement, is currently invigorating new regional organizations. Entities like BRICS,which challenge dollar supremacy and U.S. hegemony while advocating for a new internationalorder, along with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), focused on combating terrorismand extremism, and numerous regional organizations, both large and small, remain influenced bythe Bandung Spirit.

Abstract

The Bandung Conference, also known as the inaugural Asian-African Conference, took placein Bandung, Indonesia, in 1955. It was the first significant international assembly of Asian andAfrican nations to deliberate on the essential interests of their peoples without the involvementof colonial powers. From the standpoint of examining the diplomatic strategy frameworkof the People’s Republic of China during that period, the Bandung Conference representeda continuation and enhancement of China’s initiatives to manage and cultivate relationswith surrounding nations in the early 1950s. China’s active involvement in the meeting wasconsistent with Third World principles, advocating for solidarity, autonomy, and collaborationamong developing countries. This represents a significant aspect of New China’s pursuit of anautonomous diplomatic trajectory and constitutes a pivotal event that facilitated the transitionfrom the “Leaning to One Side” policy to the approach of seeking common ground while settingaside differences and promoting peaceful coexistence. Seventy years post-Bandung Conference,the Bandung Spirit—characterized by “unity, friendship, cooperation, peaceful coexistence, andthe pursuit of common ground while setting aside differences”—continues to exert a significantand lasting influence on the evolution of China’s diplomatic strategy.

Abstract

Gas hydrates, solid ice-like structures formed by water and methane molecules, are emerging asa critical future energy resource, offering abundant reserves of cleaner-burning methane. Thesereserves have the potential to enhance energy security, diversify energy portfolios, and supportthe transition from traditional hydrocarbons to more sustainable energy systems. Globally, nationssuch as Japan, China, the United States, India, South Korea, and Canada are leading research anddevelopment in gas hydrates, making substantial investments in advanced technologies and fieldtests. These efforts aim to overcome the significant technical and economic challenges currentlylimiting commercial-scale production. Türkiye’s proximity to significant gas hydrate deposits,particularly in the Black Sea, presents a notable strategic opportunity. It is imperative that Türkiyecapitalizes on this unique positioning by transforming these inherent advantages into long-termcompetitive strengths. The confirmed gas reserves in the Black Sea exemplifies such potential.

Abstract

**Translation: Ulaş Başar Gezgin
**Aveling, H. (2007). Indonesian literature after Reformasi: The tongues of women. Kritika Kultura, issue 8, pp. 9-53.

Abstract

**Translated from Turkish into English by BRIQ.
Edited by Hüseyin Haydar and Latif Bolat.