Guest Lecture on ‘Reconceptualizing the Global South’ by Mr. Thomas Krippner, University of Tuebingen
The
Department of International Studies and History, CHRIST (Deemed to be University),
organised a Guest Lecture on ‘Reconceptualizing the Global South’ by Mr. Thomas
Krippner, University of Tuebingen on July 26,2019.
The
lecture began on an interesting note with Mr. Krippner demonstrating an upside
down world map, to question the dynamics of the terms ‘Global North’ and
‘Global South’. At the same time, it brought into perspective the excessive
importance imparted to the West. He raised a number of important questions
throughout the lecture, which questioned the importance and relevance of understanding
Global South in the contemporary times. The lecture highlighted the incorrect
practice of employing geographical dimensions for explaining other attributes
of the region, such as North being labelled as the developed region, and South
being the developing or undeveloped region. Thus, making the usage of the
terms, not merely geographical in nature, but extending it to social and
political dimensions as well. At the same time, the heavy influence of the
Western standards of industrialization boring on the terms, ‘development’,
‘Global South’, ‘Global North’ were brought into perspective.
The
lack of usage of the term ‘Global South’, apart from the academic field was
emphasized. And the connotation of ‘underdeveloped’ attached to the term
‘Global South’ was questioned, with the political and economic growth in countries
like India, China and Brazil. The lecture concluded with Mr. Krippner
emphasizing on alternatives, which could help in minimizing the distinctions
among nations and encourage a common form of identity.
The
lecture was followed by a constructive Q&A session, chaired by Dr.
Koiremba, wherein the students clarified their doubts regarding the relevance
of these developmental ‘labels’ and the difficulties in disassociating with
such labels. The session came to an end with Mr. Krippner being presented with
a vote of thanks.
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