The Faculty of Governance, Economics and Social Sciences will invite Professor Len Ishmael to lead the upcoming Dean’s Conference on Tuesday, February 10th. Professor Ishmael will explore how to navigate turbulence in the New South when established rules no longer apply.

Abstract : 

It hardly requires detailed analysis: the international system is in a profound crisis. There is a sense that the world is fragmenting into blocs around interests – if not values. The Western led liberal world order, its norms, values and institutions in place since WW11 are being contested, not only externally, but are being undermined and unraveled - from within. The recent flood of ‘America First’ policies and display of raw power politics have introduced new waves of systemic tension, creating fractures - not only within the western alliance - but also profound challenges to multilateral frameworks and development cooperation. All countries rich and poor, are affected. The current world order is said to be ‘in rupture.’ Predatory hegemonic deployment of power - is the name of the game. A new world order is taking shape the final contours of which are not yet visible. When the rules no longer apply – what protects the weak from those with might? To what extent has the recent period of crises (global pandemic, wars in Ukraine and Gaza) galvanized the South into taking actions to rebalance an international system long viewed as designed by the West – to serve its interests? How does the New South respond - in defense of its interests and the shaping of a new global governance architecture?