Global Southing

How the Global South Calls the Shots | Dr. Shaojin Chai

Soft power is changing, and the Global South is becoming a bigger part of that shift. In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Dr. Shaojin Chai from Education Without Borders International about how culture, language, tourism, sports, religion, and media shape influence beyond politics and economics. The conversation explores how the Global South can use its cultural depth, diversity, and lived experience to build a stronger global presence. Dr. Chai also reflects on South-South cooperation, social media, misinformation, and why authentic cultural influence may become one of the region’s strongest tools in shaping future global narratives. Tune in to learn: → Why soft power from the Global South is based on attraction, not dominance → How culture, language, and identity shape global perception → Why diversity in storytelling is becoming essential in global narratives → How film, media, and cultural industries are expanding Global South influence → The role of language diplomacy and why English still dominates communication → How tourism and real-world experience can challenge media bias → Why sports, religion, and cultural exchange play a role in diplomacy → How social media is shifting narrative control away from traditional power centers → What South-South cooperation really looks like beyond political forums → Why the future of soft power depends on authenticity and pluralism Key Moments 00:00 Introduction to soft power and the Global South 01:03 Introducing Dr. Shaojin Chai 03:14 Redefining soft power beyond military and economic strength 05:02 How the Global South brings a more authentic cultural perspective 08:30 Language diplomacy and the Confucius Institute model 10:54 Bollywood, Nollywood, and the spread of cultural influence 17:26 Language as strategy, partnership, and business tool 21:27 Tourism and changing global perceptions 26:25 Sports diplomacy and global image building 37:02 Soft power, smart power, and global conflicts Follow Global Southing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-southing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalsouthing/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globalsouthing Watch to full episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/-1Oaw-ykGZU?si=aobaTyRUzDDl5y1d

How the Global South Is Reclaiming Media Power | Hind Khlaifat

As media power continues to shift, the Global South is no longer just part of the conversation. It is becoming central to how the world tells its stories. In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Hind Khlaifat, General Manager of Deraya Speakers, about the role of storytelling, media leadership, and cultural identity in shaping a more authentic global narrative. The conversation explores how voices from the Global South have long been underrepresented in global media, despite representing the majority of the world’s population. Hind reflects on why authenticity, dignity, and rooted storytelling matter more than ever, and why media from the Global South should not be seen as an alternative, but as an essential part of the full picture. This episode also looks at how digital platforms, youth audiences, and changing content habits are opening new opportunities for creators, journalists, and communicators across the Global South. From classical journalism to social media, from cultural memory to diaspora connection, the discussion asks what it takes to create media that is not just visible, but meaningful. Tune in to learn: → Why the Global South remains underrepresented in global media narratives → How authenticity and human dignity can shape stronger storytelling → Why cultural identity is one of the biggest strengths in content creation → How media from the Global South can connect communities across the diaspora → What digital platforms are changing for storytellers, journalists, and creators → Why not every creator needs to chase trends to make an impact → How to think about media influence beyond virality and numbers → What young spokespersons and future media leaders need to build confidence and presence Key Moments 00:00 Introduction to media power, digital growth, and who gets to tell Global South stories 01:34 Introducing Hind Khlaifat and the conversation on media leadership 02:00 The roots of Global South storytelling and how identity shapes narrative 04:01 Why media imbalance still exists and how it can begin to shift 05:50 Why authenticity and quality matter in correcting unfair narratives 08:01 Journalism, simplicity, and creating from values rather than numbers 10:00 Can authentic content compete in the digital age? 12:09 The role of culture, tradition, and storytelling in global media 14:29 How media can connect diaspora communities through identity and human values 16:12 Trends, shallow content, and why chasing the crowd is not the only path 18:03 What “media immunity” means in an age of content overload 19:13 Digital platforms and whether they help Global South stories travel further 21:22 Advice for young speakers, media professionals, and future leaders 23:57 Why Global South media is essential to telling the full story of our time

Can the Global South Lead the Future of Farming?

As climate pressure intensifies and food security becomes a growing global concern, modern farming is no longer a niche conversation. It is becoming a strategic necessity. In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Mahdi Alhindawi, CEO of ENJAZPONI, about how vertical farming, hydroponics, and agricultural innovation can reshape the future of food production, especially across the Global South. The conversation explores how soilless farming can reduce water use, expand cultivation in arid environments, and open new possibilities for climate-smart agriculture. Mahdi also shares how advances in AI, robotics, glass technology, and seed development are pushing farming into a new era, one where countries once limited by land, water, or weather may be able to build stronger food systems and even move toward surplus production. This episode also looks at the wider ecosystem needed to make that future possible, from government support and private sector investment to youth engagement, education, and cross-border collaboration. Tune in to learn: → Why vertical farming is becoming a serious solution for food security → How hydroponics can reduce water use and support farming in arid regions → Why modern farming is gaining momentum after climate change and COVID-era supply chain shocks → How AI, sensors, robotics, and drones are changing the future of agriculture → The role of glasshouse innovation and solar power in making vertical farming more efficient → Why seed innovation will become increasingly important for local food systems → How modern farming could create new opportunities for youth and future job markets → Why education, policy support, and public-private collaboration are critical to scaling agricultural innovation Key Moments 00:00 Introduction to modern farming, food security, and agricultural innovation 01:45 Why vertical farming matters for uncultivated and water-scarce regions 07:10 Why food security gained urgency after COVID and climate disruption 08:35 Water savings, year-round crops, and the broader benefits of hydroponics 09:20 AI, IoT, drones, and robotics in the future of farming 13:00 The race toward organic hydroponics and future export potential 15:05 How modern farming could reshape jobs and attract younger generations 20:20 Seed innovation, localization, and climate adaptation 29:35 Is vertical farming climate-smart agriculture? 33:15 The role of government, policy support, and stakeholders Follow Global Southing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-southing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalsouthing/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globalsouthing Follow the guest Mahdi Alhindawi https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahdi-alhindawi-91812649/

The Middle East Conflict and the Global South Response

Escalating tensions between Iran, the United States, Israel, and regional powers are reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. What began as targeted military strikes is quickly evolving into a confrontation with global implications for security, energy markets, and international diplomacy. In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Dr. Dania Koleilat Khatib, expert on U.S.–Gulf relations and President of the Research Center for Cooperation and Peace Building, about what this escalating conflict means for the Middle East and the Global South. The conversation examines the legality of preemptive strikes, the economic consequences of rising oil prices and disrupted trade routes, and the broader geopolitical tensions driving the crisis. Dr. Khatib also discusses shifting alliances, the limits of diplomacy, and how countries in the Global South are reassessing their political and economic strategies in an increasingly multipolar world. Tune in to learn: → Why the current Middle East escalation has global economic consequences → The legal and geopolitical debates surrounding preemptive military strikes → How disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could affect global trade and energy markets → Why oil prices are becoming a central geopolitical pressure point → The potential refugee and humanitarian consequences of regional instability → How Gulf countries are reassessing their security alliances → The growing push among Global South nations to reduce dependence on Western financial systems → Why new regional security architectures may reshape the future of Middle Eastern diplomacy Key Moments 00:00 Introduction and the escalating Middle East crisis 01:30 The legality of the strikes and the geopolitical context 05:20 Iran’s strategy and regional escalation risks 09:40 The role of diplomacy and regional mediation 17:30 Oil prices, trade routes, and global economic consequences 21:10 Global inflation and energy shocks 24:00 Refugee risks and humanitarian implications 27:00 Global South reactions and shifting geopolitical alignments 30:30 BRICS, financial systems, and economic independence 33:20 Regional security architecture in the Middle East Follow Global Southing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-southing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalsouthing/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globalsouthing Follow the guest Dr. Dania Koleilat Khatib Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dania-koleilat-khatib-phd-7193527a/

Why Africa Is Still Underrepresented in Global Governance

Africa is home to more than 1.5 billion people and over a quarter of the votes in the United Nations General Assembly. Yet its voice in global governance and international institutions often remains underrepresented. In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Grégoire Ndjaka, CEO of the African Union of Broadcasting, about Africa’s evolving role in multilateralism and how media institutions are helping shape the continent’s global narrative. From the African Union’s diplomatic influence to the power of Pan-African media collaboration, this conversation explores how Africa is working to strengthen its collective voice across international platforms such as the UN, G20, BRICS+, and G77. Ndjaka shares why storytelling, journalism capacity building, and digital connectivity are becoming critical tools in redefining how Africa engages with the world.  With insights on media training, digital infrastructure gaps, and the growing importance of South-South cooperation, this episode looks at how Africa is positioning itself in an increasingly multipolar world. Tune in to learn: → Why Africa remains underrepresented in global institutions despite its population and UN voting power → How the African Union is advocating for stronger representation in global governance → Why African media must play a central role in telling Africa’s story to the world → How digital connectivity is reshaping communication and collaboration across the continent → The role of journalist training and capacity building in strengthening Pan-African media → Why cultural diversity within Africa is a strength rather than a barrier to unity → How South-South cooperation and platforms like BRICS+ are creating new opportunities for Africa → What Africa’s rising geopolitical influence could mean in a multipolar world Key Moments 00:00 Introduction and Africa’s growing role in global affairs 01:30 Africa’s representation gap in global institutions 04:20 The African Union and the push for stronger global voice 07:40 Why media matters in shaping Africa’s narrative 11:00 Cultural diversity and understanding across African societies 15:20 Digital connectivity and the transformation of communication 18:30 Risks of misinformation and digital misuse 21:00 South-South cooperation and media partnerships 24:30 Training journalists and building African media capacity 27:30 BRICS+, geopolitics, and Africa’s evolving alliances 31:40 Peacekeeping, diplomacy, and Africa’s future role in multilateralism 35:00 Advice for the next generation shaping Africa’s global engagement Follow Global Southing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-southing/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalsouthing/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@globalsouthing Follow the guest Grégoire Ndjaka: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoire-ndjaka-b34b7614a/ African Union of Broadcasting: https://www.uar-aub.org/