Trump’s return to the presidency has introduced a distinctly transactional approach to American foreign policy, disrupting traditional alliances and multilateral frameworks. As Western-led multilateral institutions fragment, alternative forums and modes of cooperation have gained prominence. For many nations in the Global South, this shift away from a Western-dominated, rules-based order presents an opportunity to explore alternatives that better reflect their interests and priorities.

As President Trump likely retreats from multilateral organizations, a vacuum in the Western-dominated system may emerge, allowing the Global South to consider a multi polar framework that better serves their needs. In this new context, platforms like BRICS+ and the G20 have become vital for advancing the priorities of Global South nations. By 2025, both these forums are set to be chaired by Brazil and South Africa, respectively, both members of BRICS+, creating an unprecedented alignment in global economic governance discussions. This convergence has fostered more coordinated positions on governance reforms in international financial institutions and has provided space for alternative developmental models to challenge Western economic orthodoxies.

Ethiopia: Navigating Between Traditional and Alternative Partnerships

Ethiopia’s diplomatic maneuvering is a prime example of how countries in the Global South are increasingly adopting strategic bargaining in their foreign relations. Ethiopia’s membership in BRICS will elevate its global visibility and diversify investments beyond its traditional Western partners, despite facing recent political challenges. As one of Africa’s top economic performers, Ethiopia’s strategy involves engaging with both Western financial institutions and cultivating partnerships with countries that impose fewer political conditions, such as Russia. This approach allows Ethiopia to maintain competitive relationships between potential partners, strengthening its bargaining position.

While this strategy carries risks, such as the potential perception among Western powers that Ethiopia is leaning into the alternative geopolitical sphere of China and Russia, the benefits of strategic diversification outweigh these concerns. The country gains access to increased investment, technological partnerships, and diplomatic support, which are seen as essential in Ethiopia’s broader strategy. Ethiopia’s diplomatic flexibility echoes the experience of other countries, such as Turkey, which navigates between competing geopolitical blocs while maintaining autonomy and resilience.

Turkey’s Model of Strategic Autonomy

Turkey’s status as an emerging market, not clearly defined within the Global North or South, offers a key lesson in strategic autonomy for middle powers. While Turkey maintains its NATO membership, it has pursued a pragmatic, interest-based foreign policy that prioritizes security, economic resilience, and strategic flexibility. Turkey recognizes its unique position at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, which provides significant leverage in international affairs. This has led to a policy of selective alignment, balancing cooperation with Western powers in NATO and defense while simultaneously building economic and security relationships with Russia, China, and regional players.

The Growing Influence of Multilateral Forums

The increasing strategic bargaining power of Global South nations is most visible in the evolution of multilateral forums, particularly BRICS+. The expansion of BRICS has transformed it from a limited grouping into a broader coalition of emerging powers, providing more global representation. This infrastructure offers an alternative to the Western-dominated international institutions, enhancing the collective bargaining power of Global South countries in global governance.

Similarly, the G20, under South Africa’s leadership in 2025, has evolved to more effectively include Global South perspectives. South Africa has committed to strengthening partnerships and expanding dialogue with a wide range of actors to shape the G20’s approach to issues requiring international cooperation. The overlapping leadership of BRICS+ and the G20 by BRICS members in 2025 presents unprecedented opportunities for agenda coordination, especially regarding the reform of the international financial system. These forums now advocate for institutional changes that better reflect the interests of developing nations.

Regional economic blocs also play an important role in supporting Global South objectives. These blocs enhance regional economic integration and reduce dependence on traditional trading partners, contributing to a more diversified and resilient economic landscape.

A New Era of Strategic Autonomy for the Global South

In conclusion, the trajectory for the Global South appears to favor greater strategic autonomy, supported by economic diversification and enhanced regional cooperation. The shift toward a multipolar international system offers unprecedented opportunities for countries in the Global South to assert their interests. Success will depend on maintaining balanced relationships with multiple powers while deepening South-South cooperation through platforms like BRICS+ and regional economic partnerships. These efforts will allow Global South nations to move away from dependency and towards a future defined by strategic bargaining power in global affairs.