The Cold War and the Rise of the Global South: A Complex Context [Por HALLAN DE OLIVEIRA]

 The Cold War did not give rise to the Global South, but rather created the conditions for its rise and for the questioning of Eurocentrism.

Historical Context:

Rise of Capitalism and Imperialism (1789-1848): The Industrial Revolution and the French Revolution marked the beginning of an era of European expansion and conquest of the rest of the world. The military and economic superiority of the West led to the capitulation of ancient civilizations and empires, establishing unprecedented global dominance.
Napoleonic Wars (1792-1815): The Napoleonic Wars, motivated by economic and ideological rivalries, led to profound transformations in the world map and in the political atmosphere. France, despite its defeat, spread the ideas of the French Revolution, planting seeds of challenge to the Eurocentric world order.
World Wars I and II (1914-1945): The World Wars marked the collapse of Western civilization in the 19th century. The rise of fascism and the subsequent victory of the Allies created a new global scenario, with the USA and the USSR emerging as superpowers. Decolonization gained momentum after the Second World War, driven by national liberation struggles and the change in the world order.

Cold War and the Global South:

Decolonization and the Quest for Autonomy: The Cold War accelerated the process of decolonization, as the USA and the USSR competed for influence in the former colonies. The dispute between the superpowers created room for maneuver for the Third World, allowing countries in the Global South to seek greater autonomy.
Formation of Blocs and Non-Alignment: The Cold War divided the world into ideological blocs, but it also gave rise to the Non-Aligned Movement, which sought a third way, independent of the superpowers. This quest for political and economic autonomy was crucial to the consolidation of the Global South as a relevant political actor. Rise of China: With the end of the Cold War and the rise of China as an economic and political power, the Global South found new opportunities for cooperation and development, distancing itself from Western influence.

End of Eurocentrism:

Challenges to Western Hegemony: The World Wars and the Cold War weakened Western hegemony, opening the way for the rise of other powers and the challenge of the Eurocentric world order. Decolonization, the rise of the Global South and the emergence of new global powers helped redefine power relations and challenge the centrality of Europe.

Crisis of the Western Model: The interwar economic crisis and the rise of fascism exposed the weaknesses of the Western model, opening the way for the search for alternatives. The questioning of liberalism and democracy during the Age of Catastrophe contributed to the demystification of Eurocentrism.

Conclusion:

Although the Cold War did not "give rise" to the Global South, it accelerated the process of decolonization and created conditions for its rise as a global political actor. The dispute between the US and the USSR opened the way for the search for autonomy and for the challenge of the Eurocentric world order. The rise of China on the global stage consolidated this trend, offering new opportunities for cooperation and development for the Global South.