The Global South and Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine inspired a unity among Western democracies not seen since the first Gulf War. However, Western expectations of global unified condemnation and action against Russia were dashed by the response of the Global South. Far from endorsing the Western position, over 40 member states consistently abstained or voted against resolutions proposed in the UN General Assembly that sought to condemn Russian actions. In April 2022, in the wake of overwhelming evidence of human rights violations, 50 members voted against expelling Russia from the Human Rights Council. These included many African, Asian, Middle Eastern and Latin American countries, who were adamant that irrespective of who started it and how it was conducted, the most important response should be to bring the conflict to an immediate end.  What is behind the seeming indifference and even hostility in the Global South to the Western position on Russia? This paper will review and assess how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been seen through the lens of the Global South. It will examine how Global South countries viewed the Western response to Russia’s invasion; ensuing debates over non-alignment generated by Russia’s invasion amongst Global South countries; and, how the Russia-Ukraine war has reignited discussion on reform the multilateral system.