Press Story

New analysis shows rising ‘global south’ negativity about western countries
UK in dire need of new friends to tackle shared challenges like climate change, says IPPR
Think tank recommends stronger partnerships, smarter investment and deepening ties through ‘twin schools’

A new report is calling for the UK government to drastically reset relationships with the global south, as exclusive analysis shows rising hostility.

Research by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) reveals that in 2016, 64 per cent of global south speeches at the UN assembly which referred to the west were negative in tone. This had risen to 75 per cent by 2024 – a trend that IPPR warns is accelerating just as Britain needs new allies to tackle shared challenges.

The report argues that UK approaches are still shaped by outdated assumptions – often viewing global south countries simply as aid recipients rather than strategic partners.

Yet, many of these nations are rapidly growing in wealth and influence, and are essential allies in tackling shared challenges like climate change, economic instability, and threats to democracy.

This rise is part of a wider transition in the balance of global power: in 1914, Europe held a quarter of the world’s people and nearly half its wealth, but today is only 9 per cent of the population and falling down the economic ranks. By 2050, of the current G7 nations, only the US will justify its place by GDP. Most of the world’s richest countries will be in the global south, making these nations indispensable partners for the UK’s future.

Stronger relationships would also help boost global stability and security. Instability elsewhere – from Somali piracy to Houthi rebel attacks – has directly pushed up UK food and fuel prices. Houthi attacks raised UK fuel prices by 3-4 pence per litre in 2023, while Somali piracy increased shipping costs by around 10 per cent, worsening the cost-of-living crisis.

The report highlights how other nations are investing political capital in their relationships with the global south. President Macron has made 20 trips to Africa since 2017, visiting at least 25 different countries. In contrast, UK prime ministers have made just three visits over the same period – two of which were for international summits. IPPR argues that this lack of consistent, senior-level engagement sends the wrong signal and risks the UK being seen as outdated and marginal.

This mindset is reflected in how the UK spends its aid budget: funding has been cut from 0.7 per cent to 0.3 per cent of national income, with much of it now spent domestically. IPPR warns this weakens Britain’s global influence just when it needs new allies – a double blow to its standing: shrinking resources and a failure to use the tools it still has effectively.

In order to shift relations with the global south, IPPR recommends:

Scaling up strategic investment, by using UK financial tools like guarantees and international investment to unlock billions for climate action, infrastructure, and economic growth, benefiting both the UK and its global partners
Investing in long-term partnerships, by establishing a regular schedule of visits to and from global south counterparts to strengthen ties
Setting up twin schools programme, so that every UK school is twinned with one in the global south, sharing curriculum resources, joint online classes or ‘penpal’ letters, and cultural exchange

The think tank proposes a simple test for future UK engagement with the global south, ‘the France test’: Ministers and officials must ask themselves, ‘would we behave this way towards France?’ If the answer is no, the approach needs to change.

Laura Chappell, associate director for international policy at IPPR, said:

“This report is a reality check for the UK. The global south is growing in power and influence, and our current approach – shaped by outdated assumptions and shrinking aid – is no longer fit for purpose. These countries are rising powers, essential partners in tackling climate change, economic instability, and global security. If Britain wants to be a serious player on the world stage, it must invest in long-term relationships, shared goals, and genuine partnership.”

Lord Collins of Highbury, former minister for Africa, said:

“An insightful report, making the case for genuinely fresh relationships with the countries of the global south. It matters to Britain that we get this right. We need a modern tone and a range of tools, beyond aid. This report provides practical ideas to help chart a way forward.”

Maria Fernanda Espinosa, former president of the United Nations General Assembly, Ecuador’s former minister of foreign affairs, trade and integration, and minister of national defense, said:

“This report is both timely and essential. It makes clear that the UK is ready for a profound shift of its cooperation with the global south. It demonstrates that renewed partnerships are critical to tackling shared challenges, unlocking opportunities for sustainable development, and bridging the dangerous divides of today’s world.

“By proposing a mindset and toolkit reset, the report shows how the UK can move from hesitation to leadership, building modern partnerships that reduce polarisation, heal the north–south rift, and place Britain at the heart of a more cooperative and multipolar global order.”

ENDS

Laura Chappell and Sofie Pultz, the report’s authors, are available for interview

CONTACT

Rosie Okumbe, digital and media officer: 07825 185421 r.okumbe@ippr.org

David Wastell, director of news and communications: 07921 403651 d.wastell@ippr.org

NOTES TO EDITORS

The IPPR paper, Reset: Building modern partnerships with the countries of the global south by Laura Chappell, Sofie Pultz and Bhargav Srinivasa Desikan, will be published at 0001 on Monday September 15. It will be available for download at: http://www.ippr.org/articles/reset-building-modern-partnerships

Advance copies of the report are available under embargo on request

IPPR (the Institute for Public Policy Research) is an independent charity working towards a fairer, greener, and more prosperous society. We are researchers, communicators, and policy experts creating tangible progressive change, and turning bold ideas into common sense realities. Working across the UK, IPPR, IPPR North, and IPPR Scotland are deeply connected to the people of our nations and regions, and the issues our communities face. We have helped shape national conversations and progressive policy change for more than 30 years. From making the early case for the minimum wage and tackling regional inequality, to proposing a windfall tax on energy companies, IPPR’s research and policy work has put forward practical solutions for the crises facing society. www.ippr.org