China and India in the race for leadership of the Global South: Current status and international relations challenges

Abstract

This research examines the escalating competition between China and India for leadership in the Global South, highlighting their differing approaches to expanding influence across the region. The research focuses on their economic, political, and diplomatic strategies, particularly concerning the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by China, while India emphasises soft power, democratic values, and cultural diplomacy. The research method is primarily qualitative, using comparative analysis of China’s and India’s foreign policies to assess the broader geopolitical implications. The research explores the impact of this rivalry on regional and global governance, examining how it shapes the political and economic trends of the Global South. As both nations strive for dominance, the research considers the challenges and opportunities that such competition presents for smaller and emerging countries, as well as the potential risks of deepening divides within multilateral institutions.