The Changing World Order and the Challenge of the G20
By Dr. Priyanka Saurabh
World politics is currently undergoing profound changes. Mistrust among superpowers, regional wars, economic crises, the race for technological dominance, the growing threat of climate change, and the declining effectiveness of global institutions have destabilized the world order. In such a time, the G20, the most important forum for coordination among the world’s major economies, finds itself facing unprecedented challenges. Growing doubts about the group’s effectiveness arise not merely from its working mechanisms, but are a direct consequence of the changing global situation and the imbalances of multipolarity.
The G20’s most serious challenge is the deepening geopolitical divisions. The ongoing war in Ukraine, instability in West Asia, conflicts in the Pacific, technological and economic competition among major countries, and increasing sanctions have weakened the group’s consensus-building capabilities. Situations sometimes arise that make it difficult to even produce a common declaration. For example, the Johannesburg meeting only made a very general appeal for a “lasting and just peace,” as member states’ positions continued to clash. This situation demonstrates how difficult it has become to form a common voice on global issues.
The individual interests of superpowers often override the collective interests of the group. This is undermining the fundamental spirit of shared responsibility, such as “Ubuntu”—meaning “I am because we are.” The withdrawal of some major countries from the summit, or their reluctance to participate in key discussions, undermines the group’s credibility. This prevents the G20 from fulfilling the role it was created for—a collective and coordinated effort to address global problems.
Additionally, economic inequality poses another significant challenge for the G20. The growing gap between developed and developing countries in income, technology, healthcare, skills, energy sources, and climate finance has impacted the balance within the group. The global debt crisis, growing economic pressure on developing countries, the threat of recession, and an uneven trade structure combine to create a landscape that makes it difficult to formulate common policies. At such times, the strong leadership and cooperation the group needs is often missing.
Amidst these complex circumstances, India has played a highly positive, inclusive, and balancing role in the G-20. India not only addressed the concerns and expectations of the Global South but also took concrete steps that have visible long-term impact.
India’s most significant achievement was securing permanent membership for the African Union in the G-20. This decision was not only historic but also fulfilled a long-standing demand of developing countries that have not been afforded equal representation in global decision-making. It also demonstrates India’s commitment to making the global system more just and inclusive.
India has advanced several practical and scalable initiatives based on the real needs of developing countries. Digital public infrastructure models, healthcare systems, skills development, rural and agricultural innovation, fisheries management, preservation of traditional knowledge, cooperation in disaster management, and shared use of satellite data—all of these initiatives are directly linked to the needs of developing countries. Initiatives like the “Africa Skills Enhancement Plan,” in particular, open up opportunities for millions of young people.
India also highlighted important global security issues, particularly the nexus between terrorism and drugs. This issue had long been neglected in global discourse. India emphasized the need for strong and coordinated action against these issues. India also strengthened the collective voice of developing countries on issues such as a just energy transition, climate finance, sustainable development, equitable access to technology, and food security.
Although India’s role has been highly influential, its limitations are clearly evident. Amidst the intense conflicts between the superpowers, India has been unable to unite all parties. It has been unable to prevent the absence of key countries, nor has it been able to ensure that all countries adopt a strong stance in the joint declaration. The lack of the expected strong condemnation of terrorism was disappointing for India. Similarly, many of India’s development initiatives have not garnered equal interest and support from all countries, as each country has different priorities.
Even within the global South, divisions often emerge, undermining the overall agenda. India’s diplomacy is certainly a balancing act, but its effectiveness is limited by the rigid and competitive stances of the great powers.
Yet it is undeniable that today no other country in the Global South can play a role as comprehensive, balanced, credible, and visionary as India. India has revitalized the G20 platform, ensured due respect for the interests of the Global South, and redefined inclusivity in global governance.
Ultimately, the G-20’s future success will depend on reviving its members’ sense of collectivism, mutual trust, and shared responsibility. If the group re-embraces the principle of “Ubuntu”—that is, shared humanity and shared responsibility—it can effectively address global challenges. India has laid a strong foundation in this direction, and its role could emerge even more decisively in the times to come.
(The author is a Research Scholar in Political Science)
