Collective Consciousness and Changing Identities

The erosion of international rights, the uneven application of principles by international organizations, and the rise in violence and conflict, have all contributed to strengthening a collective consciousness aspiring to a more just and equitable world. This awareness, which is both plural and dynamic, takes a variety of forms: it can be seen in the growing mobilization of international youth, reacting to the upsurge in political violence and the emergence of a new populism; it can also be seen in nationalist movements in search of values and identity, seeking to redefine their place in a changing world; or in a wave of political populism, often unpredictable, mobilizing crowds around fuzzy ideals. The emergence of the BRICS as an alternative to the IMF illustrates a desire to rebalance the balance of power within global economic governance. The differences in the objectives and modes of governance of these entities underline the need for critical reflection to build a collective consciousness that is truly inclusive and representative of the aspirations of the countries of the Global South.