The LSE Global South Unit (GSU) is a research unit at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) based in the Department of International Relations and at LSE IDEAS.
The GSU researches and organizes events related to the study of international relations, development, politics, and economics in the global South. The focus of the GSU is to promote interdisciplinary research and policy-relevant analysis of the global South's challenges. The unit brings together scholars, policymakers, civil society organizations and development practitioners to discuss critical issues affecting the global South and facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration between stakeholders.
Our research capacity is focused on investigating the role of China and the global South, particularly in Africa and Latin America. Our experts produce high-quality research for some of the foremost academic journals in the field as well as books, policy briefs and workshops designed to equip stakeholders to ‘de-centre’ the study of international relations (see our publications page).
In collaboration with LSE IDEAS and the Sustainable Development Initiative (SDI), the unit co-hosts its Working Paper Series. These publications are available through LSE Research Online, the institutional repository for the LSE. GSU welcomes research manuscripts of the standard of quality expected of submissions to academic journals or academic book chapters.
The unit directors are Prof. Alvaro Mendez and Prof. Chris Alden, both experts on foreign policy issues in the global South. Their latest book explores Beijing’s engagement and influence in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
Alden, Chris, & Mendez, Alvaro. (2023). China and Latin America: Development, Agency and Geopolitics. London, UK: Bloomsbury Academic.