Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, there has been a lot of talk about the return of nonalignment, particularly as countries in the global south have resisted taking sides. But what does nonalignment really mean in the 21st century—and how might it shape global politics? The essays below explore the nonaligned stance of countries such as Brazil and South Africa and question whether key nations insisting on neutrality can really usher in a new, post-Western global order.—Chloe Hadavas

A New Cold War May Call for a Return to Nonalignment

A growing number of countries want to avoid getting stuck in a great-power tussle—again, Shivshankar Menon writes.

South Africa’s Nonsensical Nonalignment

The ANC has forgotten that the outside world’s principled rejection of neutrality sustained the struggle against apartheid, Eusebius McKaiser writes.

How to Understand Brazil’s Ukraine Policy

Like it or not, Lula’s stance reflects legitimate misgivings about the global order, Oliver Stuenkel writes.

Why Latin America Will Stay Nonaligned

The bloc’s consensus on Russia’s war in Ukraine is being put to the test, Jacob Sugarman writes.

Why Nonalignment Is Dead and Won’t Return

An old ideology rears its head but offers little for the present age, C. Raja Mohan writes.