Soft power is changing, and the Global South is becoming a bigger part of that shift.

In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Dr. Shaojin Chai from Education Without Borders International about how culture, language, tourism, sports, religion, and media shape influence beyond politics and economics.

The conversation explores how the Global South can use its cultural depth, diversity, and lived experience to build a stronger global presence. Dr. Chai also reflects on South-South cooperation, social media, misinformation, and why authentic cultural influence may become one of the region’s strongest tools in shaping future global narratives.

Tune in to learn:

→ Why soft power from the Global South is based on attraction, not dominance
→ How culture, language, and identity shape global perception
→ Why diversity in storytelling is becoming essential in global narratives
→ How film, media, and cultural industries are expanding Global South influence
→ The role of language diplomacy and why English still dominates communication
→ How tourism and real-world experience can challenge media bias
→ Why sports, religion, and cultural exchange play a role in diplomacy
→ How social media is shifting narrative control away from traditional power centers
→ What South-South cooperation really looks like beyond political forums
→ Why the future of soft power depends on authenticity and pluralism

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction to soft power and the Global South
01:03 Introducing Dr. Shaojin Chai
03:14 Redefining soft power beyond military and economic strength
05:02 How the Global South brings a more authentic cultural perspective
08:30 Language diplomacy and the Confucius Institute model
10:54 Bollywood, Nollywood, and the spread of cultural influence
17:26 Language as strategy, partnership, and business tool
21:27 Tourism and changing global perceptions
26:25 Sports diplomacy and global image building
37:02 Soft power, smart power, and global conflicts

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Watch to full episode on YouTube
https://youtu.be/-1Oaw-ykGZU?si=aobaTyRUzDDl5y1d

As media power continues to shift, the Global South is no longer just part of the conversation. It is becoming central to how the world tells its stories.

In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Hind Khlaifat, General Manager of Deraya Speakers, about the role of storytelling, media leadership, and cultural identity in shaping a more authentic global narrative.

The conversation explores how voices from the Global South have long been underrepresented in global media, despite representing the majority of the world’s population. Hind reflects on why authenticity, dignity, and rooted storytelling matter more than ever, and why media from the Global South should not be seen as an alternative, but as an essential part of the full picture.

This episode also looks at how digital platforms, youth audiences, and changing content habits are opening new opportunities for creators, journalists, and communicators across the Global South. From classical journalism to social media, from cultural memory to diaspora connection, the discussion asks what it takes to create media that is not just visible, but meaningful.

Tune in to learn:

→ Why the Global South remains underrepresented in global media narratives
→ How authenticity and human dignity can shape stronger storytelling
→ Why cultural identity is one of the biggest strengths in content creation
→ How media from the Global South can connect communities across the diaspora
→ What digital platforms are changing for storytellers, journalists, and creators
→ Why not every creator needs to chase trends to make an impact
→ How to think about media influence beyond virality and numbers
→ What young spokespersons and future media leaders need to build confidence and presence

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction to media power, digital growth, and who gets to tell Global South stories
01:34 Introducing Hind Khlaifat and the conversation on media leadership
02:00 The roots of Global South storytelling and how identity shapes narrative
04:01 Why media imbalance still exists and how it can begin to shift
05:50 Why authenticity and quality matter in correcting unfair narratives
08:01 Journalism, simplicity, and creating from values rather than numbers
10:00 Can authentic content compete in the digital age?
12:09 The role of culture, tradition, and storytelling in global media
14:29 How media can connect diaspora communities through identity and human values
16:12 Trends, shallow content, and why chasing the crowd is not the only path
18:03 What “media immunity” means in an age of content overload
19:13 Digital platforms and whether they help Global South stories travel further
21:22 Advice for young speakers, media professionals, and future leaders
23:57 Why Global South media is essential to telling the full story of our time

As climate pressure intensifies and food security becomes a growing global concern, modern farming is no longer a niche conversation. It is becoming a strategic necessity.

In this episode of Global Southing, we speak with Mahdi Alhindawi, CEO of ENJAZPONI, about how vertical farming, hydroponics, and agricultural innovation can reshape the future of food production, especially across the Global South.

The conversation explores how soilless farming can reduce water use, expand cultivation in arid environments, and open new possibilities for climate-smart agriculture. Mahdi also shares how advances in AI, robotics, glass technology, and seed development are pushing farming into a new era, one where countries once limited by land, water, or weather may be able to build stronger food systems and even move toward surplus production.

This episode also looks at the wider ecosystem needed to make that future possible, from government support and private sector investment to youth engagement, education, and cross-border collaboration.

Tune in to learn:

→ Why vertical farming is becoming a serious solution for food security
→ How hydroponics can reduce water use and support farming in arid regions
→ Why modern farming is gaining momentum after climate change and COVID-era supply chain shocks
→ How AI, sensors, robotics, and drones are changing the future of agriculture
→ The role of glasshouse innovation and solar power in making vertical farming more efficient
→ Why seed innovation will become increasingly important for local food systems
→ How modern farming could create new opportunities for youth and future job markets
→ Why education, policy support, and public-private collaboration are critical to scaling agricultural innovation

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction to modern farming, food security, and agricultural innovation
01:45 Why vertical farming matters for uncultivated and water-scarce regions
07:10 Why food security gained urgency after COVID and climate disruption
08:35 Water savings, year-round crops, and the broader benefits of hydroponics
09:20 AI, IoT, drones, and robotics in the future of farming
13:00 The race toward organic hydroponics and future export potential
15:05 How modern farming could reshape jobs and attract younger generations
20:20 Seed innovation, localization, and climate adaptation
29:35 Is vertical farming climate-smart agriculture?
33:15 The role of government, policy support, and stakeholders

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Follow the guest

Mahdi Alhindawi
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahdi-alhindawi-91812649/