The term 'global north', as conceptualized by Vanessa Andreotti, refers to a socio-political construct rather than a strict geographical demarcation. It encapsulates regions and nations that predominantly benefit from and uphold hegemonic power structures and capitalist economies, historically rooted in European colonialism and imperialism. The 'global north' encompasses spaces and agents that hold a disproportionate share of the world's wealth, resources, and political influence, often perpetuating systems of privilege and inequality. This construct serves to highlight the entrenched disparities and dynamics of privilege that exist between the industrialized, affluent countries and the less economically developed regions, often referred to as the 'global south'. Understanding this term necessitates recognizing the complexities and interdependencies inherent in global inequities, and addressing the historical and ongoing implications of colonialism, power, and cultural dominance.

See also: global citizenship, global education, global south, global change, power relation