North–South partnerships in higher education

Abstract

This article addresses North–South partnerships in the context of higher education internationalization from the vantage point of the Global South. It reflects on the past, present and future of North–South engagements in higher education with reference to the notions of colonization, recolonization and decolonization. A decolonial lens is used to critically reflect on the challenging dynamics of North–South partnerships, particularly regarding continued dependencies and inequalities, and to challenge existing partnerships practices in the broader context of higher education internationalization. Furthermore, it serves as a tool to conceptualize and empower positive change by imagining North–South partnerships differently.