The Copy/South Dossier Issues in the economics, politics, and ideology of copyright in the global South

The volume brings together a series of essays that examine how copyright law shapes, and is shaped by, the economic and political realities of developing nations. Contributors map the historical forces that have exported Western notions of intellectual property to diverse cultural contexts, highlighting tensions between global agreements and local practices. By focusing on the South, the book reveals how legal frameworks can both enable growth and reinforce existing inequalities.

Readers will encounter case studies ranging from African publishing houses grappling with limited access to digital resources, to South Asian creators navigating complex licensing regimes. The authors also interrogate the ideological assumptions embedded in international treaties, questioning whose interests they truly serve. Throughout, the work balances rigorous analysis with accessible explanations, making it valuable for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of knowledge sharing worldwide.