In this work, Dr van Niekerk examines how the rise of China and India, together with the digital revolution in finance, is reshaping the world economy. By linking these shifts to the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he argues for a deeper global perspective on economic inclusion and sustainability. For South Africa, and Africa broadly, the book provides valuable insight into how these dynamics could redefine trade, policy, and economic alignment.
Understanding a changing world
Reflecting on the inspiration behind his book, Dr van Niekerk explains that his research stems from a long-standing interest in how the rise of the East is shaping a new balance of power in the global economy. He notes that, “The new Trump administration in the US, and Europe’s decline – alongside the urgency of achieving the SDGs by 2030 – raised critical questions about how geopolitical shifts influence inclusion and exclusion in the global economy.”
The book draws attention to two forces shaping the future: the immediate impact of geopolitical tensions and the gradual, intensifying influence of the digital revolution in finance. From tariff wars to the rise of cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence, Dr van Niekerk suggests that competition for technological supremacy between the East and West may define human progress in the decade to come.
These changes, however, are not without consequence for Africa. “Developing countries’ SDG progress is increasingly reliant on external factors beyond their control,” he warns, highlighting how resource dependency and digital divides exacerbate inequality. Yet he remains hopeful, arguing that African perspectives, particularly the ethos of Ubuntu, are critical for shaping inclusive global leadership.
The book also illustrates these themes with practical examples, such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has expanded its reach to 151 countries, reshaping trade, investment, and infrastructure on a global scale. This, Dr van Niekerk argues, is emblematic of the broader shift from West to East, and a signal for South Africa to carefully balance its economic alliances.
For him, the writing process was not only intellectual but also deeply personal. “I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed … by the challenge of actually covering the whole global economy. That made me decide to rather put a question mark in the title … it emphasises open academic enquiry, which is exactly what a researcher is supposed to do,” he reflects.
Faculty pride and future relevance
Prof Johan Coetzee, Head of the Department of Economics and Finance, describes the book as a major achievement that challenges Western-centric perspectives while navigating the complexities of shifting global power. “The book is thought-provoking and provocative at the same time, offering value to scholars, industry professionals and macroeconomic policymakers,” he says.
He highlights how the publication supports the faculty’s mission of preparing students for a rapidly changing global economy: “We are focused on developing global citizens who can use their skills in diverse contexts worldwide. This also complements our drive to internationalise our offerings through affiliations such as the CFA Institute in the US and our pioneering Consecutive Master’s Degree Programme in International Finance with the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences.”
According to Prof Coetzee, the themes explored in the book are already influencing the way economics and finance are taught at UFS. From the role of BRICS to the rise of digital finance, students are engaging with a curriculum that mirrors real-world shifts. “These are exciting times to apply our understanding of how economies function and evolve,” he adds. “Dr van Niekerk’s work not only aligns with the SDGs but also with the university’s Vision130 research agenda.”
With West to East: A New Global Economy in the Making?, Dr van Niekerk is contributing to global economic discourse while reinforcing UFS’s commitment to research that matters – research that shapes minds, policy, and practice in a rapidly evolving world.