The idea for this special issue emerged from a conversation between the editors (there were three when we began) at one of the most elite institutions in the world, discussing what it felt like to be from a part of the world that looked and felt incredibly different from these hallowed halls. We were all there on generous fellowships that allowed us to be visiting scholars; and we all spent our time there learning not just how academics was done but also how much else needed to be done. We spoke about the need for more ‘South-South collaborations’ and how we might begin such collaborations, given how difficult it was for us from such faraway places to meet, except where we were—at the heart of elite Western academia. At the outset, we would acknowledge that our time there was truly an enriching and intellectually rewarding experience. It allowed us to come together, to learn from each other, and to think through collaborations, associations, partnerships and indeed friendships that at many of us could never have otherwise dreamed of. We are grateful to our hosts and our funders for making it possible for us to be there, and for giving us the opportunity to bring together this Special Issue. The encouragement and support of Professsor VV Krishna, who believed this would be a useful enterprise (and believed in us to actually get it done, even when it looked like we might give up—we missed every single deadline that was set) has been the prime mover in bringing us over the finish line.