Global Politics as a “Convivial Configuration:” Towards a Holistic Understanding of Global Interstate Inequalities Élodie Brun and Jesús Carrillo Abstract We present a literature review on the topic of global inequalities focused on states as the unit of analysis and based on the concept of convivial configuration. Three relevant academic debates are critically reviewed: economic inequalities – how to study and define them; the functioning of international organizations; and characterizing the international system. This research sheds light on the need to return to considering the state as an indispensable actor, whether as an obstacle or as a lever for efforts to reduce inequalities. The need for transdisciplinary studies on inequalities is highlighted. Keywords: global inequalities | convivial configuration | international relations About the authors Elodie Brun (2021 Mecila Senior Fellow) is a research professor at the Center for International Studies at El Colegio de México. Her lines of research are South–South relations, the concept of the (global) South in international relations, foreign policies of Latin America, and participation by Latin American countries in international organizations. Jesús Carrillo is the director of sustainable economy at the IMCO (Instituto Mexicano para la Competitividad – Mexican Institute for Competitiveness).