The G20 foreign ministers have gathered in South Africa for a two-day meeting, but the absence of US representation is casting a shadow over the proceedings. The agenda includes discussions on the situations in Gaza and Ukraine, but representatives from the Global South hope to address more pressing issues such as reform of international institutions, climate change, and economic fairness.
The G20 foreign ministers are convening for a two-day meeting in South Africa on Thursday.
The agenda is expected to focus on the situations in ‘Gaza and Ukraine,’ but representatives from the Global South hope to address more pressing issues such as reform of international institutions, climate change, and economic fairness.
Representatives from Brazil, India, and South Africa are among those who want to discuss much-needed reforms to international institutions. They aim to tackle climate change and ensure more equitable economic development.
The reform of international institutions is a pressing issue in today's global landscape.
With the rise of emerging economies and shifting global power dynamics, these institutions have struggled to keep pace.
The 'United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund are examples of institutions that require reform to address issues like unequal voting rights, lack of representation, and outdated governance structures.'
Statistics show that only 23% of UN members hold a permanent seat on the Security Council.
Reform efforts aim to increase transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, ensuring these institutions remain relevant and effective in addressing global challenges.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Li, Russia‘s Sergey Lavrov, India’s Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the UK’s David Lammy, and France‘s Jean-Noel Barrot are all attending the meeting.
The big news is that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has boycotted the meeting. The US will be represented by an embassy diplomat instead.
Rubio’s decision comes amid diplomatic tensions over South Africa‘s land restitution law, which the US has labeled as ‘land confiscation’ and unfair to whites.
A sizable rift has opened up between the US and Europe in recent weeks, with President Trump making assertions that Ukraine was responsible for Russia‘s invasion.
The relationship between the United States and Europe has undergone significant changes throughout history.
Initially, the two continents collaborated closely during World War II to defeat Nazi Germany.
The post-war period saw the establishment of NATO in 1949, solidifying their military alliance.
In the 1990s, the US-EU partnership expanded to include economic cooperation through institutions like the Transatlantic Economic Partnership.
However, recent years have seen tensions rise due to disagreements on trade policies, climate change, and security issues.
The EU's increasing independence and the US's shift towards nationalism have contributed to these strains.
The G20 meeting is expected to be overshadowed by ongoing geopolitical upheaval, including conflict and a dramatic realignment of US foreign policy under Trump.
The United States' foreign policy has undergone significant changes since its inception.
Initially, the country focused on isolationism, but after World War II, it shifted towards international engagement and leadership.
The Cold War era saw a rise in containment policies against the Soviet Union.
Post-9/11, the US adopted a more assertive approach, invading Afghanistan and Iraq.
Today, US foreign policy continues to navigate global challenges, such as terrorism, climate change, and rising powers like China.
Rubio’s absence from the two-day session may provide an opportunity for China to seek greater influence as the US abdicates its leadership role.
The meeting is also expected to be a further distraction, with some hoping that it will allow for progress without US engagement.
