Jesse Marshall’s Post

New from Member of the Bundestag Rolf Mützenich: The Transatlantic Community and the Global South in the Age of Great Power Rivalry In 1980, the Independent Commission for International Development Issues, chaired by former German Chancellor Willy Brandt, published a landmark report entitled “North-South: A Program for Survival.” In the midst of the tensions of the Cold War, the “Brandt Report” addressed the entrenched disparities between industrialized and developing countries and called for reforms in global economic policies and greater participation of developing countries in the decision-making processes of international institutions. Furthermore, the report also addressed global challenges such as rising inequality, environmental sustainability, and arms control. Although the “Brandt Report” was never fully implemented, it significantly influenced the international development discourse and marked a pivotal moment in North-South relations. Even forty-four years later, many of its core principles remain relevant and can serve as valuable guidelines for reinvigorating relations between the Global South and North. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e6cfwDan Friedrich Ebert Stiftung - Washington DC

China's evolving diplomatic strategy in the Global South, particularly in Africa, represents a significant recalibration of its international engagement. By shifting the focus from financial investments to governance and capacity building, China is attempting to redefine its role as a partner that respects the sovereignty of developing nations. This approach, articulated by President Xi Jinping at the 2024 Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), promotes a model of Chinese-style modernization that stands in contrast to Western development paradigms. The emphasis on equality, non-interference, and governance training is particularly noteworthy. It resonates with many countries in the Global South that are wary of the conditionalities often associated with Western aid. By positioning itself as a supporter of sustainable development without the political strings attached, China is likely to appeal to nations seeking stability and growth on their own terms. Moreover, this strategy reflects a calculated response to past experiences, aiming to foster political alignment and goodwill in the Global South. As China reduces its loans and investments, it appears to be pivoting towards a model that prioritizes sustainable development and mutual respect, potentially increasing its influence and legitimacy in these regions. https://lnkd.in/gKSEeE8p

Great piece in Foreign Affairs on why the US needs to engage more with the Global South, especially the G-20. As the article notes, there is also a weariness toward China because of its actions, but that doesn't mean people will default towards US leadership. "The United States is failing in the global South. Its popularity and influence have waned, and policies that recent U.S. administrations have designed to close the gap have fallen short. Allegations of hypocrisy that countries in the global South now make—centered on the claim that the United States has supported Ukraine but has been complicit in mass death and suffering in Gaza and Lebanon—reflect historic skepticism that Washington’s advocacy for international norms reflects a commitment to humanitarian principles rather than self-interest, and a growing perception that developing countries bear the cost of uneven U.S. leadership. The disproportionate struggle that many global South countries faced in recovering economically from the Covid-19 pandemic only added to their disappointment with advanced economies’ so-called vaccine nationalism. The United States’ rejection of free trade has shrunk sought-after market access opportunities, while new industrial policies raise fresh hurdles. As a result, despite making significant strides in its economic and strategic engagement with the global South, the United States faces a trust deficit. Countries in the global South have attempted to press the United States for better engagement in multilateral forums. But addressing the trust deficit through these postwar institutions has not been effective, because they have become part of the problem. They have failed to adapt to a new distribution of power, fueling charges of hypocrisy and breeding competitive multilateralism. Antagonistic alternatives—from the expanded BRICS to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization—are vying for influence. Neither American nor Western leadership is the only game in town, and more than ever, the United States must earn its partnerships with rising powers such as Brazil, India, and Indonesia." https://lnkd.in/gQm-gcja

Xi Jinping's Inspiring Speech Calls for Global Cooperation and a Brighter Future #audiencereception #BeltandRoadInitiative #climatechange #ColdWarmentality #collaborativeproblemsolving #developingcountries #geopoliticallandscape #globaleconomicgrowth #globalgovernancesystem #inclusiveglobalorder. #inequality #infrastructuredevelopment #internationalcooperation #multilateralism #povertyreduction #sustainabledevelopment #WorldEconomicForum #XiJinpingspeech

Xi Jinping's Inspiring Speech Calls for Global Cooperation and a Brighter Future #audiencereception #BeltandRoadInitiative #climatechange #ColdWarmentality #collaborativeproblemsolving #developingcountries #geopoliticallandscape #globaleconomicgrowth #globalgovernancesystem #inclusiveglobalorder. #inequality #infrastructuredevelopment #internationalcooperation #multilateralism #povertyreduction #sustainabledevelopment #WorldEconomicForum #XiJinpingspeech

“Chinese President Xi Jinping last week returned to Latin America to attend the annual APEC meeting in Lima, Peru. Beyond the importance of attending this meeting, Xi’s visit was an attempt to strengthen ties with the region. Xi’s first official act during his trip was the inauguration of the port of Chancay, one of the largest in Latin America, which will enable China to increase its trade, especially in raw materials, with Latin American countries. Even though the project was criticized due to construction delays and allegations of corruption, China is now able to demonstrate it can follow through on building key projects. China has had a checkered history with Latin American countries this century. In the early 2000s, most of the countries in the region recognized the Taiwanese government as the official representative of China. This has prompted Beijing to adopt a successful strategy of convincing these countries to change their diplomatic stances. Seven nations have since switched allegiance.” “China has bought oil, minerals, food and other resources, creating a ‘Chinese boom’ in most countries in the region. Beijing has also financed massive infrastructure projects, disbursed more than $120 billion in loans and invested about $190 billion in greenfield projects or mergers and acquisitions in the region. More recently, China has focused on investing its money in critical infrastructure in the region, such as ports, airports, railway systems, and both renewable and electric power plants. This comes at the price of the economic asymmetries between them and China widening. The opening of the port of Chancay is the latest of many large projects. China controls a space station in Argentina, manages two Panama Canal ports, has developed rail networks in Mexico and Venezuela and has deployed surveillance systems in Panama, Venezuela and Ecuador. At the regional level, Xi’s government has strengthened institutions to engage more with the region.” “Integrating new spheres of cooperation in which soft power can express itself. In some countries, especially where there are authoritarian or illiberal regimes, this strategy has encouraged the erosion of democratic institutions, the deterioration of human rights and a lack of respect for the rule of law. None of this matters to China, because it is simply focused on pursuing its national goals. Looking at this strategy, we can observe a clear reality. The Chinese rapprochement with Latin America and Caribbean countries is driven by Beijing’s plan to achieve its national development goals: to isolate Taiwan, and to expand its economic relations, connections and influence around the globe, especially in the back yard of the U.S. China’s bet on this peripheral region is paying off. The U.S., the historical great power in Latin America, remains embroiled in its own internal issues. Only time will tell if this will be the century in which China’s influence surpasses America’s influence in the region.”

🇨🇳 & 🇺🇸 rivalry has enhanced competition in infrastructure cooperation with a global vision in three conducts challenging & at the same time complementing the prevailing ones; one nation led, multi nations led cooperation & UN initiated. 🇮🇳 ’s engagement and relations is the other hand is important to both the competitors 🇨🇳 & 🇺🇸 so is to 🇨🇳, 🇮🇷 & 🇷🇺 🇮🇳 is also a member of BRICS, SCO active intergovernmental organisations competing the West in addition actively involved in G20 and an invitee of G7. ‘All Alignment’ and ‘Balancing’ in the foreign policy amongst the rivals with North-South cooperation as a determination of stability and prosperity to all. Furthermore, the 🇺🇸 & its allies have also stepped up their engagement in South Asia as part of their broader Indo-Pacific Strategy. Through initiatives such as the Blue Dot Network and Bring Back Better World (B3W) initiative, they aim to provide alternative sources of financing for infrastructure development while promoting transparency, sustainability & good governance standards. 🇨🇳 has sought to be a non-threatening world power rebutting “China threat theory” as more a narrative. 🇨🇳 today stands firm with a political slogan as a “Positional Peaceful Rise”. It is countering the challenges posed by the 🇺🇸 & allies simultaneously partnering with other developing nations bilaterally, with group of friends supporting the Global Visions the Global Common Shared Future (GCSF). For smaller countries and 🇳🇵 falling into the entrapment of Global Visions B3W and GCSF must be watched at the same time taking it as an opening to an advantage of the economic & social successes with bilateralism & minilateralism. Neutrality, consensus & a “Country of Peace” are even more crucial given the Sino-US rivalry & Sino-India competition.

Is Australia U.S. Alliance the Right Choice in China’s Rise? #AustraliaChinaRelations, #AustraliaUSAlliance, #BeltandRoad, #GlobalPolitics   Exploring Australia U.S. alliance amidst China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its implications on global multi-polarity.   Australia’s strategic alliance with the U.S. is long-standing, but with the dramatic rise in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), this partnership is being questioned.   Most of the world now supports China’s multi-polar approach, challenging U.S. dominance. Is Australia on the wrong side of history supporting the U.S.?   https://lnkd.in/gFuWS8xN

The 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) just concluded in Beijing, marking a pivotal shift in China-Africa relations. With 53 African countries participating, this summit reaffirmed China's commitment to the continent amidst global economic challenges. This post kicks off a 5-part series exploring key outcomes and implications. Series Overview: - Financial Commitments - Shift to Industrialization - Critical Minerals and Infrastructure - Geopolitical Positioning - Future Economic Prospects Key Takeaways from Financial Commitments: $51 Billion Pledge: lower than 2018's $60 billion, but higher than 2021's $40 billion, reflecting a rebound amidst ongoing economic challenges. Breakdown: $30 billion in credit facilities $11 billion in development assistance $10 billion in private sector investment Strategic Shift: Moving from broad infrastructure focus to targeted, sector-specific investments. This pivot suggests a more sophisticated understanding of Africa's diverse development needs. Nuanced Approach: Development assistance includes $140 million for emergency food aid, signalling recognition of immediate African challenges. However, this raises important questions about food sovereignty in Africa. As Dr. Esther Ngumbi, University of Illinois Chicago, points out, "True development should empower African nations to define their own food and agriculture systems." This targeted approach, while addressing urgent needs, underscores the tension between immediate relief and long-term goals of self-determination in food production and distribution across the continent. Credit Facilities: The $30 billion may primarily benefit Chinese companies operating in Africa, rather than providing direct funding to African governments. This nuance is crucial for understanding the real impact. Private Sector Focus: The $10 billion in private sector investment, while promising, relies on market forces and individual company decisions, making its impact less predictable. Expert Insights: Cobus van Staden, The China Global South Project: "The summit tried to do two things: show that the relationship is big and robust, while also reflecting the economic headwinds both China and Africa face." Hannah Ryder (芮 婉 洁), Development Reimagined: "We've seen economic relationships increase, we've seen even the political relationships increase, and we hope that this FOCAC can lead to a further strengthening of those." FOCAC 2024 marks a mature evolution in China-Africa relations, as a diplomat noted "We welcome China's continued engagement, but we're looking at how these commitments align with our own development priorities." The true significance lies not just in the numbers, but in the strategic shift towards targeted investments and industrialisation and could reshape Africa's economic landscape in the coming years. #FOCAC2024 #ChinaAfricaRelations #DevelopmentFinance