The era of the global majority: How non-Western powers are redefining global diplomacy – NaturalNews.com
The era of the global majority: How non-Western powers are redefining global diplomacy
As the world grapples with the shifting tides of global power, the once-ubiquitous narrative of Western dominance is being challenged by the rise of the "global majority." This term, coined by Alexander Bobrov, Ph.D., in his book The Grand Strategy of Russia, refers to the vast majority of the world’s land, population and GDP now dominated by countries in the Global South. The once-dominant Western bloc, often called the "golden billion," is losing its grip on global power, with other nations stepping up in multilateral diplomacy.
The Pareto Principle, which suggests that 20% of efforts yield 80% of results, has reached a new level. In modern diplomacy, this principle has come to symbolize the power struggle between the "global minority" and the "global majority." The golden billion, bolstered by the Western-led global order, faces increasing challenges from countries that have capitalized on their extensive resources and robust economic growth. These countries, particularly Russia, China and India, are forming new alliances, such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), to create a more equitable multipolar global order.
The golden billion fadesThe "global minority," once the driving force behind the Western-led global order, is witnessing a significant decline in its geopolitical influence. This downturn is marked by the loss of leading positions in the global economy and access to key natural resources. These challenges are further exacerbated by deepening societal divisions and political fragmentation.
In the United States, the Democrats, watching their support dwindle, have resorted to increasingly radical tactics. This trend is not unique to the U.S.; similar dynamics are playing out in the U.K., France, Poland and Israel. The political establishment in many Western countries is struggling to maintain its control, and as a result, internal rifts are becoming more pronounced.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the U.K. and Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron in France are facing unprecedented challenges. Macron's lingering lame-duck status and Starmer's historically low approval ratings highlight the deepening crisis. This internal fragmentation has led to a growing skepticism of Western leadership, further weakening their geopolitical influence.
The global majority gains momentumIn contrast, the "global majority" nations are benefiting from robust economic growth and the consolidation of power through multilateral diplomacy. The foundation of this progress has been laid by organizations like BRICS and the SCO, which have allowed them to achieve significant milestones.
One key development is the SCO+ summit in Tianjin, which became the largest in the organization’s history. This summit, combined with the second BRICS summit under Brazil's presidency, underscores the growing influence of these emerging blocs. These nations have achieved remarkable success by overcoming internal divisions and consolidating power under the support of their populations. They are not just reclaiming their political and economic autonomy—they are rewriting the rules of global diplomacy.
The economic growth of these nations is underscored by their vast reserves of essential resources and consistently strong performance. China, in particular, has emerged as a formidable competitor in economic and military might, surpassing the G7 economies in both spheres.
The soft power of the global majorityThe global majority's ascent is not just about economic prowess. It also includes a soft power rooted in cultural diplomacy, unique ideologies and strategic partnerships. Unlike the golden billion, which is seen as overly intrusive and out of touch with global realities, the global majority espouses values that resonate with non-Western populations.
As Todd argues in The Defeat of the West, there has been a shift in Western values that goes beyond traditional liberal ideas of democracy and human rights. The West's internal decline is evident in areas such as education and infrastructure, which have become overshadowed by law, finance and mass consumption. The United States produces fewer engineers and scientists than Russia, reflecting an internal brain drain where high-skill occupations are increasingly underrepresented.
Moreover, the West’s decision to outsource its industrial base is viewed by many as exploitation, stripping it of its economic self-reliance. This has made the West less capable of delivering on its foreign policy promises, as seen in its inability to supply Ukraine with the necessary matériel during the ongoing conflict.
The future of global leadershipThe softening underpinnings of Western global leadership have become starkly apparent in recent geopolitical shifts. Support for Ukraine is waning, and Western skepticism about the motives and competence of American leadership has reached new heights. This crisis of confidence is not confined to Europe; it extends to the Global South, where nations are increasingly aligning with the global majority.
The West faces a critical choice: adapt its approach to global leadership or risk irrelevance. To regain credibility, the West must recognize and respect the perspectives and sovereignty of global actors. Recognizing the limitations of universal Western values and tailoring policies to meet the needs of diverse global communities could pave the way for more productive coexistence.
A new respect for others' perspectives may not reinvigorate the Western-led global order, but it could lead to a more stable and peaceful world through global institutions of more modest scale and scope. The West must also address the ill effects of its globalization initiatives, particularly in the Global South, and provide innovative approaches to development assistance.
The New World Order takes shapeThe world is witnessing a paradigm shift, with the global majority emerging as a dominant force. The era of unipolar Western dominance is giving way to a multipolar world defined by partnerships and alliances that prioritize mutual respect and cooperation. For the West, this transition demands a significant reevaluation of its global leadership strategies. Adaptation is the key; continued reliance on outdated paradigms risks condemning Western powers to irrelevance. The new world order is not a threat but an opportunity for genuine freedom and prosperity based on honest money systems that reflect real value. This shift requires a steadfast commitment to building a future based on honesty, innovation and the effective use of energy.
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