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New Straits Times
21 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Global South shows the way on tackling tomorrow's challenges
THE latest North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) summit convened with all the theatre of importance but none of the coherence. Once a cornerstone of postwar Western security, the alliance now resembles a museum exhibit: elaborate, well-lit but out of time. South Korea's conspicuous absence was not a matter of disengagement. As reported by the South China Morning Post, it reflected a pragmatic diplomatic recalibration. Across the Global South, Nato is viewed increasingly as a relic: obsessed with two per cent defence spending while the world burns from climate shocks, cyber threats, pandemics and migratory collapse. Reuters reports only a few are on track for the two per cent target by 2025. The rest offer rhetoric, not readiness. Yet rather than recalibrating, Nato has now endorsed a new goal of five per cent defence spending by 2035. This shift reflects more about worldview than actual threat. Many in the Global South are asking: containment of what, exactly? Is Nato defending the world, or defending its own relevance? Nato's core logic — big-state militarism, fixed enemies, endless deterrence — is ill-suited to a world of decentralised threats and non-linear crises. The alliance now projects the image of an inward-looking bloc, preaching escalation and loyalty to itself while the world quietly moves on. Across Latin America, Africa, and Asia, new coalitions are forming around infrastructure, energy resilience, digital sovereignty and climate action. These are not military alliances but post-Western lifelines. If Nato wants to remain relevant, it must shift from fortress to forum. So far, the signs are unconvincing. Across countries, the question is no longer whom to side with, but whether the old story still holds at all. Take Iran. Its administration is probably far from universally embraced, even domestically. But its refusal to collapse under sabotage, sanctions and psychological warfare has turned it into a symbol of dignity under siege. From South Africa to Indonesia, Pakistan to Latin America, solidarity with Iran stems not from ideology but from memory. It comes from a shared experience of being coerced, demonised, dehumanised and denied narrative parity. Across Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of Latin America, political leaders and civil society voices increasingly point to a common view. Iran is not being punished for aggression but for independence. The pattern is familiar: covert interference, sanctions and media vilification. These pressures mirror what many postcolonial nations face for refusing alignment with dominant powers. What the Global South is registering is not just military capability but a declaration of strategic sovereignty. In this climate, Malaysia has found its own voice. It does not project force or fund proxy wars. What it offers is narrative clarity. Through consistent diplomatic positioning, Malaysia has argued that peace without accountability is a false peace. Israel's nuclear ambiguity, Western impunity and the systematic erasure of Palestinian dignity are no longer seen as unfortunate contradictions. They are becoming untenable pillars of a collapsing order. In this emerging terrain, narrative is the new front line. The Global South is no longer waiting for permission. It is reframing what dignity, deterrence and diplomacy mean in a world unmoored from Western centrality. The old order relied on language — "rules-based", "deterrence", "democracy" and "self-defence" — to mask contradiction. Today, those words no longer conceal. They expose. The Nato summit, meant to project strength, only magnified irrelevance. Its metrics — two per cent defence spending, rapid response forces, collective security — even if not false, are out of sync with the world's pulse. Climate collapse doesn't ask for battalions. Nor does a broken food system. Nor a digitally displaced generation. And in the margins of this collapse, a new world is taking shape. Multipolar networks are forming not through grand treaties but through quiet refusal. These actors refuse to be lectured, intimidated or ignored. If a new system emerges, it will not be born in Cold War summits or Nato declarations. It will be built on the courage of coherence, on the dignity of those once silenced but are now speaking up. Iran has shown that deterrence can be quiet, precise and unyielding. Malaysia has shown that influence can reside in truth. The Global South, long treated as audience, is now writing its own script.
The Citizen
a day ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
US apologised for not attending G20 Sherpa meeting, Lamola says
The meeting discussed the unprecedented global turmoil, both geopolitically and economically. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola says the United States sent a letter of apology stating that it would not be attending the three-day G20 Sherpa meeting. The meeting, which started on Wednesday in Sun City, North West, discussed the unprecedented global turmoil, both geopolitically and economically. US absent Lamola stated the US could not attend the meeting due to the concurrent North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) Summit in The Hague, which was attended by US President Donald Trump. 'We take that as an apology. We are not concerned. We think that the G20 should be able to function with all the member states that are part of the G20, and they have provided us with an apology. So, we take it at face value, and we think we will be able to come out with very progressive and ambitious outcomes of this meeting.' ALSO READ: Trump changes tune and 'agrees' to participate in G20 Summit, Ramaphosa says Global turmoil Lamola commended the work of the Sherpa for the continuous engagement on various issues, highlighting the growing geopolitical conflict in the world. 'This important meeting, which comes at the midpoint of South Africa's historic G20 Presidency, also coincides with unprecedented global turmoil both geopolitically and geoeconomically'. Lamola said that according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's States of Fragility 2025 Assessment, the number of armed conflicts is at its highest level since the Cold War, with state-based conflicts including proxy wars, civil wars, and coups, ranking as the top global risk for 2025. 'State rivalries are fuelling fragmentation, with economic decoupling, and proxy conflicts undermining global stability. These international competition dynamics are exacerbating fragility in vulnerable regions, while also weakening multilateral institutions that underpin the rules-based international order'. Picture: Dirco SA anti-war Lamola stressed South Africa has adopted an anti-war stance. Following last week's US military strikes in Iran, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, 'At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos'. 'We understood the United Nations' promise 80 years ago: collective security over coercion, the extinguishing of the law of the jungle! Alas, we find ourselves in an evolving global disorder that brings with it many perils for the weak and vulnerable, Lamola said. 'As South Africa, we have adopted an anti-war stance. This is because we know too well that war offers no victors, only victims. Double standards in diplomacy and the paralysis at the UN Security Council have crippled conflict resolution, mediation and peace efforts. These systemic challenges must be addressed to reclaim a global rationality that builds on stability, peace, certainty and sustainability'. Lamola said the world needs more diplomacy and peace, with the UN at its pinnacle. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa calls for dialogue to end Israel-Iran conflict Digital economy The minister also emphasised the digital economy, which undoubtedly continues to develop at a rapid pace, presenting both unprecedented opportunities and deepening inequalities across the globe. 'We must act with purpose to support digital transformation, equitable access to data and infrastructure, and support innovation with a human-centric focus. 'That said, cyber and hybrid warfare coupled with AI-driven threats create asymmetric risks, accelerating conflict escalation and reducing diplomatic windows of opportunity to act,' Lamola said. G20 urged to tackle global challenges Lamola said the G20 can lead in a moment of crisis and can help address the weaknesses of the multilateral system. 'The G20 can ensure that our collective humanity is not abandoned. Our deliberations can no longer be hollow; our shared prosperity now more than ever demands collaboration that pursues solutions that address some of the most pressing global challenges confronting humanity and impacting global growth and development. Lamola said the G20 is 'a persuasive body which holds great influence in the world'. ALSO READ: WATCH G20: Ramaphosa promises to carry on 'good work' done by Brazil
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Nato's Trump flattery buys time but dodges tough questions
LAVISHING praise, playing the royal card and copying his slogans — the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) pulled out all the stops to keep President Donald Trump happy and hold the alliance together at a summit in The Hague. The plan came off, although it largely avoided tough topics of vital importance to Nato such as the war in Ukraine, Russia strategy and a likely drawdown of United States troops in Europe. Sooner or later, Nato will have to deal with them, too. As Nato boss Mark Rutte had planned, the main summit outcomes were a vow by the allies to heed Trump's call to spend five per cent of gross domestic product on defence — a big increase on the current two per cent target — and a renewed US commitment to Nato's mutual defence pact. There was nothing subtle about Nato's strategy to keep Trump on board. Rutte gushed with compliments in a message to Trump, made public by the US president as he flew to The Hague. "You will achieve something NO American president in decades could get done," said the former Dutch prime minister in his message, putting some of his words in capitals like Trump. "Europe is going to pay in a BIG way, as they should, and it will be your win." Right before the summit, in another sign of chumminess with Trump, Rutte reacted to the US president's comments berating Iran and Israel by saying that "daddy has to sometimes use strong language". Given Trump's threats to quit Nato in his first term and not to protect allies who failed to spend enough on defence, the stakes for Nato have been high. Most Nato members see Russia as an increasingly direct threat to their security following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and know they would struggle badly to defend themselves against attack without their nuclear-armed superpower ally. After the summit, Trump's previously harsh rhetoric on Nato had been replaced by something very different. "I left here saying that these people really love their countries. It's not a rip-off, and we're here to help them, protect them," As part of Nato's The Hague charm offensive, Trump was granted the rare honour of staying overnight at the ornate royal palace of Dutch King Willem-Alexander before the summit. The king hosted a three-course meal for leaders prepared by 20 chefs and served by 18 footmen in the baroque 17th century "Orange Hall" in the Huis ten Bosch palace. At the start of the summit, other Nato leaders lined up to praise Trump. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda suggested the alliance adopt the motto "Make NATO Great Again". Rutte kept the summit short and simple, minimising the risks of any blow-ups with Trump. The summit's final statement ran to just five paragraphs — compared with 38 in the text from last year's leaders' meeting in Washington. It does not explicitly describe Russia's military action in Ukraine as a war or invasion, nor does it repeat or reaffirm a previous pledge that Ukraine will one day join the alliance. By focusing on reaffirming commitments to Nato and the new spending pledge, it papered over major differences between Washington and many European allies on Russia and Ukraine. To the discomfort of many Europeans, Trump has taken a more conciliatory stance with Moscow and been less supportive of Kyiv than his predecessor Joe Biden as he seeks to end the war. While such diplomatic fudges may hold Nato together for now, it will be hard for the alliance to function effectively if there is a major long-term difference between the US and Europe on a question as fundamental as how to handle Russia. "A Nato summit that essentially ignores the war that is still raging in Ukraine should worry all of us," said Julianne Smith, who served as the US ambassador to Nato under the Biden administration. Peter Bator, Slovakia's former ambassador to Nato, said, "we have just missed an opportunity to send a strategic message to the ruler in the Kremlin. And it will cost us in our security".
NDTV
2 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Did Dutch Queen Maxima Mock Trump? Viral Video Sparks Debate
New Delhi: Did Queen Maxima of the Netherlands mock US President Donald Trump while posing for a candid photograph? A video that suggests so has gone viral on social media. Mr Trump had been to the Netherlands in the last few days to attend the annual summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). After his formal engagements at The Hague in the NATO summit, Mr Trump went to meet Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander at the Huis ten Bosch Palace. There, the three posed for a photograph for the press. Mr Trump stood in the middle, flanked by King Willem and Queen Maxima. "This is a picture we want," the US president said, and gave a thumbs-up. "I hope you slept well," King Willem said, looking at Mr Trump. "It was great," Mr Trump replied. "Thank you very much," Queen Maxima said, looking at Mr Trump. Then she turned towards the camera, with a look that people on social media claimed mocked at how the US president usually spoke. Trump mocked by the Dutch Queen 🤣 — Anonymous (@YourAnonNews) June 25, 2025 While some people did not approve of Queen Maxima's perceived act of mocking Mr Trump, others supported her. "Good news, MAGA will not go to the Netherlands for any vacations this year," a X user posted. Another X user posted, "Except that she is not mocking him. She always makes funny faces, check her in other videos. It's not deliberate, merely coincidence." Queen Maxima had captivated world leaders with her striking lime-green ensemble at the recent NATO summit. The queen and her husband welcomed world leaders from 32 countries at The Hague. This was the first time the Netherlands played host to a NATO summit. Born on May 17, 1971 as Maxima Zorreguieta to Jorge Horacio Zorreguieta and Maria del Carmen Cerruti de Zorreguieta, she grew up in Buenos Aires. She graduated in economics from the Universidad Catolica Argentina in 1995. During her university days, she worked in the Sales Department of Boston Securities SA in Buenos Aires, according to the official website of the Royal House of Netherlands. At the time, she also taught English and Mathematics to secondary school and first-year students. Queen Maxima is well recognised for taking a stand on tough political issues such as immigration and women's economic empowerment.
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First Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Bromance or diplomatic gambit: Mark Rutte clarifies his 'daddy' remarks as he charms Trump at Nato Summit
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte clarified his 'daddy' remark to US President Donald Trump as he charmed the POTUS for the benefit of the group read more The Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), Mark Rutte , clarified his 'daddy' remark for US President Donald Trump. On Wednesday, Rutte said that he doesn't consider the American president as 'daddy,' he was just using it as a metaphor for the dynamics between the international organisation. 'The daddy thing, I didn't call him 'daddy,'' Rutte told reporters later in the day. 'What I said is that sometimes, in Europe, I hear countries sometimes saying, 'Hey, Mark, will the U.S. stay with us?' And I said that sounds a little bit like a small child asking his daddy, 'Hey, are you still staying with the family?' So in that sense, I used 'daddy' — not that I was calling President Trump daddy," he furthered. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rutte drew media attention and even jokes from Trump after he called the POTUS 'daddy' while describing the president's response to the Israel and Iran's military conflict. 'Sometimes, daddy needs to use strong language,' Rutte said, referring to how Trump threw out the 'f-word' while talking about the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. In a separate press conference, Trump laughed off the remark, leaving those in the room laughing. 'He did it very affectionately though, 'Daddy, you're my daddy,'' Trump said, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio chuckled behind him. Bromance or diplomatic genius? It is pertinent to note that the former Dutch prime minister is no stranger to dealings with Trump, with him deploying his charm in several visits to Washington, DC, during Trump's first term in office. However, many believe that Rutte's tactics came from the same playbook used by French President Emmanuel Macron . Even Finnish President Alex Stubb bonded with him over rounds of golf, and Italian far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has won a reputation as something of a Trump whisperer: She's a 'fantastic woman,' Trump said after meeting her. More or less, Rutte's charm seems to be working on Trump. 'I think he likes me. If he doesn't, I'll let you know. I'll come back and I'll hit him hard,' Trump announced in his Wednesday news conference. The Dutchman went out and about hailing rump's strikes on Iran – a conflict technically outside the NATO wheelhouse – as the president railed against suggestions in a leaked government assessment that undercut his claim the strikes 'obliterated' parts of Iran's nuclear program. 'The secretary general knows that personal relationships go a long way with this administration,' Torrey Taussig, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and a former NATO policy adviser at the Pentagon, told CNN after the meeting. 'I do think this is a kind of hold-your-nose moment. Ensure there are no fireworks in The Hague. Get a good photo op and go home,' she added. However, only time will tell whether Rutte's gambit worked or not. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
