link to article: https://apnews.com/article/south-africa-trump-g20-summit-johannesburg-fdf9ded7217e3e72050113eb0270cc06
Although this AP article focuses on Africa’s first G20 summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, it was greatly overshadowed by the boycott of the US president, Donald Trump, and his administration. Trump criticized South Africa’s government stating that the country discriminates against white farmers based on allegations made by President Cyril Ramaphosa as baseless. The US boycotting of the summit has been the primary focus point at the conference, with the United States sending no representatives to attend the summit in Washington urging the other member states to not agree to a “Leaders Declaration”. In addition to the US, Russia’s president Vladimir Putin did not attend the summit due to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant and Chinese president Xi Jinping was represented by Premier Li Qiang. However, despite being without two of the world’s largest economies, South Africa has used its presidency to advocate for climate resilience in debt relief, as well as global economic reforms and there have been numerous countries, including many members of the African union that are supporting these efforts.
This summit is significant as it will highlight the changing dynamics of global power. Although the US’s boycott of the summit may undermine multilateralism, it could open up space for Africa to take a larger role in leading global efforts. South Africa’s focus on climate financing and debt sustainability reflects the most immediate needs of developing nations. Additionally, the lack of attendance from some of the world’s largest economies clearly shows the tension between the different global governance systems and demonstrates the need for reform and inclusion.
In order to address these issues, stakeholders should continue to promote multilateral cooperation. South Africa and the African union should continue to advocate for the rights of poor nations, while other member states should provide support for reforms. In addition, the US should consider returning to the table and engaging in the summit to avoid further isolating itself in the global governance system.
These events relate to several of the IB global politics themes of power, sovereignty, and global governance. The US’s boycott of the summit exemplifies unilateralism, whereas Africa’s newfound leadership represents a rising multipolar world. Furthermore, the summit encompasses ongoing debates on inequality, climate justice, and reforming the current international institutional framework