Meeting the Needs of a Changing World
Things to consider as the geopolitical landscape shifts to house the multipolar future.
As the global stage continues to witness the erosion of once-prominent international institutions and the manipulation of their agendas, the urgency for a revitalized approach to global cooperation becomes undeniable. The United Nations, once hailed as a beacon of hope for international collaboration, is routinely perverted by its own bureaucratic limitations and its subjection to the influence of a few dominant players. The establishment of a fresh international entity is an inevitable step forward, especially if movements like BRICS aspire to thrive in their mission of establishing a multipolar world. This article seeks to delineate the fundamental pillars of such an alliance by delving into the lessons offered by distinctive nations across the globe.
Resisting Imperialism: Lessons from Puerto Rico
In the pursuit of a new global alliance founded on principles of independence, self-determination, and multipolarity, the resistance against imperialism emerges as a cornerstone. Imperialism, a phenomenon rooted in the pursuit of power and control by one nation over others, has long shaped the course of global politics. Anti-imperialist ideologies such as Dugin's paradigm of multipolar geopolitics resonate deeply with the historical struggles of sovereign nations battling against coercive forces seeking to undermine their autonomy and identity. As the daughter of a Puerto Rican immigrant myself, the price of imperialism is one I have watched my own family pay.
Puerto Rico is a territory that exemplifies imperialism's pernicious effects. Perfectly articulated in the narrative authored by the island’s World War II era governor Rexford Tugwell, "The Stricken Land," details just how colonialism infects and destroys a society at practically every level of existence. He unfurls the socio-economic exploitation that crippled the island, the political subordination that silenced its voice, and the cultural imposition that eroded its identity. Personally, I have no qualms admitting that Puerto Rico is home to a deeply corrupt culture - I have witnessed and experienced it myself and can attest to Tugwell’s vivid descriptions. I agree with his unfortunate conclusion that there is little hope for its betterment. That said, the island can, if nothing else, serve as an example to the world of the immense cost paid by the entire world when imperialism destroys any land, even one as small as my little island of Puerto Rico.
Safeguarding Sovereignty: Cuba’s Unbreakable Conviction
In the realm of international relations, few nations have demonstrated the steadfast commitment to sovereignty and self-determination exhibited by Cuba. The past 60 years have brought little change to Cuba’s foreign policy which is founded on a resolute rejection of external influences. Despite Western narratives hell-bent against communism, Cuba has certain successes that may surprise most Americans.
For one it has one of the lowest homelessness rates in the world. Every source I’ve accessed shows the homeless population in Cuba to be either at or near zero. Walk through a downtown street in any major American city and you are sure to experience the homelessness problem currently facing the Unites States. Another success Cuba can be proud of is the nation’s literacy rate. The Cuban education system has created a nation in which 99.71% of all adults are literate. This is no small accomplishment as the foundation of civilized society rests in literacy. The United States, in comparison, has a literacy rate of around 79% (some sources site the rate even lower while others place it a few percentage points higher - in any event, it’s far from that enjoyed by the evil communist hellscape of Cuba).
The Cuban commitment to sovereignty is perhaps best articled by Fidel Castro himself in a 1985 News Hour interview. Upon being questioned on Cuban-Soviet relations wherein the interview is quite obviously attempting to get Castro to ‘take a side,’ Castro responds by stating firmly that Cuba’s relationship with any country, be it the Soviet Union or anywhere else, is a matter of Cuba’s own sovereignty and not up for question or interference. Regardless of how one may view Castro’s domestic policies, it is hard to condemn his stance on the attempt of the United States to dictate the international policies of his island, “if in order to improve relations with the United States we must give up our convictions and our principles, then relations will not improve on those grounds. If we are going to question our sovereignty, relations will not improve.” Imagining a world in which all nations held such conviction is, if nothing else, an interesting exercise in thought.
Language: Ukraine's Threat to Global Dialogue
In the intricate tapestry of global communication, the case of Ukraine stands as a poignant reminder of how language can be a tool of destruction. The corruption which serves as a pillar of the Kiev regime serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the critical need for a new international alliance that upholds the integrity of language, ensuring genuine dialogue and understanding.
Ukraine's struggle with linguistic manipulation has deep historical roots. The attempts to impose a single dominant language upon its diverse population have led to discord and tension. Throughout its history, Ukraine has grappled with external pressures to suppress the use of the Russian language, undermining the rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural diversity that could have defined the now dilapidated nation. Language is at the core of identity and self-expression. Every thought and feeling belonging to an individual is unconsciously molded by that person’s language. The criminalization of a language, any language, is an unjustifiable affront to humanity.
The perverse linguistic crimes of Ukraine go further than simply criminalizing the Russian tongue. Terms such as ‘democracy’ and ‘human rights’ have been weaponized and stripped of the foundations they once represented. The notion of democracy traces its origins back to ancient Athens, where Plato's "Apologia" interrogated its merits by examining its vulnerability to manipulation. Placing the power of governance in the hands of the people, democracy was a radical concept that sought to free societies from the clutches of autocracy. However, Plato's skepticism was rooted in the realization that pure democracy could devolve into tyranny as demagogues exploited the passions of the masses.
Powerful nations often invoke democracy as a moral high ground to justify interventions, asserting a duty to spread democratic values worldwide. However, these interventions, rather than promoting self-determination, frequently exacerbate existing conflicts and deepen instability.
The Illegitimacy of International Law: Israel’s Blatant Disregard
The concept of international law itself is built on rocky foundations as any law is meaningless without an arm of enforcement. This fact presents real challenges to the effectiveness and legitimacy of international law in the face of persistent violations, such as those exhibited by Israel's ongoing actions in the Middle East. Crafted to regulate interactions between sovereign states, the current international legal structure relies on the cooperation and good-faith of its participants, lacking a centralized enforcement mechanism.. This creates a significant loophole that some nations may exploit, as seen in Israel's conduct regarding its actions in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Moving Forward
The lessons from Puerto Rico, Ukraine, and Israel serve as cautionary tales, reflecting the consequences of unchecked power and the importance of national self-determination. As international relations become increasingly redefined, the international community must recognize the flaws and shortcomings of the current state of affairs. The erosion of international law's legitimacy, exemplified by Israel's actions in the Middle East, demands a renewed commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law. The success of a fresh international alliance hinges on principles that acknowledge the complexities of our interconnected world, celebrate diversity, and empower nations to chart their own paths.
-The Shultz Report by M. Shultz