THE G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in Nov. 18-19 arrived at a critical juncture as global leaders face significant economic headwinds and mounting geopolitical tensions. The summit emphasized a development-centric global agenda, making development inclusive and beneficial to all. Leaders discussed channeling resources into trade, investment and development cooperation while advocating for an open, inclusive and nondiscriminatory environment for international economic collaboration.
The summit also had an intensive discussion on climate and environmental action, emphasizing the need to support developing countries in adopting sustainable practices to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, fostering harmony between humanity and nature. Another important discussion was on strengthening multilateralism, where a call was put forward to uphold the UN-centered international system, the rule of international law and equitable global governance norms.
One of the highlights of the summit, concerning confronting issues related to social inclusion and poverty eradication, was the launch of the “Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty” spearheaded by Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The alliance aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting a strong commitment to eradicating hunger and reducing poverty worldwide. It garnered significant support from the G20 members and world leaders at the summit. This initiative also builds on previous G20 efforts, such as the G20 Action Plan on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Under the banner of “China’s Vision of Shared Prosperity,” President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s commitment to aligning with Global South aspirations during the summit. Xi pledged to combat global poverty, foster modernization and create opportunities through innovation and sustainable development. Speaking on the theme “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,” Xi underscored the need for a fair global order driven by multilateral cooperation and political solutions to conflicts. He also emphasized China’s success in lifting 800 million people out of poverty and offered its development strategies as a model for other nations.
Global conflicts and humanitarian crisis
Another important and crucial point of discussion at the summit pertained to escalating global conflicts and worsening humanitarian crises. The discussions highlighted deep concern about the dire situation in Gaza and Ukraine, urging comprehensive ceasefires and the delivery of humanitarian aid to affected regions.
Within the Global Security Initiative framework, Xi urged G20 leaders to support efforts to de-escalate the war in Ukraine and pursue a political resolution. He emphasized the importance of addressing the legitimate security concerns of all parties involved and called for the cessation of hostilities. Regarding Gaza, Xi called for all sides to stop fighting and advocated for a comprehensive ceasefire. He highlighted the necessity of lifting barriers to humanitarian assistance.
US hypocrisy
However, it is both perplexing and arguably hypocritical that at the G20 summit, US President Joe Biden emphasized the critical need to end global conflicts that exacerbate food insecurity while simultaneously authorizing Ukraine to deploy US-supplied ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) against critical Russian military targets far behind the frontlines. Compounding this contradiction, on Nov. 20, the US exercised its veto power in the UN Security Council (UNSC) to block a resolution advocating for an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution, introduced by 10 nonpermanent members of the UNSC, also called for the unconditional release of hostages and the provision of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. Despite receiving overwhelming support, with 14 votes in favor and no abstentions, the US veto thwarted its adoption. Such a move by the US would impede broader efforts toward an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian relief in Gaza. Blocking the resolution would worsen humanitarian conditions in Gaza, hindering the delivery of much-needed aid. Likewise, the veto underscores the US’ strong alignment with Israel, potentially alienating other nations, especially those advocating for immediate de-escalation and humanitarian priorities.
Escalation
Moreover, the US authorization of Ukraine’s use of ATACMS against Russia has intensified the Ukraine crisis, introducing heightened risks of military escalation. Moscow perceives this move as a direct provocation by the US and its NATO allies, with warnings of possible retaliation, including the potential deployment of nuclear assets as a last resort, if Russia’s sovereignty and survival are perceived to be at stake. This decision not only prolongs the conflict but exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, severely impacting Ukraine through increased food insecurity, refugee displacement and infrastructure devastation.
The US decision to authorize the use of ATACMS contrasted with the summit’s call for global peace, de-escalation and conflict resolution to safeguard food security and supply chains. While the G20 emphasized ceasefires and humanitarian aid, the US’ actions reveal a glaring inconsistency between its stated commitment to diplomacy and its on-the-ground strategies. This dichotomy highlights US’ hypocrisy, as it advocates peace while escalating tensions, risking undermining global stability, security and peace-building efforts. It raises critical questions about the coherence and credibility of US foreign policy under Biden, especially in light of the imminent leadership transition. Ultimately, this situation underscores the tension between short-term geopolitical moves and long-term commitments to global peace. It casts doubts on the US’ reliability as a promoter of peace, security and stability, and its sincerity in addressing conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza.
Conclusion
Hence, the actions of the US carry significant geopolitical consequences, pushing the world closer to the brink of a potential nuclear conflict/war while perpetuating the humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians. The unwavering US support for Israel amid accusations of genocidal acts by Israeli forces under Prime Minister Netanyahu intensifies this crisis. While the US endorsed discussions on global peace and humanitarian issues at the G20 summit, its recent veto at the UNSC contradicts those commitments, revealing a prioritization of strategic alliances over universal humanitarian principles. This inconsistency undermines the US’ credibility in matters of global peace, security and stability.
The US veto at the UNSC, seen as shielding its allies, exacerbates geopolitical tensions and reinforces perceptions of US hypocrisy in international diplomacy. Widely criticized for prolonging conflicts and worsening humanitarian crises, particularly in Gaza, the decision underscores the reality that the UNSC needs some reforms to resolve contentious and critical global issues more efficiently and effectively.
Moreover, the stark inconsistency with the US’ stated peace-building goals, as highlighted at the G20 summit, reveals a troubling pattern of double standards, inconsistency and selective application of principles. By advocating peace in global forums while enabling actions that escalate conflicts, the US undermines its credibility and integrity as a major power expected to uphold peace, security and human rights.
