Context & The Gist
The G-20 summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, was significant as the first hosted on the African continent and with the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member. The summit focused on challenges facing the "Global South"—conflicts, inequality, and economic uncertainty—and emphasized a need for peace in various conflict zones. However, the summit was overshadowed by the absence of US President Donald Trump and a US government boycott, citing concerns over alleged discrimination against White minority farmers in South Africa. This raises questions about the US commitment to the G-20 and the grouping’s ability to represent a more democratic world order.
Key Arguments & Nuances
- The inclusion of the African Union signifies a shift towards greater representation of the Global South within the G-20.
- India played a proactive role, proposing six initiatives aimed at addressing global challenges, particularly in areas where India has expertise.
The US boycott is a significant setback, highlighting potential fractures within the G-20 and questioning the commitment of its largest economy.
- The contrast between the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’ (humanity towards others) invoked in the declaration and the US boycott creates a stark irony.
- The declaration’s comparatively weaker condemnation of terrorism compared to the 2023 New Delhi declaration is a point of disappointment for India.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance
- GS Paper II: International Relations – Multilateral institutions (G-20), India’s foreign policy, and its role in global governance.
- GS Paper II: Governance – Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/services relating to Health, Education, and Human Resources.
- GS Paper III: Economy – Global economic developments, and their impact on India.
Prelims Data Bank
- G-20: An intergovernmental forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union. It represents around 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.
- African Union (AU): A continental union consisting of 55 member states located on the African continent.
- Ubuntu: A Nguni Bantu term meaning "humanity towards others." It is often translated as "I am because we are."
- UN Charter: The founding document of the United Nations, outlining its principles and purposes.
Mains Critical Analysis
The G-20 summit in Johannesburg presented a complex picture of global cooperation and emerging challenges. The inclusion of the African Union is a positive step towards a more inclusive global order, reflecting the growing importance of the Global South. India’s proactive role in proposing initiatives demonstrates its commitment to addressing global issues and its willingness to take on leadership responsibilities.
Challenges
- US Absence: The US boycott undermines the credibility and effectiveness of the G-20, particularly given its economic and political influence.
Geopolitical Tensions: The boycott stems from bilateral issues between the US and South Africa, highlighting how geopolitical tensions can disrupt multilateral cooperation.
- Weakened Condemnation of Terrorism: The comparatively weaker language on terrorism in the Johannesburg declaration compared to the New Delhi declaration is a concern for India, given its own experiences with cross-border terrorism.
Opportunities
- Global South Voice: The inclusion of the AU provides a platform for African nations to articulate their priorities and concerns on the global stage.
- India’s Leadership: India’s proposed initiatives offer opportunities to strengthen its partnerships with African countries and demonstrate its commitment to South-South cooperation.
- ‘Ubuntu’ Spirit: The emphasis on ‘Ubuntu’ in the declaration underscores the importance of empathy, solidarity, and collective action in addressing global challenges.
Value Addition
- India’s G20 Presidency (2023): India’s presidency focused on the theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family) and prioritized issues such as digital public infrastructure, climate finance, and food security.
- Apartheid: A system of racial segregation and discrimination enforced in South Africa from 1948 to 1994.
The Way Forward
- Strengthen Multilateralism: The G-20 needs to reaffirm its commitment to multilateralism and address the concerns of all member states.
- Address Geopolitical Tensions: Efforts should be made to de-escalate geopolitical tensions and foster a more cooperative international environment.
- Focus on Inclusive Growth: The G-20 should prioritize policies that promote inclusive growth and reduce inequality, particularly in the Global South.
- Enhance Global Cooperation on Terrorism: Stronger international cooperation is needed to counter terrorism and address its root causes.