Gyude Moore, a former minister of public works in Liberia and an expert on African development, discusses the shifting global landscape with Eric and Cobus. He highlights the decline of U.S. hegemony and the rise of China's influence in Africa. The conversation dives into the implications of diminishing U.S. aid and the necessity for Africa to form diverse partnerships. Moore also emphasizes the imbalanced trade relationship with China and the importance of leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area for economic integration and local production.
The podcast highlights the dismantling of U.S. institutions, signaling a shift away from the established liberal international order affecting global dynamics.
African countries are encouraged to diversify their international partnerships, particularly with emerging economies like China and Southeast Asia, to enhance resilience.
Deep dives
Dismantling of U.S. Institutions
The podcast discusses the rapid dismantling of significant U.S. institutions, including various government-funded organizations and broadcasting services that have traditionally supported American influence globally. This breakdown signals a shift in the U.S. political landscape that challenges the established liberal international order maintained for nearly 75 years. The hosts reflect on how this might not be surprising to those familiar with South Africa's history of institutional fragility under political pressures. The implications of these changes highlight a reorientation in global dynamics, affecting the U.S.'s role in international relations, especially with the Global South.
The Role of South Africa’s Diplomacy
The expulsion of Abraham Rasul, South Africa's ambassador to the United States, serves as a focal point for examining the delicate state of U.S.-South Africa relations. Critics argue that Rasul's expulsion illustrates the adversarial nature of U.S. foreign policy towards nations that challenge its narratives, particularly in contexts like the Gaza crisis. Discussions suggest that Rasul's calls for a shift from a values-driven to an interest-driven approach in South African foreign policy may reflect a broader response to the changing international climate. The episode highlights that diplomatic interactions are being redefined, with potential repercussions for countries like South Africa navigating their own identity within global politics.
China's Growing Influence in Africa
The podcast underscores China's position as the predominant partner in Africa amid the U.S.'s withdrawal from various aid programs, particularly USAID. With U.S. support diminishing, African countries may increasingly rely on China for infrastructure and economic partnerships, although concerns about becoming overly dependent on a single actor persist. The conversation reveals a paradox, wherein while China is seen as an essential partner for many African states, there exists a risk of being relegated to a raw material supplier. The need for African countries to advance their manufacturing capabilities and create value-added products becomes increasingly critical in establishing a balanced and beneficial economic relationship with China.
Navigating the New World Order
The podcast presents a stark overview of the shifting global order, emphasizing that the U.S. has transitioned to an 'America First' policy that prioritizes national interest over collaborative internationalism. African policymakers must adapt to this new reality by cultivating a diverse range of partnerships rather than relying solely on traditional powers. The dialogue suggests that interacting with emerging economies, including those in Southeast Asia, could provide valuable opportunities for trade and development. The ongoing discussions about the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) highlight the importance of regional cooperation to create a resilient economic framework that can effectively navigate these changes.
During his Senate confirmation, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denounced the so-called "liberal international order" that he said was obsolete and no longer working for the United States. Since he and his boss, President Donald Trump, took office eight weeks ago, they have thoroughly upended the post-WWII global order that the U.S. itself established and led for the past 75 years.
The changes in Washington are happening so fast that it's impossible to keep up. Every day, institutions many assumed were invincible have either been closed or censured. Now, the challenges facing policymakers around the world is how to adapt to this emerging international system that is no longer anchored in Washington, D.C.
Gyude Moore, an inaugural visiting fellow at Global Neighbours and Liberia's former minister of public works, joins Eric & Cobus to discuss what he thinks African countries should do to thrive in a new post-American international order.
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