The Intelligence from The Economist In neither camp: Neutrality and war
Apr 19, 2022
James Bennett, Senior Editor at The Economist, dives into the global landscape of neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, illuminating how one-third of the world refrains from backing either side. He discusses the Biden administration's attempts to sway neutral countries and examines the historical ties influencing nations’ stances. Bennett also highlights the resurgence of the non-aligned movement among developing nations, paralleling the fascinating cultural norms faced by unmarried women in Egypt striving for independence amidst societal constraints.
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Global Opposition to Russian Invasion
- Global opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine appears overwhelming, but the reality is more nuanced.
- Only a third of the world's population lives in countries that imposed sanctions on Russia.
Commercial Incentives for Neutrality
- Many countries abstain from condemning Russia for commercial reasons, like reliance on Russian grain or fertilizer.
- These countries feel they're paying the price for a European conflict.
Ideological Factors and Neutrality
- Ideological factors and historical context influence some countries' neutrality.
- The non-aligned movement, prominent during the Cold War, is regaining traction due to issues like climate change and vaccine rollout.