The Inside Story Podcast Was the G20 summit a success without the US?
Nov 23, 2025
Thembisa Fakude, Director at Africa Asia Dialogues, shares insights on South Africa's perspective on the G20 summit and the implications of the US boycott. Richard Weitz from the NATO Defense College discusses the potential for G20 agreements without American involvement, while Omar Ashour, a strategic studies professor, critiques the G20's effectiveness in enforcing its decisions. They also explore the challenges of multilateral forums, racial double standards in global responses, and whether the South African agenda can withstand US opposition.
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South Africa Declares Success Without The US
- South Africa presented the G20 as a success despite the US boycott and an early agreed declaration.
- Thembisa Fakude says the US lost diplomatic ground and later belatedly sought to join deliberations.
Declarations Without Execution Are Hollow
- Richard Weitz warns a US absence makes declaration easier but reduces follow-through.
- He expects future US presidencies to ignore this G20 declaration and set their own agenda.
Thin Multilateralism Replaces Enforceable Action
- Omar Ashour calls current multilateralism "thin": communiques replace enforceable action.
- He argues the US remains the central guarantor even as its role visibly recedes.