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| 'Globalism', as portrayed to our left is under threat as United States moving swiftly towards isolation |
It appears Donald Trump has killed off 'globalism' as we know it. Since winning the US election over 18 months ago, he has single-handedly managed to peeve off his neighbours, declare trade wars with Europe and China, and increase tensions in the Middle East - as if the latter wasn't tense enough. In the process, he has appeared to make good friends with North Korea, the nation governed by a shameless dictatorship who, only months ago, was testing nuclear weapons across the Pacific. It's quite remarkable.
And as if that doesn't officially kill off 'globalism' in the United States, the President has decided to pull his country out of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council, citing the organisation's apparent ill-treatment of Israel. This is happening while the wife of Benjamin Netanyahu, is currently on trial, accused of fraud, possibly resulting into the demise of that government Mr Trump has grown to adore.
Oh, and above all of this, Trump decided it was a wonderful idea to separate kids away from their parents, trying all they can to move away from troubles in Central America, searching for a new life in the States. This was part of his Administration's pledge to clamp down on illegal migration. The idea of clamping down illegal migration is perfectly logical. Most of us want to feel safe and secure by ensuring everyone is accounted for, wherever anyone resides. However, managing it has been conquered by very little.
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| Trump at US/Mexico border (Image: Bloomberg) |
Trump's way of clamping down illegal migration faced global condemnation. He promised a 'wall' between the United States and Mexico, yet very few of us would ever imagine him stooping lower by not only separating parents away from their innocent son and daughters, but taking the distressed latter to 'cages', or 'detention centres'. Some of the videos that appeared in recent weeks have shocked and united the world in horror. Trump has stopped this now, though the scars remain.
Putting all what I've mentioned in mind, Trump's 'isolationism' political promises are in full swing - and many are panicking as a consequence. Europe, China and the Middle East have key interest with the States, through oil and manufacturing. In recent months, petrol prices have shot up and tariff rates on cars have been threatened to increase by levels with the capability to shatter economies. Leaders from these countries may think this is temporary, however, the US could have Trump until 2024. Up to six years isn't temporary, and if they are true advocates of 'globalism', they need to, at least, strongly consider moving American deals away and give Trump exactly what he wants. Let him and his Congress sulk. By Europe and beyond publicly lurking, it gives the President his cake to indulge.
It is possible for 'globalism' to live, without the United States involved. Trump isn't the President of the 'free world', as the US is often described. Another country has to take that particular role while the States go through this phase where its government doesn't welcome other people to embrace the so-called 'American Dream'.
To me, 'globalism' is about embracing the world in its fine glory. It's about finding the right balance between freedom and reasonable accountability, without prejudice and judgement. It's about helping other countries and providing the goods for the country you reside - culturally, socially and economically. It's all the above, and without needing to do things to deliberately ruffle feathers against countries that have potentially dangerous capabilities. The only problem, however, is that I don't see any country stepping up to the plate, in their current states.
The immediate successor would have been Germany. However, their government is recovering from a near complete meltdown over their 'open door' immigration policy, drawing passionate resistors and supporters in equal measures. The people are split in welcoming refugees so freely, a policy their Chancellor Angela Merkel strongly advocates, its division is echoed in the coalition government. Yet another jittery general election could be imminent in Germany, if the rumours are true. The UK meanwhile is in the middle of leaving the European Union, whatever that looks like in terms of embracing 'globalism'. It would depend on which politician or influencer you talk to.
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| Macron with Merkel (Image: Financial Express) |
Elsewhere, France - another supposed honourable 'free world' nation - is unsure whether they're happy with their current President, 'globalist' Emmanuel Macron. His honeymoon period has long passed and while he balances his time between battling with French workers' Unions and reforming the European Union, he bites the heads off teenagers who don't address him the way he wants them to - sending a message to young French boys and girls not to talk in ways that make them feel comfortable. Canada sound like a hot prospect, but the jury is out until we discover whether Justin Trudeau, the current face of 'globalism', can keep his job as leader. With 16 months to go, the polls suggest otherwise.
How about China? The idea may sound laughable, with my views on their human rights record clearly stated in previous articles. However, their economic record can give them a near pass to 'free world' status. Yet, with their reliance on exporting to the US, and on Trump's positive relationship with North Korea, their future lies rather significantly with the White House. The same applies to Japan on the latter. The final candidate would be Australia, however, bless their hearts, they're so far away, it's hard to be 'free' when its accessibility, in a society where people prefer convenience, is limited. Despite the geography, tourism is booming, so don't rule them out to being the 'free world' capital.
I have listed seven countries here and they have got to sort themselves out. I am a proud and satisfied advocate of 'globalism', however, trying hard to befriend with a leader that doesn't provide the goods in return - as we see with the world towards Donald Trump - it's difficult to export freely and almost impossible to get people behind the 'globalism' bandwagon if they don't see a positive impact on their personal finances.
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