The global order is undergoing a profound transformation, transitioning from the once-dominant “unipolar world,” where the United States and its allies held sway, to an emerging “multipolar world” where nations worldwide seek a voice in international affairs.
This shift has prompted both skepticism and critique from the West, particularly regarding countries like China, Russia, and India, as well as emerging groups such as the BRICS. However, recent events surrounding Palestine shed light on the undeniable complexities of this transition.
The World’s Divisions
A staggering 138 out of 195 United Nations member states have endorsed Palestine as a legitimate and sovereign country, recognizing its place in the international community. However, a select group of countries, marked in red on the map, has opposed Palestine’s full membership and the protections it entails. Strikingly, this map bears an uncanny resemblance to another: the countries that have imposed sanctions on Russia.
The Common Denominator: A Unipolar Agenda
The parallels between these two maps reveal a fundamental truth: there exists a cohesive group of nations with shared interests, willing to employ sanctions and other measures to assert their agendas, often in opposition to the global majority. This starkly resembles the very “unipolar” world order that countries like Russia and China have critiqued vehemently.
It is noteworthy that many of these nations, despite their self-proclaimed commitment to democratic values, appear to disregard these values when it conflicts with their own objectives. This phenomenon raises questions about the authenticity of a “rules-based order” claimed by the West.
Putin’s Insight at the Valdai Club Think Tank Summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remarks at the recent Valdai Club think tank summit are illuminating in this context. He stated, “The West always talks about a global ‘rules-based order,’ but this is based on their making the rules and excluding everyone else.” This statement underscores the prevailing sentiment among countries like Russia and China: that the current global order is constructed and controlled by a select few, leaving the majority with limited influence.
Conclusion: A Multipolar World in the Making
The connection between Russian and Palestinian diplomacy serves as a compelling case study in the evolving global order. As nations like Palestine strive for recognition and equality on the world stage, the divisions and alliances between states become increasingly apparent. The rise of a multipolar world, where multiple voices and perspectives are acknowledged, is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities. It remains to be seen how this transformation will reshape the international landscape and whether nations will heed the call for a more inclusive, rules-based order where all voices are heard.
