Is America Losing Control? Israel & Russia Rewrite Rules
Is America losing control? The United States has spearheaded a global coalition to impose sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Washington characterized the conflict as a blatant violation of national sovereignty and international law. In response, the coalition has implemented severe economic penalties and provided extensive military aid to assist Ukraine in defending its territory.
In contrast, the United States has continued to provide substantial military aid to Israel during its operations in Gaza. Additionally, Washington has employed its veto power at the United Nations Security Council to block resolutions that call for ceasefires or condemn Israeli actions, a stance that has led to its isolation from many allies.
International Law Under Strain
Critics argue that this dual approach selectively applies principles of international humanitarian law, citing the inconsistent standards used to judge civilian harm and military necessity in different conflicts. This inconsistency undermines the very legal frameworks designed to protect civilians during wartime.
This perception is not limited to rival nations. A report from the International Crisis Group notes that many see a “glaring double standard” in how Western capitals have reacted to Gaza versus Ukraine. This damages the credibility of the norms the US claims to uphold.
The View from the Global South
Many nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, collectively known as the Global South, perceive the United States’ stance as hypocritical. This perception has significantly hindered American diplomatic efforts in addressing various global issues, including climate change and trade.
Leaders in countries like Brazil and South Africa have openly criticized the perceived inconsistency. This criticism, as reported by sources like the Financial Times, has undermined the US’s moral authority and its ability to form broad international coalitions.
Is America Losing Control? Reshaping the Global Order
This perceived shift in US policy carries substantial geopolitical ramifications. Adversaries such as Russia and China can exploit these inconsistencies to justify their actions and undermine the existing international framework. They contend that global rules are not universally applicable but are merely tools employed by Western powers to maintain their dominance.
Analysts suggest this could accelerate a move towards a more fragmented, multipolar world. In this new order, powerful nations may increasingly operate based on strategic interests rather than shared rules, a trend analyzed by news agencies like Reuters. This could lead to greater global instability and conflict.
Also read, 1.9 Million Gaza Displacement Crisis: Why Aid Now Feels Like an Insult.
Key Takeaways
- Divergent Policies: The US has condemned and sanctioned Russia while providing military and diplomatic support to Israel amid accusations of international law violations.
- Eroding Norms: This inconsistency strains the “rules-based international order” that has guided global affairs since World War II.
- Credibility Damage: Accusations of double standards are particularly strong in the Global South, weakening US diplomatic influence.
- Geopolitical Impact: The shift may embolden other countries to disregard international rules, leading to a more unstable and transactional world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It refers to the set of laws, norms, and institutions, like the United Nations, that were established after World War II. Their purpose is to govern relations between states and prevent major conflicts by promoting stability and cooperation.
The US imposed severe economic sanctions on Russia and provided military aid for Ukraine’s defense. For Israel, it has provided significant military aid and has used its UN veto to shield it from international condemnation and calls for a ceasefire.
They are significant because they create the perception that international rules apply differently to allies and adversaries. This can weaken the entire system of global governance and encourage other nations to ignore these rules when it suits their interests.
It is damaging US credibility and moral authority, particularly among developing nations. This makes it harder for the US to build coalitions and lead on other critical global issues like climate change, nuclear proliferation, and economic stability.
Christine Morgan is a senior staff writer and journalist at ReadBitz.com, where she brings clarity and context to the most pressing global events. As a leading voice on the daily news desk, she is dedicated to demystifying the complex web of international affairs, politics, and economics for a diverse global readership.