After the Second World War the World’s Nations created the United Nations and several other international bodies to manage and correct wrongdoings that can, or will occur around the world. That was according to the world’s largest powers at that time which were, America, Russia, China, Britain and France.
These latter two, Britain and France, have since then lost much of their power and although they still have the right to veto any resolution at the U.N. Council, it is really the other three superpowers which actually have the power, both politically and militarily, to implement whatever they decide.
Resolution after resolution involving the atrocities that are happening in Gaza and the West Bank have been vetoed, even after the International Court at the Hague condemned Israel, America blocked all resolutions at the U.N. Council, disregarding any principle that this Council was based on.
Not only that, during these last few days America has had the audacity to condemn the Hague International Court. What an irony and abuse of power.
We in Malta have always previously seen America as the beacon of humanity, freedom and democracy. In my view not any more under the leadership of President Trump.
President Trump
The newly elected American President in my humble opinion is going to be a very dangerous President, who will undermine all relative issues with his authoritarian position on the power that America has.
America under Trump has alienated its closest friends and allies. His outstanding quotes and sayings are not only outrageous, but also degrading and insulting to its close allies.
The world now, one can say is rapidly moving towards a confrontational role with the three major powers vying with each other as to who is the mightiest and strongest among them.
These three will try to gather other allies into their influential sphere, but many are already becoming wary of them and are not willing to join or fall into any such alliances.
Dictators
The world has seen many dictators in both past and recent times. Each and every time the world has had to pass through a period of turmoil before, after innumerable hardships and loss of life, returning to the healthy and normal situation of living freely and democratically.
Dictators are very dangerous and have an abiding ambition to rule over other nations and their citizens however they wish or see fit.
Take Russia, which had a dictator for almost 30 years who has managed crush all opposition. Putin can do whatever he wants as can be seen and witnessed in both his Russia and now neighbouring Ukraine.
China
China, which is also another superpower, has also established in own dictator quietly and forcefully. Mongolia and other areas have already been taken over.
The Chinese system is different from both Trump and Putin, Xi Jinping is more subtle in achieving his aims up to now through foreign policies, capital investments, which all mean that he is achieving his aims without using any military power. In his own country and surrounding areas he now has, and will keep a very strong hold.
America
During the previous Trump administration the European North Atlantic Alliances felt that they were left out in the dry by Trump, although he was correct when he insisted that NATO Countries should and must fork out 2% of their national budget, the way he did it and acted were disrespectful to his neighbours and allies.
Apart from this NATO and Europe have a responsibility to form a reasonable defence force collectively and be able to defend any intrusion by others.
In my view Trump is trying to alienate the Russian and Chinese leaders, by being more autocratic and powerful than they are. The world is coming to and passing through a very difficult time.
When previously addressing the German Bundestag I mentioned how Russia and America almost avoided going to war at the last minute, America had the backing of Europe at that time, now Trump is cutting apart this alliance. America First is also becoming the resounding cry for the “Far Right Parties in Europe.” A very dangerous element for any democracy.
Russia Is the largest country in the world, its borders adjoin many European countries and Putin appears to harbour further ambitions to return autocratically and dominate Europe through its military power as it previously did under Stalin. China on the other hand wants, and is trying to dominate the entire Asian area.
Now America under Trump is, instead of extending its hands for more cooperation with its allies, using its power and finances to attempt to dominate the other countries. This policy won’t work, it will instead alienate Americas friends and allies and force them to turn to other spheres and different policies.
Turbulent Times
I predict many more turbulent times ahead as I believe that these three domineering leaders will each try to outdo each other to show who is the most powerful among them.
Early signs are already showing this and unfortunately the world is now seeing it unfold before their eyes.
Lino DeBono
File photo