G20 in Brazil: Bridging a broken balance

Editor's note: Yasir Masood (PhD) is a Pakistani political commentator, broadcast journalist, and strategic communication expert providing international relations insights for global media and think tanks. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The global landscape is becoming increasingly fragmented, with once-stable elements no longer aligning. Amid escalating tensions, constructive dialogue remains critical, as highlighted by various experts during a recent seminar at Peking University. The G20 Summit in Brazil, taking place on November 18-19, 2024, provides a crucial platform for tackling pressing global issues, focusing on climate finance, food security, and international reforms, among others.

Given that G20 nations account for 80 percent of global emissions, discussions will prioritize strategies for climate action and international cooperation. Brazil's Global Alliance Against Hunger initiative aims to address food insecurity, especially in nations least responsible for emissions.

However, challenges, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, could complicate efforts to reach a consensus. The summit's success will depend on leaders' commitment to engagement and transparent dialogue, with potential outcomes shaping global governance towards collaboration rather than division.

The shift in the global order is becoming increasingly apparent, with crises like the lingering effects of COVID-19, rising great power rivalries, and the erosion of international norms driving significant change. According to Lionel Barber, former editor-in-chief of the Financial Times, "We are witnessing a seismic shift in the global balance of power. The post-World War II liberal order, anchored by U.S. leadership, is under immense strain. Whether a multipolar system can offer stability remains to be seen." His views align well with the G20's role as a platform for dialogue and conflict resolution, highlighting initiatives from countries like Brazil, which advocate for a more inclusive global governance framework.

The ongoing G20 Summit offers a key opportunity to transcend "zero-sum thinking," especially as populism and nationalism rise, making collective action on global issues, like climate change, increasingly urgent. The former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nabil Fahmy, called for cooperation underscores the risk that prioritizing national interests, especially in the U.S. and parts of Europe, could weaken key agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord. The WHO warns that climate change could lead to an additional 250,000 deaths annually, underlining the need for a collaborative approach.

The diplomatic maturity of Asian nations also plays a crucial role in managing regional tensions, with frameworks like ASEAN providing avenues for sustained cooperation. In this regard, Kim Sung-Hwan, former South Korean Foreign Minister, emphasized that these frameworks offer effective platforms for managing disputes and enhancing stability. The ongoing G20 discussions are likely to include enhancing trade agreements, improving supply chain resilience, and bolstering regional stability.

From the Russian perspective, Andrey Kortunov, Academic Director of the Russian Council for International Affairs, noted that "the decline of Pax Americana has ushered in a period of traditional geopolitical rivalries" and called for "innovative diplomacy" to prevent a resurgence of great power conflicts. The G20 is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of a multipolar world, where power is more distributed. As the U.S. retreats from multilateral agreements, recalibrated strategies among G20 members will be essential to maintain stability and tackle global challenges.

As Shivshankar Menon, former National Security Adviser of India, observed, "The old order is disintegrating, yet the contours of the new one remain unclear." This underscores the uncertainty of the current global transition and the urgent need for a rules-based system prioritizing cooperation over competition. Menon's remarks reflect the ambiguity of the shifting geopolitical landscape, presenting challenges and opportunities for the G20 to address.

In an era of power politics, Volker Perthes, Senior Distinguished Researcher at the German Institute of International and Security Affairs, stressed the importance of reinforcing international institutions to avoid a drift towards power politics, which could exacerbate conflicts. The G20, with its blend of major economies and middle powers, is well-placed to lead efforts in enhancing institutions like the WTO, the UN, and regional bodies such as the African Union and ASEAN.

Rizal Sukma, former Indonesian Ambassador, noted that the decline of the liberal international order creates openings for regional powers and developing nations to take on a larger role in shaping the global agenda. Thus, the G20 summit presents a vital opportunity for these countries to advocate for a more equitable and cooperative international framework.

As emerging nations seek greater influence, perceptions of key players like China become increasingly important. Professor Wang Yizhou, Vice President of the Chinese Society of International Relations, remarked that as emerging nations seek greater influence, perceptions of key players like China become increasingly crucial. He highlighted the gap between China's self-perception and its external image, stressing that bridging this divide requires honest, transparent dialogue beyond mere diplomatic rhetoric. Addressing these perceptions could position China as a stabilizing force amid global uncertainty.

In conclusion, the ongoing G20 Summit in Brazil marks a pivotal opportunity for world leaders to steer through a fragmented global landscape. By embracing cooperative diplomacy and reinforcing multilateralism, the G20 has the potential to construct a robust framework that counters the rise of unilateral power politics. Such a proactive approach is essential not only for ensuring global stability but also for fostering an equitable international order in these times of rapid and profound change.

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