U.S. ditching G20 meetings adds to global confusion about its aims

Editor's note: Anthony Moretti, a special commentator for CGTN, is an associate professor at the Department of Communication and Organizational Leadership at Robert Morris University in the U.S. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily those of CGTN.

Donald Trump's second term as President of the United States is roughly one-month old, but some clear themes are already developing. One that is vexing to world leaders, especially those from the West, is whether the U.S. remains committed to the current global order. If it is not, the resulting decline in global prestige will be deeply felt.

One of the earliest hints that Trump's presidency might include pulling back from America's international commitments occurred when Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that he would not attend the Group of 20 (G20) Foreign Ministers' Meeting that will take place in South Africa. America's absence from this important international meeting will have negative ramifications for U.S.-South African relations , as well as its influence over global discussions on the Global South, climate change and international trade.

Rubio defended the decision, stating, "South Africa is doing very bad things." President Trump quickly followed Rubio's announcement with an executive order cutting financial assistance to the country. In addition, the president offered resettlement in the U.S. to "Afrikaner refugees escaping government-sponsored, race-based discrimination."

Taken together, these messages harken back to a time when the U.S. often dictated terms to developing world, whether they were allies or adversaries. Trump appears eager to revive a blunt diplomatic approach that disregards how policies will be received globally.

In contrast, China's frequently stated pledge of mutual respect stands in stark opposition.

On one hand, the White House is placing unnecessary strain on its bilateral relationship with South Africa. That country's decision last year to ask the International Court of Justice to sanction Israel Gaza crisis partially explains Trump's ire. Trump's unwavering support for Israel is well known, but his retaliatory measures suggest a lack of diplomatic tact.

Additionally, Trump appears especially incensed by new South African land laws designed to redress the nation's apartheid history. He views them in the simplest of terms – whites are having their land taken away. However, the reality is far more complex, a nuance Trump seems unwilling to acknowledge.

So, while U.S.-South Africa relations may deteriorate, more immediate attention is focused on how Rubio's absence from the G20 meetings could reshape the international landscape.

The U.S. has historically engaged in complex global issues, but Trump is pulling America away from such responsibilities. His "America First" philosophy follows a transactional framework: Deals are made primarily to benefit the U.S. Furthermore, "America First" disrupts global agreements; Trump has shown no hesitation in dismantling U.S. commitments to trade, climate action, global health, and more.

As a result, global leaders viewing the G20 meetings are reaching an uncomfortable conclusion: The U.S. does not want to be involved in discussions or decisions shaping global affairs. And that means Washington loses any credibility when it complains about the outcomes of the South African summit.

Another crucial aspect should not be overlooked: The symbolism of the U.S. skipping a major meeting in the Global South sends a negative message. This region – home to 88 percent of the world's population – will take note as South Africa, a prominent member, is deliberately sidelined by Washington.

The frustration will be further compounded by the fact that the African Union joined the G20 just two years ago. While it may be an overstatement to expect major celebrations this year, the absence of a U.S. delegation will not go unnoticed. In contrast, China, the world's second-largest economy, will be fully engaged, reinforcing its growing stature in the Global South and the G20. This will likely translate into both intangible and tangible benefits.

The global economy remains in flux. The Chief Economist of the World Bank Indermit Gill noted late last year, "What's happening is that we've seen a step down in terms of growth from the first decade of this millennium to the second to the third." One of his concerns is that slowing growth will stress lower- and middle-income nations already burdened by debt stemming from loans taken earlier this century. The U.S. might have solutions, but instead, it offers nothing. The only clear message from Washington is that the rest of the world is merely an obstacle to its quest to "make America great again."

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