Trump’s Lasting Legacy: The Erosion of Global Stability

Key Takeaways

• The relationship between the South African government and the Trump administration is complex and influenced by public sentiment
• Trump’s foreign policy is driven by a desire to appeal to his conservative white voters in the US
• The South African government has had enough of Trump’s false claims and is speaking out against them
• The issue has become a matter of international diplomacy, with other countries being forced to take a stance
• The situation could have implications for South African domestic politics, particularly for International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola

Introduction to the Complex Relationship
Every now and then, something from history has a huge resonance with current events. Reading a book about the beginning of World War 1, "The War that Ended Peace: The Road to 1914" by Margaret MacMillan, has informed my understanding of the relationship between the South African government and the Trump administration. One of MacMillan’s points is that in countries like Germany and the UK, leaders had to take into account public sentiment when dealing with international affairs. This meant that their lives became more complicated, and they had to respond to the way voters felt about certain issues. Before that, leaders had a much freer hand, allowing them to keep the details of some treaties secret.

The Evolution of Foreign Policy
Now, it seems that things have swung so far that Trump is creating his foreign policy solely for public sentiment. In short, he is attacking South Africa simply to ensure he wins the votes of his conservative white voters in the US. This approach to foreign policy is a significant departure from the past, where leaders had more flexibility to make decisions without considering public opinion. The South African government has now had enough of Trump’s false claims, particularly about a "white genocide" in the country. Over the weekend, President Cyril Ramaphosa told a family meeting that Trump’s claims were "blatant misinformation." This public statement is a significant development, as it indicates that the South African government is no longer willing to remain silent in the face of Trump’s false claims.

A New Era of Diplomacy
The situation has become even more complicated, with public speculation that International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola might be barred from entering the US and declared persona non grata. This has caused concern among businesses with ties to American companies, as it could make trade with the US even more difficult. However, it seems that the South African government has no choice but to speak out against Trump’s false claims. By doing so, Ramaphosa is making it clear that the country will not be bullied by Trump’s lies. The fact that Lamola and Ramaphosa are telling the truth about Trump’s policies feeding into white supremacy ideology is also significant. It highlights the importance of standing up to bullies and not letting false claims go unchallenged.

International Support and Implications
Ramaphosa’s decision to make the context of the issue the G20 Summit is a clever move. By doing so, he is not just speaking as South Africa, but with the support of other countries. Trump’s threat to not invite South Africa to the G20 Summit in Miami next year has forced other countries to take a stance. Either they support South Africa or the US. Considering that 18 other countries attended the G20 and signed up to the Leaders’ Declaration, it seems that South Africa is in the warm embrace of many friends. Countries like Germany or the UK have to decide who to back, and since they have already backed South Africa, it would be difficult for them to step away now. This international support is crucial, as it shows that South Africa is not isolated in its stance against Trump’s false claims.

Domestic Politics and International Affairs
The situation could also have implications for South African domestic politics, particularly for Lamola. As an ambitious politician, Lamola might well use this opportunity to gain more support in the ANC. With Ramaphosa’s help, he might be able to turn the situation to his advantage. If Trump does pick on Lamola and tries to make him the symbol of his problems with South Africa, this could actually help Lamola’s career. It is amazing how things have come full circle, with domestic politics being determined by international affairs. This was unimaginable back in the days before the end of the peace, and it highlights the complex and interconnected nature of modern politics.