By Sherwin Bryce Pease 

In a sweeping press conference, Trump made bold statements about altering the geography of the Gulf of Mexico, threatened North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) member Denmark over Greenland, and hinted at military action regarding the Panama Canal. He even proposed economic sanctions to incorporate Canada as the 51st state of the US.

Such declarations have left the international community, including South Africa (SA), deeply concerned. Trump's approach, marked by hyperbole and unpredictability, challenges long-standing diplomatic norms. In particular, his past hostility towards multilateral institutions, including withdrawing the US from the Paris Climate Agreement and the Human Rights Council, suggests a return to isolationism, which may undermine efforts towards global co-operation on issues such as climate change and sustainable development.

SA, now holding the G20 Presidency, faces a delicate balancing act. While Trump’s administration is expected to continue its antagonistic stance towards multilateralism, SA is likely to push for sustainable development goals, including poverty alleviation and climate action, in the face of challenges from a US administration prioritising economic and geopolitical dominance.

SA diplomats, particularly Ambassador Ibrahim Rasool, will have their work cut out as they navigate this unpredictable political landscape, with Trump's administration seemingly intent on reshaping global alliances and challenging international norms.

--ChannelAfrica--