The Israeli invasion of Lebanon, backed by the United States and with the United Nations hamstrung by its veto system, underscores a stark reality: no international power has effectively halted the ambitions of Netanyahu’s right-wing Israeli government. This situation has not only intensified regional tensions but has also accelerated the diminishing prestige of Western nations in the eyes of the Global South.
Since the onset of the conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in a tragic loss of over 41,000 lives, international actors, particularly those in the West, have failed to contain an aggressive Israeli government. This inaction highlights the disparity between the global uproar following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the deafening silence after Israel’s analogous aggression towards Lebanon. The Global South perceives this as a blatant double standard, one which deepens the skepticism towards Western moral authority.
Countries like Russia and China are capitalizing on the West’s faltering influence. They are crafting strategic narratives that challenge the hegemony of Washington. This shift is evident in the discourse surrounding human rights, which is increasingly viewed as a façade of hypocrisy by many in the Global South. Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, pointedly criticized Western nations for their selective indignation, suggesting that they are no longer fit to lecture others on human rights while turning a blind eye to the genocide in Gaza.
Historian Jorge Ramos Tolosa further critiques this inconsistency, describing it as the cynicism of a Northern bloc that supports the impunity of a state capable of simultaneous military actions against five nations—Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq—without facing any substantial international reprimand. This situation reveals the perceived impotence of the United States and the European Union in confronting what many consider the most extreme right-wing government in Israel’s history under Benjamin Netanyahu.
The implications of this perceived Western double standard extend beyond immediate geopolitical ramifications. It breeds mistrust and resentment, eroding the moral high ground often claimed by Western powers. As the Global South observes these unfolding events, it becomes increasingly disenchanted with the West’s selective application of justice and human rights, thereby diminishing the influence and moral credibility of Western nations on the global stage.
In conclusion, the Israeli invasion of Lebanon serves as a pivotal moment in international relations, laying bare the double standards that many in the Global South have long decried. As Russia and China continue to leverage these inconsistencies to their advantage, it becomes imperative for the West to reassess its approach and address the widening chasm between its rhetoric and actions. Only through genuine engagement and equitable policies can Western nations hope to regain the trust and respect of the Global South.
Adapted from: La invasión israelí de Líbano acelera el desprestigio de Occidente ante el Sur Global | Internacional | EL PAÍS (elpais.com)
The term “Global South” refers to developing countries, which are generally located in the southern hemisphere. This concept includes regions such as Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, and developing countries in Asia, including the Middle East.
The “Global South” is used to describe these countries due to their shared history of colonialism, neocolonialism, and economic and social inequalities. In contrast, the “Global North” refers to developed countries, which are usually in the northern hemisphere.