G-20 SUMMIT AT OSAKA: ACHIEVEMENTS, EVALUATION AND FUTURE ACTIONS

Credit: g20.org

 Laura Frank

Research Associate, CCGS

Berlin Chair

E-mail: Info@globalculturz.org

G-20 is a group of twenty powerful nations of the globe, which also includes European Union. In 1999 the group was founded with the aim to promote the international financial stability and a few other issues. Economic cooperation was the key agenda behind its establishment. Its consists of Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Spain is a permanent invitee.

Since then G20 leaders have met thirteen times at different global venues and the summit held in Osaka (Japan) on 28-29 June 2019 was the fourteenth one. The economists have raised the doubts of its achievements and its relevance too. The G20 leaders are divided on several issues and the global character of the G20 is severally hampered in new emerging situations globally. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), US=China Trade tussles, Japan-Korea cultural relations, US-Russia tensions and many other regional issues are more dominant over the global goals. In that case G20 summits just become a mere ceremonial meet without a concrete purpose.

Eight themes were put forth for discussion in Osaka. These were (i) Global Economy, (ii) Trade and Investment, (iii)Innovation, (iv) Environment and Energy, (v) Employment, (vi) Women’s empowerment, (vii) Development and (viii) Health. These were important issues before the global leaders to ensure the global sustainable development. Whereas the US has already moved out of Paris climate accord and has faced criticism, it was expected that there will be hardly any progress to control global warming. The worries expressed by Japanese PM Shinzo Abe through the press release is quite obvious, ‘The world economy still faces downside risks due to trade tensions. The G20 shared the determination to take further actions and lead strong economic growth while paying attention to such circumstances.’TheUS-China trade war is, as experts say, is not going to settle till Mr. Trump is in office. Chinese BRI project is boycotted by India, the most accelerating economy of the world. BREXIT has created a big trouble for European Union and Germany is passing through a phase of sluggish growth.

The preamble of the summit declaration suggests that there is a will to get united and make the world a prosperous, terror free, energy secured, gender justice and healthy place for every human individual. It says, 1. We, the Leaders of the G20, met in Osaka, Japan on 28-29 June 2019 to make united efforts to address major global economic challenges. We will work together to foster global economic growth, while harnessing the power of technological innovation, in particular digitalization, and its application for the benefit of all.

2. Building on work done by previous presidencies, we will strive to create a virtuous cycle of growth by addressing inequalities and realize a society where all individuals can make use of their full potential. We are resolved to build a society capable of seizing opportunities, and tackling economic, social and environmental challenges, presented today and in the future, including those of demographic change.

3. We will further lead efforts to foster development and address other global challenges to pave the way toward an inclusive and sustainable world, as envisioned in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’.

One journalist said at the venue, Honesty is prime, rest will follow.

For us, Center for Culture & Global Studies, it is satisfactory that there is special mention of promoting tourism and strengthening cultural diplomacy. The Declaration states in its article ’24. Tourism accounts for a significant share of the world's GDP and is expected to continue to be an important driver of global economic growth. We will work to maximize the sector's contribution to the creation of quality jobs and entrepreneurship, especially for women and youth and in the creative industry; economic resilience and recovery; the preservation of natural resources through sustainable tourism planning and management; and the achievement of inclusive and sustainable development’.

We appreciate such endeavors of G20 leaders.

The End of Globalism, Rise of Patriotism

Dr. Ram P Dwivedi

The University of Delhi, India

''We reject globalism and embrace patriotism, around the world responsible nations must resist the threats to sovereignty.''

-Donald Trump, UNGA 2018

The US President Donald Trump declared the end of globalism in his recent address at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). It was the US, who, after the cold war, advocated actively for globalization and World Order. It is now obvious, that Americans want to backtrack the path created by them only. In the same speech, President Trump also made harsh remarks on World Trade Organization (WTO) and insisted upon bilateral ties among nations. The US doesn’t want to play a role of global leader, as it is no more a cost-effective phenomenon. Mr. Trump is very much clear in his vision to focus on ‘America First’ policy and he treats foes and friends equally on this matter. He is demanding more money from Japan and Korea to provide a security umbrella to them. At the same time, he indicated India and other nations not to buy crude oil from Iran. He said, 

Mr. Trump was critical to China & Russia and praised Kim of the North. He advised all the nations to follow patriotism. His address to UNGA is a new turning point and an important issue to analyze for the academics, social scientist and political thinkers.

The emergence of digital media, live streaming, photo, and video editors have broken the gatekeepers and ensured easy, smooth and low cast flow of information and news. According to Edelman a large number of people, particularly in India and China, believe in news spread by various media.

China: 73%

India: 63%

Canada: 55%

US: 47% 

Australia: 42%

UK: 36%

Turkey 23% {Media News trusted by common people}

Though the US and Australia are below 50%. Media is under severe pressure from the political parties and business corporations. The advertisers set the agenda for discussions in media channels and elsewhere. Even, Filter Bubble manages social media and echo communities are created. Overproduction of information has posed a threat to authentication. The lines between real and fake news have reached a hair difference. On one side Mr. Trump is advising all the nations to be patriotic at the same time he has expressed his anger and fear for China. He blamed China to interfere in America’s domestic affairs by the potential use of social network platforms. Mr. Trump’s apprehension is not completely baseless. In the last US presidential election, Russian intervention is under the radar of various investigative agencies. It simply implies that globalism cannot be reverted. It is a natural historical process of human civilization and Donald Trump very much know it. Then, why he is teaching a lesson of patriotism to the nations of the world. Obviously, he wants a better bargain for his citizens in terms of employment, lifestyle, trade balance and security. He no more wants America to play a role of World-lord at the cost of its citizens. This is a complete U-turn from the previous governments. The American aspiration to be a global leader is diminishing under the new regime. 

Trump administration has already kept away Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Paris Climate accord. His administration is also quitting from several other UN programs. Globalism was a brainchild of USA and with the turn of the century, it has become a burden on the economy. Though Trump wants to play a global role, but unwilling to pay for it. This dichotomy is reflected in his teachings of patriotism. The governments, which are unable to address the real issues of the society they ask their common folks to follow and propagate emotional paths. Social media has become an easy tool to inject these issues in the society by manipulation of facts, data, and information. 

Opinion building and opinion control through the extensive use of social media is quite prevalent. Digitally manufactured reality is flowing freely globally. Governments across the world are trying to put barriers on culture and economy. It seems to fail drastically. Citizens at the global level have to understand that the time machine cannot be reverted. Globalism is a futuristic idea empowered with information and communication technologies. Patriotism wouldn’t work long and as it emerged in the gone era of modernism. In post-postmodernist time, lies and love will walk together with greater warmth. Commitments will keep changing and governments throughout the globe, to retain their power, continue to mislead their citizens. UNGA members present in the assembly, laughed when Trump said, ‘Today I want to share the extraordinary progress we made. In two years my administration has achieved more than any administration had achieved before in history.’ There were several contradictions too. He concluded, ‘Let us choose the future of patriotism, let us come here to stand for our people and for their nations, forever strong, sovereign, just, thankful for the grace and the glory of God, God bless the nations of the globe. ‘ I only can say, ‘ God bless you, Mr. Trump.’

In Quest of World Peace

Laura Frank

Center for Culture & Global Studies

Berlin

E-mail: info@globalculturz.org

Nuclear disarmament is the key issue to ensure world peace. Recently the US President, Trump pulled him out of the discussion with North Korean leader Kim Ju Un. The meeting was scheduled to be held in Singapore in mid-June, this year. Kim, at the same, announced that some nuclear facilities, located in the North, would be destroyed before the meeting. He did so. He also initiated to build a positive dialogue with South Korea. Now, the leaders and common people across both Koreas have developed good sentiments towards each other. North Korea, has armed herself with different types of nuclear weapons has a stronger atomic capability. The sanctions imposed by UNSC on North Korea from time to time have their limited impact, as China and Russia were not fully convinced with these measures. It is learned that China was not convinced with sanctions and supporting the North indirectly. 

The countries equipped with nuclear arms are not willing to drop further enhancements. This dis-balance has created a big challenge for a nuclear-free world. North Korea, with it's two immediate and unfriendly neighbors-Japan & South Korea, is not at peace. These two countries, for their security, move ahead under the nuclear umbrella of the US. This causes the North, more unrest. 

Iran, Syria, Israel, Palestine and North Korea are the so-called bone of contention for world peace. Disturbances in these areas are pulling back the world economy. Nuclear equipped countries have bigger responsibility to initiate the global peace process. Donald Trump should re-consider his decision. Dialogues and discussions are the only tools to march ahead on the path of peace and prosperity. 

Strikes on Syria: A Short Commentary

           Dr. Ram Dwivedi

      University of Delhi, India

E-mail: info@globalculturz.org

Syria and its people are passing through a trauma for quite a long time. President Assad is unable to control and maintain law and order in larger part of Syria. Different rebel and armed groups control the Syrian territories. American allies are in direct confrontation with president Assad, whereas Russia and Iran support him. Syria has become a test-ground for American and Russian allies at the cost of common people. On April 14, 2018, the US, along with Britain and France; fired around hundred missiles targeted to destroy its chemical and research facilities located in the capital city of Damascus and faraway Homs. These strikes were carried out without any prior approval of the UNSC and there was no warning issued. Russia, Iran and, China gave their sharp reactions and requested to call the emergent meeting of UN Security Council to condemn the strikes. US allies blamed Assad to use chemical weapons against their own people. So the strikes were limited.  

As told to the international media the Asaad government used ‘Sarin’, ‘Chlorine’ and other dangerous chemicals to control the rebel groups. In any case, it is going to set a bad precedent and cannot be accepted. Russia blamed that the US is spreading baseless facts and Asaad also denied any such chemical weapon use. The truth must come out and there should be self-restrain from all the sides. Sometimes smaller incident of provocation turns into major confrontations.

US-China Trade Tensions

 Dylan Jack

 Researcher

Center for Continuing Education

University of Sydney

Australia

Ph: 02-87276700

Email: info@globalculturz.org

Donald Trump, the US president has taken many decisions to protect US economy and trade. He declared to come out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Program (TPP) within a week he came to power. Imposing different types of sanctions on neighboring Mexico, now he has moved ahead.

China is emerging as an aspirant country. Its aspirations are multidimensional but two of them are very prominent viz. to become global economic power and a military power as well. Xi administration is working on both fronts very promptly and there is hardly any internal opposition to that. During the years Xi has emerged a stronger leader within the communist party of China and now in a position to take aggressive decisions at national and international levels. His intense desire to develop China as a modern state has created a lot of trouble to the poor farmers, rural folks and, poor urban dwellers. There is no visible protest to it due to the personal image and position of Xi. He wants to translate this image at international forums too.  

The trade tensions are going to increase between these two countries due to personality building project of Trump and Xi. Who is the global leader? This question is yet to be resolved by the international community. China is encircling India by funding several developmental projects in its neighborhood-Pakistan, Bangladesh and, Sri Lanka. In a recent move, it has tightened its grip on Maldives and Nepal. OBOR project also shows this ambition. India poses a big and substantial challenge to Chinese dream of becoming global economic and military power. With roughly 7% of annual GDP growth rate and second largest populated country in the world, India is one of the potential markets for the global investors. Further, it is creating stronger ties with the US and Japan to worry China. This is defining a new world order where China, Russia, North Korea, Iran and, Pakistan are coming on one side and US, Japan, Australia and, India on the other. The trade tensions are going to widen across these two lines.

Jerusalem: The Bone of Contention

Yusuke SEKIMOTO

United Nations University, Shibuya

Japan

E-mail:info@globalculturz.org

Donald Trump, unilaterally, declared and gave recognition to Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This created a sentiment of despair in the international community. Arab nations, as expected, protested the move put the issue in UN general assembly to discuss, debate and vote upon it. The results of the same were declared and the US was cornered completely as 128 nations supported the status quo. 

Trump administration tries to give a strong message to other nations to follow it verdict and support its decision. The US ambassador to UN, Nikki Haley, issued a warning to UN and other countries to oppose the motion moved by the Arab nations or else face fund cuts. It didn’t work out. Only 9 countries, lesser known to people, opposed the move and the rest either choose to be absent or support the motion. 

Jerusalem is a place where the confluence of three major religions happened viz. Judaism, Islam and, Christianity. In 1967, Israel annexed the East Jerusalem and declared its capital. It was opposed by international community and never recognized. Most of the nations maintain their diplomatic missions and embassies in Tel Aviv. Now, the US has decided to shift its embassy to Jerusalem. It will create an anxiety among Muslim nations and there are possibilities in an increase of violent clashes between Israel and Palestine.

Trump Administration has to learn a lesson from its defeat at UN floor and it must re-adjust its foreign policy. Developing nations are no more dependent on the US for their development and international existence. The emergence of China and India as an economic power posed a substantial threat to the US. Rather US economy cannot afford to lose a big market of China and India, inhabiting almost half of the world population. In this changed scenario, any egoistic decision will be turned down severely. Oliver Stuenkel in his book, Post Western World, has categorically indicated the rise of the Asian Countries particularly China and India. The western countries will not dictate the new world order but it is going to be defined by the Asia or the rest of the world. 

Political administrations all across the globe are unable to cater the wishes and demands of their people. They need superficial issues to engage the general public of their countries. It is a mechanism to divert the attention of common people from the issues of employment, better life and clean air. Jerusalem is such an issue, which is emotionally attached to the followers of Judaism, Islam and, Christianity. 

There are violent clashes among Israeli army and Palestinians since the US declaration. Though the global community has turned it down, there is a doubt that America will propagate its agenda. It will also provide an opportunity to radical Islamist groups, like ISIS, to consolidate Muslim resentments and revive them. The US has to understand that, such decisions will affect the world order and global peace processes. It is neither necessary nor important in a contemporary international scenario. A soft power can serve the purpose.

Trump San in Japan

     

 Risa Hashimoto

Tokyo University of Agriculture & Technology

Tokyo, Japan

E-mail: hrisa@globalculturz.org 

Under the new global scenario state visit of the US president, Trump, to Tokyo is very meaningful. In the beginning when Trump administration took over the power in Washington Japan-US relations faced a tough moment as Trump wanted to take more money in lieu of security provided to Japan. He made several rigorous comments of such effects during his electoral campaign. No doubt there was temporary stalemate from both sides to initiate the dialogue. Gradually Trump administration came out of its honeymoon hangover of the elections and started a dialogue with Japan and the rest of the world.

OBOR: The Alternative Strategy for Japan and India

        Yoko Sakamoto

 International Studies Schoool

 Meiji University, Tokyo Japan

E-mail: info@globalculturz.org

China has rolled out ‘The Project of Millennium’ under the name of One Belt One Road (OBOR). It will benefit China economically and enhance its control in the Asian region. Whereas ‘America First’ policy under Trump administration has pressurized US trade allies to explore alternative ways, most of the nations are looking towards China to take the leadership. Chinese President Xi-Jinping, on various world forums, has indicated too, to take the global leadership in business and trades. Though Japan ‘loosely’ participated in the OBOR summit held in Beijing, last month, India showed a big courage to boycott the same completely on the grounds of its national security and integrity. 

Global Security Challenges in a Non-polar World

Kana Shimizu

Researcher

The Open University of Japan

 Chiba, Japan

E-mail:info@globalculturz.org

The present US president has decided track back from global responsibilities. He clearly indicated that America should not be the custodian of global problems and it is better for the nations to resolve their issues themselves. At a time, with the existence of USSR, the world was bipolar majorly divided into American and Soviet camps. Though a few nations like India were kept themselves at equidistant with both of them under the new camp known as a non-align movement. With the collapse of USSR, the world politics and economy became the US-centric and American dictates were binding to the most of the nations. 

Understanding the Global Issues in Post-truth Era

Prof. Ram Dwivedi

TUFS, Tokyo, Japan

E-mail: info@globalculturz.org

In this post-truth era, it seems that cultural values are dominating the economic and commercial values. At least three states heads-Mr. Trump of the US, Mr. Modi of India and Mr. Duterte of the Philippines have adopted a new style of administration i.e. speak loud and clear, divide people, do something unprecedented, and use social media extensively to justify them. These activities fascinate a segment of citizens, if not all.  They need words, they need activities, they need divisions of opinion and they do need the media to influence the minds of people to ensure their supremacy in the post-truth time. 

Decoding the Victory of Donald J Trump

       Akari Watanabe

The Open Univerisity of Japan

Chiba, Japan

Contact mail: info@globalculturz.org

Rejecting all the estimates and media predictions, finally, Donald J Trump got a clear majority in the US general elections.  Hillary Clinton surprisingly lost. Political pundits, world leaders, and media analyst were not able to de-codify this unprecedented victory. Trump was very focused on his campaign. He also created controversies.  Controversies are beneficial to gain fame and popularity.  Trump is the first president who had no political or military experience.  Controversies made him popular, very quickly, among common white Americans.  He also coined a catchy slogan of ‘Make America Great Again’ and repeated it several times during his televised debates and public addresses.  He utilized the frustration of American Whites and was able to assure them a better condition. The majority trusted his commitments and they voted in favor of him.

BRAZIL: A Dream Destination

-Gabriela Miranda/

Rio Olympics 2016 have attracted the attention of the global community towards Brazil, a nation situated in South America. Brazil, a growing economy, has lot of potential and fascination despite the poor situations of law and order and a bit of political and administrative uncertainty.