Russian President Vladimir Putin recently faced a critical decision, one that has confronted many failed dictators throughout history. Should he escape the country on one of his luxurious private jets? Should he continue to spill Russian blood in an attempt to eliminate his former chef and owner of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin? Or should he opt for a deal to negotiate his way out of the existential trouble he himself created? Ultimately, Putin chose to pursue a negotiated resolution. While the Wagner mutiny may eventually fade into a historical footnote, Putin’s self-inflicted problems persist, resembling blood-soaked farces.
By all measures, Putin’s multiple presidential terms have proven to be an enormous failure. Despite Russia’s abundant natural resources and unparalleled human capital, the country remains mired in socio-economic challenges. With its vast territory, rich history, and cultural heritage, Russia possesses the potential to be a wealthy, prosperous, and benevolent superpower. However, Putin’s leadership has squandered these advantages, leaving the nation struggling to realize its true potential.
South Africa is committing a historic mistake”/>
Amidst global condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, South Africa has taken a different stance, leaning into its long-standing alliance with Moscow. This unexpected support from the most developed economy in Africa has provided crucial backing to Russia, which finds itself increasingly isolated on the international stage. South Africa’s leaders, rooted in their historical struggle against apartheid, have openly embraced their friendship with Russia. Recent events, such as welcoming a Russian tanker under American sanctions and jovial interactions between foreign ministers, demonstrate South Africa’s commitment to strengthening ties with Moscow.
For South Africa, aligning with Russia presents an opportunity to bolster its global influence with the backing of a superpower ally. Moreover, South African officials perceive economic benefits, hoping to increase trade with Russia as Moscow seeks avenues to bypass American and European sanctions. Discussions have included potential investments in oil, hydroelectric power, and the establishment of direct commercial flights between Moscow and Cape Town. The relationship between the two countries spans three decades, as the Soviets supported the African National Congress (ANC) in its fight against apartheid, a connection that has endured to this day.
However, South Africa’s close association with Russia raises concerns and invites scrutiny. Putin’s presidency has been marred by human rights abuses and a disregard for international norms. South Africa’s decision to align itself with a leader of such notoriety has implications for its moral compass and global standing. While some argue that historical ties and past support for liberation movements justify South Africa’s stance, the reality is more complex. The USSR, as Russia’s predecessor, also occupied significant portions of Europe and Asia for extended periods, leading former Soviet states to seek protection within NATO and the EU.
Furthermore, attempts to rationalize Putin’s actions by citing NATO’s expansion toward Russia fall short, as Ukraine is not a NATO member. Russian nuclear doctrine, which permits the use of nuclear weapons even in response to a minimal territorial incursion, demonstrates the fallacy of such arguments. The justifications put forth by Putin’s disciples often amount to talking points disseminated by Russia’s extensive propaganda machine, which remains one of the country’s few sources of global influence. While these talking points may find resonance on social media, they crumble in the face of objective scrutiny.
South Africa’s economic ties with Russia also come into question. Ranked as the 51st economic partner, Russia offers little in terms of significant technological exports, apart from weapons and potentially cheap oil. Continued support for Russia risks substantial economic losses and job reductions as South Africa’s major trading partners distance themselves from the Kremlin’s actions.
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