Following the US military action against Venezuela, an uneasy silence prevailed in international politics. This silence was significant because China and Russia, two countries long seen as potential alternatives to US dominance, took no concrete action in this crisis. Neither military response, nor economic resistance, nor diplomatic pressure that could force the US to retreat. This silence raises a serious question: Is China and Russia's global power real or limited to paper and speeches?
💐Only statements of protest, lack of strategy
China and Russia's response to the US action was predictable. Invoking international law, alleging violations of sovereignty, and appeals for calm and restraint, these responses failed to go beyond diplomatic formalities.
💐In the UN Security Council:
* No decisive resolution
* No effective coalition, and no action that could increase the costs of US action.
As a result, the perception in the international community was that China and Russia prefer to retreat in the face of confrontation.
Is this weakness or strategic compulsion?
💐This silence can be viewed in two ways.
1. Limits of power exposed
According to critics, Russia is already under pressure from the Ukraine war and sanctions. China is wary of the economic slowdown and the Taiwan issue. Therefore, confronting the US in a remote region like Venezuela was risky and unprofitable for both.
From this perspective, China and Russia's global power is regional, not all-encompassing.
2. The question of strategic priorities
Pro-active analysts argue that Venezuela is neither a core interest for China nor a direct security issue for Russia. Therefore, a direct confrontation with the US was strategically inappropriate. But this argument raises another problem: if every crisis is fraught with the excuse of "no core interest," the claim to global leadership becomes hollow.
💐How strong is the claim to a multipolar world?
China and Russia consistently talk about a multipolar world where the US is not the sole decision-maker. But the Venezuela episode demonstrated that the US can still take military action, and an organized resistance to it is unable to emerge. This made it clear that multipolarity is still a goal, not a reality.
💐A Warning for the Global South
Many countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia have viewed China and Russia as alternatives to Western pressure. But the Venezuela crisis sent a strong message: China and Russia's security guarantees are uncertain in times of crisis. This represents a major setback in the politics of trust.
💐The True Test of Power
In international relations: -
* Power isn't just about military budgets
* It's about the credibility of standing together in times of crisis
The US demonstrated its ability to take action. China and Russia demonstrated their preference for caution. This difference determines the perception of power in the eyes of the world.
💐Conclusion: Statement vs. Credibility : -
China and Russia's role in the Venezuela issue made it clear that they have the ability to challenge the US, but not on every front, at all times. If this pattern continues, the dream of becoming an "alternative to American hegemony" will remain confined to diplomatic rhetoric. In global politics, true power is one that is visible when needed, not merely spoken.
Read more : - The Rich Man, the Poor Man, and a Thief’s Good Deed
.jpeg)
0 Comments