World-renowned American economist Jeffrey Sachs evaluates the BRICS summit in Kazan as another step toward the end of American hegemony. THE Common Dreams in his analysis published on the portal, he points out that the summit brought together more than thirty countries in Russia, which “account for more than half of the world’s population and which reject American tyranny and do not bow to the US’s demand for hegemony”.
Jeffrey Sachs recalled that the summit’s final statement underlined “the emergence of new centers of power, political decision-making, and economic growth that could pave the way to a more just, democratic, and balanced multipolar world order.” They stressed that “the current structure of international relations should be adjusted to better reflect today’s realities”, while declaring their “commitment to multilateralism and the maintenance of international law, including the goals and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations (UN) as its indispensable cornerstone”.
According to the economist, all this shows that the time for the shells of Washington politics is over.
Jeffrey Sachs explains that the American neoconservatives’ belief in the exceptionalism of the United States is deeply rooted, it only intensified after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and they tried to enforce it with foreign policy tools such as wars and regime change operations. As a reminder, after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2011, ”the neocons planned to overthrow seven governments in the Islamic world, starting with Iraq, then Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Iran.” “According to Wesley Clark, former NATO commander in chief, the neocons expected the US to win these wars within 5 years. But now, more than 20 years later, the wars instigated by the neocons continue, while the US has not achieved its hegemonic goals at all,” he explains.
According to him, the summit in Kazan sends a clear message that, despite Western sanctions and diplomatic pressure, it was not possible to isolate Russia, an “anti-hegemonic counterbalance” was formed in response to the American threat. “Simply put, the majority of the world does not want or accept American hegemony and is ready to oppose it rather than submit to its dictates. The United States no longer has the economic, financial or military power to enforce its will,” he explains.
window.fbAsyncInit = function() {
FB.init({
appId : “416476632245608”,
xfbml : true,
version : “v2.12″
});
FB.AppEvents.logPageView();
jQuery(document).trigger(‘fbInit’);
};
(function(d, s, id){
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) {return;}
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = ”
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, “script”, “facebook-jssdk”));
2024-11-03 08:02:00
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert Jeffrey Sachs
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we explore the most pressing issues affecting our world today. Joining us is renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs, who recently shared his insights on the impact of the BRICS summit in Kazan. Jeffrey, thank you for being here.
Sachs: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss these important developments.
Editor: Your analysis of the BRICS summit paints a picture of significant geopolitical change. What do you see as the key takeaway from this meeting?
Sachs: The BRICS summit was a critical event because it showcased the growing clout of countries that collectively represent over half of the world’s population. These nations are rejecting what I term “American tyranny” and are advocating for a multipolar world that reflects today’s realities. The summit underlined the emergence of new centers of power and the need for reforms in international relations.
Editor: You mentioned in your article that the summit emphasized a commitment to multilateralism and international law. Why is this shift so important now?
Sachs: The commitment to multilateralism is vital as it lays the groundwork for a more equitable global governance system. The current structures have often favored a few powerful nations, primarily the United States. By advocating for changes, BRICS nations are challenging the old paradigm and promoting a more democratic and just order, one that adheres to the principles of the UN Charter which serves as an indispensable cornerstone of international law.
Editor: With more than thirty countries coming together in Kazan, what does this mean for the future of American influence on the global stage?
Sachs: I believe the summit signifies the beginning of the end for American hegemony. The long-held belief in American exceptionalism by neoconservatives has led to aggressive foreign policies that often backfire. The consolidation of countries within BRICS is a clear indication that the world is eager for a new and balanced approach to international relations, which diminishes unilateralism in favor of cooperative engagement.
Editor: Some critics argue that such shifts in global power dynamics could lead to instability. How do you envision this transition playing out?
Sachs: Transitions can indeed be challenging, but they are also essential for progress. The crux of the matter lies in whether these new centers of power can engage constructively without replicating the coercive tactics of the past. If nations can navigate conflicts through dialogue and commit to multilateral agreements, we could witness a more stable international environment that honors each country’s sovereignty and fosters collaboration.
Editor: You referred to the “shells of Washington politics” being over. Could you elaborate on what that means for U.S. foreign policy moving forward?
Sachs: Essentially, this means that the traditional methods of U.S. foreign policy—intimidation, regime change, and unilateral interventions—will no longer be as effective or accepted on the global stage. The world is evolving, and there is a clear demand for diplomacy and respect for international norms. For the U.S. to retain its influence, it will have to adapt and engage in genuine partnerships rather than imposing its will.
Editor: As we move forward, what steps should U.S. policymakers take to address this changing landscape?
Sachs: First and foremost, U.S. policymakers must move away from the mindset of exceptionalism and recognize the multipolar reality. This involves listening to and understanding the perspectives of other countries, engaging in multilateral frameworks, and prioritizing diplomacy over military solutions. Only by doing so can the U.S. contribute meaningfully to a more stable and just world.
Editor: Thank you, Jeffrey, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the BRICS summit marks a pivotal moment for global politics. We appreciate your thoughts and look forward to following these developments.
Sachs: Thank you for the opportunity. The changes on the horizon are significant, and I believe they will shape the future of international relations profoundly.