Thabo Mbeki calls for a reassessment of South Africa's national interests in a multipolar world

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has called on the nation to critically assess and articulate its national interests in an increasingly multipolar world and the evolving foreign policy of the United States.

In an interview with Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi on Power FM on Monday, Mbeki reflected on recent diplomatic tensions, including the controversial meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and former US President Donald Trump—an encounter many observers described as a diplomatic misstep.

Mbeki pointed to a February statement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which shed light on Washington’s post-Cold War worldview.

Rubio stated that “after the Soviet Union’s collapse, the global political landscape changed,” a shift Mbeki sees as emblematic of US foreign policy.

“The norm now should be a multipolar world where countries pursue their interests,” Mbeki emphasised.

"When Trump spoke of ‘Making America Great Again,’ he wasn’t advocating isolation. He asserted America’s right to define and pursue its interests—controlling resources, influencing regions, shaping global institutions—regardless of others’ opinions.”

Power Politics in a Multipolar World

Mbeki highlighted that this focus on self-interest isn’t exclusive to Trump’s administration.

“Every US government, regardless of party, operates on the principle of pursuing its national interests,” he said.

“They may see strategic value in places like Greenland or Panama and act accordingly.”

This, he explained, is a defining feature of contemporary international relations.

“The guiding principle now is what benefits the US, not respect or equality. That’s how they see the world.”

Implications for South Africa and Africa

Mbeki warned that Africa must understand this global shift to safeguard its interests.

“If we ignore the reality that global powers are driven primarily by self-interest, we risk being manipulated or sidelined,” he cautioned.

“We need to articulate and defend our interests instead of passively accepting external dictates.”

He touched on recent diplomatic tensions, notably South Africa’s support for Palestine.

“Our stance is rooted in principles of justice and solidarity,” he said. “But we must also recognise that US interests in the Middle East often conflict with ours.”

Dependency and the Role of US Diplomacy

Ndlozi criticised Africa’s reliance on global powers, pointing to last week’s White House incident where Trump accused South Africa of genocide—without evidence.

“That scene—staged videos, prepared images—showed how the US believes it has the right to lecture us,” Ndlozi remarked. “This is a clear example of structural dependency and diminishing our dignity.”

He argued that what is often framed as “respect” is actually a form of dominance.

“It’s not about mutual respect; it’s about control,” he said. “Our relationship with global powers has become asymmetrical—rooted in dependence, not equality.”

The Changing Dynamics of US-South Africa Relations

Ndlozi observed that US-South Africa relations have worsened under the current administration.

“In the past, even during disagreements—whether with Bush or Obama—there was a certain decorum,” he said.

“Now, the US acts as if it’s entitled to dictate to us, regardless of our sovereignty.”

He reflected on the diplomatic approach of previous US presidents.

“Visits by Bush or Obama, even amid disagreements, maintained mutual respect. Today’s aggressive posture is deeply concerning,” Ndlozi noted.

Moving Forward: A Call for Vigilance

Mbeki concluded by emphasising that the world is shifting away from unipolar dominance. He urged African nations to be proactive by defining their interests and standing firm.

“Developing the capacity to defend our sovereignty is essential to avoid being passive recipients of Western or US policies.

thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za

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