Be tactful with Trump but don’t ditch core democratic values

The expulsion of Ebrahim Rasool as our ambassador to the US marks the lowest point in the relationship between post-apartheid South Africa and Washington.

Understandably, given the influential role of the US in world affairs, and our previously cordial relations, the latest developments have caused much consternation, especially over their likely economic implications for our country.

In the wake of the falling-out, much of the talk has been about Rasool’s potential replacement, and what that person’s attributes should be. But while personality and diplomatic nous are critical, the issue runs much deeper, going to the essence of our two countries’ frayed ties.

It is legitimate to question rushing to appoint an envoy to the US when the two nations’ outlooks are now so polarised — and our own position evidently requires recalibration in light of a Trump-inspired global realignment. And given the US’s current hostile posture towards us, it is moot whether dispatching a new ambassador now would make much difference.

South Africa, not being a colony of the US, has the right to choose its domestic and foreign policies, as well as to decide how best to deal with its own problems

The White House change of guard has served to accentuate pre-existing fault lines in the two countries’ relationship.

Whereas we believe in a multipolar world order that respects the right of each country, no matter its size or power, to choose its own destiny and how it conducts its domestic and international affairs, the Trump administration prefers a world in which the US is the dominant force — and where those who disagree with it deserve punishment.

While we support a rules-based world dispensation that seeks to regulate relations between nations, the new regime in Washington prefers an arrangement where might is right and the interests of “weaker” nations are subjugated to those of the powerful. Intolerable to the regime is the idea of countries treating each other with fairness and mutual respect, as well as choosing their own friends.

Where we believe in working through multilateral institutions such as the UN to mediate differences, co-operate in peacekeeping and advance humanity’s common good, the new US administration has shown an even deeper aversion to these objectives — by, among other things, pouring scorn on climate agreements and withdrawing from bodies such as the World Health Organisation.

Even when it comes to South Africa’s domestic matters, the US government has arrogated to itself the right to dictate policies — for example, regarding affirmative action and land restitution. This harks back to previous failed attempts by the US to refashion other countries in its own, not imperfect, image.

It is axiomatic that lasting solutions to our country’s problems will emerge only when South Africans find each other and arrive at outcomes they themselves have negotiated. In addition, South Africa, not being a colony of the US, has the right to choose its domestic and foreign policies, as well as to decide how best to deal with its own problems.

It may be tempting for some of us to think the current crisis is all of South Africa’s own making, or that our policy choices are wrong on every count. The reality is that Trump has in his sights many other countries too, including the neighbours and historical allies of the US. Much of the world is scrambling to deal with this changed global environment.

On the face of it, it seems that only slavishly falling in line with Trump’s demands will douse his anger towards South Africa.

But if that were to happen, ours would be a republic in name only, serving merely as a vassal of another country, where the specific interests of South Africans will be subservient to those of the US.

This is a situation not of our choice, but nevertheless one that demands diplomatic adroitness, without undermining our national interest or abandoning our core democratic values.