The West, predominantly led by the United States, has long held a moral and ethical lens through which it views the Global South. This often manifests in discussions about a “rules-based world order” and the virtues of democracy. However, nations in the Global South are increasingly resisting these overtures, leading to labels like “undemocratic” or “fence-sitters.” This dynamic is particularly evident in US interactions with countries in Latin America, Africa, and South Asia.
The West’s Paradoxical Approach
The West’s approach presents a striking paradox, especially considering its progressive stance on identity and choice. While Western societies have evolved to recognize non-binary identities, their foreign policy remains ensnared in a binary framework of “you’re either with us or against us.” This isn’t merely an academic observation; it has real-world implications that affect nations globally. The pressure exerted by this dominant power is often overlooked, not just by mainstream media but also by alternative outlets.
The Case of Bangladesh
A recent example that highlights this issue is the United States’ escalating pressure on Bangladesh. In late May, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced visa restrictions on Bangladesh. The official narrative suggests that these measures aim to “support a free and fair ballot” in the South Asian country. However, the irony of the United States advising another country on how to conduct free and fair elections cannot be overstated.
The Complexities of Meddling
This overt interference in Bangladesh’s internal affairs extends beyond elections. It targets specific individuals and their families if they are perceived as undermining Bangladesh’s democratic process. This policy affects a wide range of people, from current and former Bangladeshi officials to members of pro-government and opposition parties, and even law enforcement and judiciary officials. Despite widespread criticism, these restrictions were implemented on September 22. Further complicating matters, US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Peter Haas, stated that these restrictions would also apply to members of the media, a move that contradicts American law, specifically the First Amendment.
Historical Backdrop
The US -Bangladesh relationship has been tense since Bangladesh’s independence struggle in 1971. While diplomatic relations have superficially improved, underlying hostilities persist. The US remains resistant to Bangladesh’s aspiration for an independent foreign policy, leading to unnecessary tensions between the two nations. Bangladesh’s strategic location in the Bay of Bengal makes it a key player in the US-led Indo-Pacific strategy, particularly in the context of containing China. This has led to a complex geopolitical landscape where Bangladesh finds itself pulled in different directions by major global powers.
Economic Factors
One of the less-discussed but highly significant aspects of this relationship is the economic dimension. Bangladesh’s central position in the Bay of Bengal holds immense strategic importance, not just for regional stability but also for the United States’ broader geopolitical interests. Washington has expressed concerns over Bangladesh’s economic cooperation with Beijing and its decision to use local currencies in trade, particularly with Russia. This move is seen as aiding the de-dollarization of the global economy, a trend that the United States views with suspicion.
China’s Expanding Reach
In parallel to these developments, China has been making concerted efforts to expand its influence in the Global South through its “Global Civilization Initiative,” launched in March 2023. This initiative aims to build an international “community of common destiny,” essentially laying the groundwork for a world order where China plays a dominant role. The initiative serves multiple purposes, from fostering cultural exchanges to expanding China’s information and influence operations globally.
Further Observations
According to a recent article by Eurasia Review, the United States’ strategy towards Bangladesh is part of a broader geopolitical game aimed at blocking China’s land-to-sea access routes. This adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate relationship between the United States and Bangladesh, and by extension, the Global South.
The United States’ approach towards the Global South, and Bangladesh in particular, is a complex tapestry woven from a variety of threads, including historical biases, economic interests, and geopolitical strategies. As countries like Bangladesh strive for greater economic and political independence, they find themselves at the crossroads of competing global interests, each with its own set of implications for the future world order.
