Navigating global politics and defending our right to self- determination

The article by Herbert Jauch argues that the start of 2026 has revealed a global environment governed by the "law of the jungle" rather than international law, where military might is used to trample the self-determination of small nations. This reality is exemplified by the U.S. attack on Venezuela and the kidnapping of its president, which the author describes as a blatant breach of the UN Charter driven by a desire for control over that country's resources. Jauch notes that this "transactionalism" extends to other nations, including Namibia, where the U.S. has allegedly offered health sector aid in exchange for access to minerals.The author contends that current UN structures are failing to protect the basic rights of sovereign states, as evidenced by the lack of global opposition to the actions in Venezuela and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While many countries have remained muted or attempted to "contain" imperialist pressure without direct confrontation, South Africa and Namibia are highlighted for taking a principled stand at the International Court of Justice and engaging in strategic military exercises with BRICS states. Ultimately, Jauch calls for the urgent creation of new strategic alliances based on shared values to ensure collective security and defend the hard-won right to self-determination against modern imperialist interests.

Herbert Jauch, 20 December, 2024