#429 — The New World Order

Anne Applebaum and Sam Harris dissect the renewed civil war in Sudan, underscoring the stark power struggles and the extensive international involvement that perpetuates the conflict.

Sudan Civil War: Armed Forces vs. RSF for Control of Territory and Resources

The civil war in Sudan has seen a plunge into chaos, involving two main factions: the Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), previously the infamous Janjaweed.

Power Struggle for Wealth and Dominance, Disregarding Civilians

At the core of the conflict is a non-ideological battle, fought primarily over power, money, and control of valuable resources such as gold mines. This war is marked by a blatant disregard for the well-being of civilians, who are the primary victims of the strife. They face myriad suffering, including theft by RSF-aligned mercenaries who loot as a substitute for payment.

Anne Applebaum remarks on the resilience of civil society amid chaos; mutual aid organizations known as Emergency Response Rooms have emerged, providing essential food and medicine through their networks.

International Actors Involved in Conflict: Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Russia, Iran, Eritrea, Ethiopia

The situation in Sudan is complicated by the involvement of various global powers. These include Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey, Egypt, Iran, and Russia, all of whom have been accused ...

Sam Harris and Anne Applebaum address the implications of the United States stepping back from its leadership role on the world stage and the ensuing global challenges.

US Leadership Withdrawal Creates Self-Interested Competition, Ignoring Local Wellbeing

Harris opens the discussion on the consequences of America retreating from international affairs, observing the general unraveling of the system of international law and aid that has sustained the liberal world order.

American Power and Benevolence: Perception Erodes as U.S. Seen As Self-Interested

There is a notable absence of outside power or organization that is willing to help end the conflict in places like Sudan, highlighting a vacuum in leadership. A Middle Eastern ambassador in Port Sudan expresses disbelief about America's waning interest in Africa, pinpointing a shift in the perception of America’s overseas contributions. This sentiment underscores that many still expect American diplomats to influence global affairs positively.

USAID and International Broadcasters' Decline Undermines U.S. Image, Letting China and Russia Fill the Void

Applebaum explores areas such as Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Syria, where there was once a semblance of order now marked by competition without U.S or UN involvement. She remarks that there’s nostalgia for America's peacemaker role but questions the reality of that image. Longing for an America that was more active globally is giving way to a view of the U.S. as transactional and concerned only with its interests.

Applebaum reflects on the U.S.'s image, which, despite its past bad behaviors in many areas, was counterbalanced by benevolent acts through aid like USAID or global health contributions. However, she notes the alarming speed at which ...

The United States' abrupt withdrawal from international aid ventures, specifically USAID, has left a devastating impact on global humanitarian efforts and the nation's international influence.

The Dismantling of Usaid Has Disastrously Disrupted Aid, Food Distribution, and the Lives of Vulnerable Populations

Anne Applebaum details how the sudden dismantling of USAID, which was responsible for a significant portion of international humanitarian aid, led to dire consequences.

Usaid's Abrupt Shutdown Caused Chaos, Canceled Contracts, Wasted Resources, and Halted Aid Workers' Efforts, Harming Those in Need

USAID's closure, as described by Applebaum, led to immediate chaos. Throughout the shutdown, the agency did not pass on responsibilities nor did it conduct careful cuts; instead, it experienced a full shutdown, resulting in widespread disruption. This sudden decision left many international organizations cut off from funding, logistics support, and vital operational services. An anonymous aid worker was left without access to the means required to deliver humanitarian aid, leading to undistributed food aid and additional costs from the potential destruction of high-nutrition food supplies. A doctor at a hospital reliant on nutritional aid from USAID found the termination of support harmful to malnourished children, leading to incomprehension and shame among those affected.

Erosion of U.S. Role in Global Institutions Fuels Propaganda, Undermining Influence

Harris highlights the ruthless nature of USAID's dismantlement, revealing a sense of jubilation among those responsible for it. The workers of the agency, who dedicated their lives to humanitarian work, were treated disdainfully. A void left by the U.S. withdrawal from global institutions like USAID is quickly filled by propaganda from countries like China and Russia, further degrading the global perception of the U.S.

This erosion of influence is seen as a "psychopathic destruction" of American soft power, with broad negative implications ...