German Marshall Fund
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Published
November 27, 2023
Whose Ground Zero? Competing Perspectives of the Israel-Hamas War
Nonpartisan
Commentary
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War in Israel-Gaza
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Summary
- The U.S. and Europe's pro-Israel stance in the war in Gaza, coupled with their response to Ukraine, is leading to global criticism and a potential shift in international relations, isolating them from non-Western countries.
- This situation offers autocratic nations like China, Iran, and Russia an opportunity to increase their influence, exploiting perceptions of Western moral inconsistency and opportunism.
Policy Brief Summary
Overview:
- This article was written by Kristina Kausch, published by the German Marshall Fund of the United States.
- It delves into the shifting global perceptions regarding the moral stance of Western countries in international conflicts, particularly focusing on the Israel-Hamas war and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- The piece highlights the growing global outrage against perceived Western double standards and the potential long-term impact on international relations.
Key Quotes:
- "The United States’ and Europe’s perceived moral waywardness on Ukraine and Gaza is provoking global outrage and risking lasting damage to their relations with non-Western allies."
- "The West’s relative isolation on the Gaza question heralds a potentially significant loss of global soft power from which China, Iran, and Russia can gain."
What They Discuss:
- The author examines the response of the international community to the West's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- Over 13,000 civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip following Israel's response to Hamas' attacks are highlighted.
- The article discusses the UN General Assembly's vote favoring a truce and adherence to international humanitarian law, with Western opposition or abstention.
- It explores the broader implications of these events on transatlantic relations and global perceptions of Western moral principles.
- The piece reflects on the strategic moves of autocracies like China, Iran, and Russia in exploiting these situations to gain soft power.
What They Recommend:
- Kausch recommends that Western powers develop a more insightful understanding and nuanced policies towards today's dynamic and complex global alliances.
- Emphasis is placed on the need for the West to address its perceived double standards to maintain global influence and credibility.
Key Takeaways:
- Western countries face growing criticism for their perceived moral inconsistencies in international affairs.
- This criticism risks causing long-lasting damage to their relationships with non-Western allies and diminishing their global soft power.
- The situation presents an opportunity for autocratic nations to increase their influence in the developing world.
This is a brief overview of Kristina Kausch's work from the German Marshall Fund of the United States. For complete insights, we recommend reading the full article.
Original Read Time
9 min
Organization
The Brookings Institution
Category
Israel-Gaza War
Political Ideology
Center Left