The best strategy for global governance by the superpower nation as the United States of America involves a combination of diplomatic engagement, strategic partnerships and effective use of international institutions.
Ironically, President Donald Trump’s administration is reportedly considering shutting down tens of embassies and consulates across the world including the embassy in Juba, South Sudan. The puzzle is, ‘will the United States of America preserve its superpower position in the globe by closing down embassies and consulates?’
Is President Trump becoming an Esau of the Bible?
The US diplomatic engagement globally means maintaining diplomatic presence by keeping embassies and diplomatic missions open to pave the way for direct communication, foster relationships and promote understanding between and among nations.
The US engagement in international organizations and agreements enables collective problem-solving on global issues like conflict, climate change, pandemics and economic development.
For strategic partnerships, the US builds trust and cooperation by fostering strong relationships with key allies like the Republic of South Sudan and other partners to help address shared challenges and promote stability.
The Republic of South Sudan, the Christian dominated nation, is historically known as an American child by the fact that its independence from the Republic of the Sudan, Islamic, Arab dominated, was midwifed by the US Republican Government, then under the leadership of President George Bush.
Mr Collin Powell, then the US Secretary of State in 2005 visited Nairobi, Kenya to push the signing of 2005 Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between SPLA/SPLM and Khartoum’s NCP, which paved the way for South Sudan’s independence through the right to self-determination by referendum in 2011.
Even during the recent November 2024 US elections, which saw President Trump winning the race to the White House, nearly 61% Christian majority in South Sudan were praying for his success; majorly supporting his stance against homosexuality and the fact that American Republican Government is viewed as a saviour for South Sudanese liberation cause.
Genetically, the famous American height is likened to South Sudanese height in Africa. Meaning, South Sudanese are actually the Americans in Africa.
Has any parent ever abandoned any child for whatever reasons?
Even God has not abandoned the sinners. He loves the sinners, but hates the sin in them. Reading from Luke 15:1-32, the parables of the lost sheep, lost coin and the prodigal son illustrate God’s joy and love for sinners who repent and return to Him. Since, South Sudan looks up to the US as its Father, the US should embrace the country and work to fix the mess.
Even a mother does not throw away a baby, who bits her breast while breastfeeding. Will the US desert South Sudan for its stubbornness?
Remember, there is always something good in a bad person. Equally, there is something bad in a good person. There is no perfect person or entity in the world.
For economic cooperation, the US encourages trade, investment and economic development to benefit both the US and its partners. This is the most appropriate venture for South Sudan’s case to recover economically, given conflict transformation to peace and stability is realised.
The US has been very effective in using international institutions globally by supporting International Law, upholding international law and norms to promote stability and predictability in global relations in its efforts to hold supremacy.
By addressing global challenges, the US utilizes institutions like the United Nations to enable collective action on pressing issues to showcase solidarity and responsibility as the global governor.
In such ways, the United States of America for several decades has kept its superpower spot in the globe.
The greatness of America, which President Trump cherishes came to being through global governance.
Greatness, of course comes with the greatest responsibility and burden. President Trump as a strong Christian, whose faith has saved him from several assassination attempts should review Jesus Christ’s teaching from the gospels of Matthew and Mark as reflected below:
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be the first must be your slave”, Matthew 20:26-28.
Sitting down, Jesus called the twelve disciples and said;
“If anyone wants to be the first, he must be the very last and the servant of all”, Mark 9:35.
Luke 1:52 elaborates on how God has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. This means greatness is not only about accumulating great wealth, but also embracing humility and service for the common good of humanity.
President Trump’s plan to close embassies can reduce diplomatic presence, limit communication and undermine relationships with other nations.
In the case of South Sudan, closing the embassy in Juba hinders the US engagement on issues like humanitarian aid, conflict resolution and economic development.
If the US embassy in Juba were closed, South Sudan would likely lose diplomatic representation. Reduced US presence limits South Sudan’s access to diplomatic support and guidance.
The US will find it more challenging to provide humanitarian aid and support development projects in South Sudan.
Closing the embassy in Juba will deter American businesses and investors, potentially harming South Sudan’s economy and the reverse is true for the US’ economy.
Closing embassies will likely result in the US reduced influence globally. The US will have limited ability to shape policies and influence decision-making globally and specifically in South Sudan, which requires political and economic mentorship.
Closing embassies will reduce direct communication channels between the US and South Sudan, which potentially leads to misunderstandings and increased tensions.
The question in President Trump’s mind is, “Does South Sudan hold any strategic importance for partnership with the United States of America?”
The answer is ‘YES’.
The US has invested heavily in humanitarian aid for South Sudan, providing over $1 billion in assistance to address the needs of millions affected by conflict and displacement. Such among others include emergency food aid to prevent hunger and malnutrition. Support for healthcare packages to address disease outbreaks and improve health outcomes. Initiatives to promote education and protect vulnerable children. Will these efforts go in vain without realistic outcomes at the end once abandoned along the way?
There are opportunities for American companies to explore and develop South Sudan’s oil resources or is the US surrendering such opportunities to China, the communist?
Agricultural investments are potential for the US businesses to invest in South Sudan’s agricultural sector; being it crop or animal husbandry.
South Sudan’s location and natural resources make it a critical player in regional geopolitics of East Africa, Horn of Africa, Central Africa and the Middle East. Definitely, the US must have a vested interest in promoting stability in South Sudan, given its impact on the broader region.
In the US competition with China, South Sudan is seen as a key location in the geopolitical competition with both countries vying for influence in the region. Is the US surrendering to China by closing its embassy in Juba? Is the US chickening out over frustrations?
The US has maintained a strong diplomatic presence in South Sudan, with a focus on promoting peace and stability by encouraging a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict and supporting the implementation of peace agreements. Is the US now giving up such efforts by closing its embassy in Juba? Is it service or disservice to humanity? Is it helpful or harmful to humanity? Where is the principle of persistence in pursuing righteousness for the common good of humanity?
It is the US core mandate and principle to champion democracy and governance globally. Its efforts in supporting democratic governance and human rights in South Sudan are more demanding than ever. By shutting down the US Embassy in Juba, will such efforts be realized meaningfully?
Overall, South Sudan’s strategic position to the US cannot be overemphasized.
President Donald Trump should most preferably organize a courtesy trip to South Sudan to understand the country better for better decision-making.
The US has invested significant resources in promoting stability, democracy and economic development in the country, while also competing with other global powers for influence in the region.
Effective leadership and a clear vision for global governance can help America maintain its influence and retain supremacy.
America should be willing to adapt to changing global circumstances and priorities.
America’s influence and reputation are enhanced through diplomatic efforts and cooperation rather than solely relying on military power contested by North Korea and selfish economic interests of prioritizing its economy over global governance.
A renowned American political scientist and international relations theorist, Joseph Nye’s Soft Power Concept argues that a country’s soft power including its culture, values and institutions can be a significant source of influence in international relations. Therefore, the US should exert efforts in cooperation and diplomacy by engaging in international institutions and agreements to address global challenges and promote stability as well as maintaining strong diplomatic ties with other nations. Such is, of course, realized by establishing and upgrading embassies and consulates to foster cooperation and understanding.
President Trump should consider the wisdom in Proverbs 22:1 that “if you are to choose between great wealth and good reputation, choose good reputation”.
America should not prioritize short-term gains such as domestic issues over long-term global influence and leadership like Esau, who traded his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew, prioritizing short-term satisfaction over long-term benefits (Genesis 25:29-34).
The author, Yanta Daniel Elisha, is a journalist and an educator with a specialty in English Language and Literature in English as well as a student of Master of Arts in Mass Communication at Victoria University, Kampala-Uganda. He can be reached via yanta30dan3@gmail.com.
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.