Where's This So-Called Multipolarity?
As a genocide unfolds before our eyes, supported by the West, the supposed counterpowers — China, Russia, and Iran — are increasingly exposed as paper tigers.
For weeks now, the world has watched in helpless horror as the Israeli war on Palestinian civilians has escalated to unimaginable proportions. The innocent streets of Gaza lie in ruins, with the death toll surpassing 16,000, including at least 7,000 children. Over 60% of residential buildings have been reduced to rubble, leaving countless families homeless and desperate. Yet, amid this unending nightmare, the so-called counter powers to the West — China, Russia, and Iran — have proven to be little more than paper tigers. Their inaction raises the burning question: Where is this promised multipolarity?
The concept of a multipolar world order — a balance of power among multiple global players — is not new. It is touted as a safeguard against the hegemony of a single superpower, a system to ensure that no one nation can dictate the fate of the world. Yet, as we bear witness to this horrifying genocide, it seems that this multipolarity exists only in theory.
China, with its booming economy and global influence, has consistently positioned itself as a counterbalance to Western power. Yet, in the face of the Gaza crisis, it has been conspicuously silent. Its response, or lack thereof, has been marked by vague, noncommittal statements and a failure to use its diplomatic influence to push for an end to the violence. In a disheartening twist, China chose instead to honor the American war criminal, Henry Kissinger, by introducing a day of remembrance and flying flags at half-mast, an act that seemed a grotesque mockery in light of the ongoing human rights catastrophe in Gaza.
Russia, too, has long claimed a significant stake in global geopolitics. Yet, its actions, or lack thereof, amid the Gaza tragedy have been equally disappointing. Despite its historical relationship with the Middle East, Russia’s close ties with Israel have seemingly hindered its ability to act decisively. The delicate geopolitical dance between the two nations offers little solace to the victims of the escalating violence.
Iran, historically an outspoken critic of Israel and supporter of Palestine, has also failed to take meaningful action. For all its rhetoric, Iran's response has been underwhelming. In a concerning turn of events, Iran has been repeating a mantra of desiring no conflict, a stance that while peaceful in principle, has led to a passivity that is complicit in the face of such a grave crisis.
The West, for its part, has not just stood by as the devastation in Gaza continues — it has actively supported it. There are reports of some Western countries sending arms to Israel, effectively fueling the ongoing genocide. Meanwhile, the Western media continues to asymmetrically celebrate Israel's onslaught, turning a blind eye to the immense human suffering and loss of life. It is a grim and horrifying testament to the selective nature of global intervention.
But this inaction is about more than just the ongoing tragedy in Gaza. It is a stark reminder of the fragility of our global system and the hollow promises of multipolarity. It underscores the reality that, despite our interconnected world, some lives are deemed more valuable than others, some tragedies more worthy of intervention.
The tragedy in Gaza is a call to action for the so-called counter powers to the West. It is a call for China, Russia, and Iran, and indeed all global powers, to step up and live up to their responsibilities. If they fail to do so, then the concept of a multipolar world will remain just that — a concept, and a hollow one at that.
I've only seen poorly read youtubers talk as if multipolarity were already a reality, as opposed to in embryo - it attracts eyeballs, but it isn't accurate. There's still only one global hegemon, one empire. Iran is terrified of being bombed to smithereens, and it's the most likely of the three to be bombed by the empire, imminently. China is worried about the empire waging war on it, worst case, and next worse case having its economy strangled far more than it already is (which would also mean lots of deaths). Russia is knee-deep in a pool of blood and gore it is primarily responsible for, but with a huge contribution from the empire to provoke its invasion. If there were support from the Gulf monarchs, they could use the oil weapon; but there is none. If there were support from European governments, that would be another real step toward multipolarity, but for now at least, European governments other than Spain and Ireland seem content staying on Uncle Sam's leash. It's depressing, but real multipolarity is still a ways away; and maybe this massacre will facilitate its emergence, but too soon to tell -_- Still hoping public pressure will force governments' hands to make continued mass killing too costly for the Israeli government. As that Israeli gov official was quoted as saying recently, international pressure is a constraint on their use of violence.