Introduction to International Relations

Presidents and government officials from the total of 61 African and South American countries met this weekend in Venezuela for the South America-Africa Summit. The leaders discussed cooperation between the two continents in number of areas. One of the issues on the agenda was to discuss how the South could work together to eradicate hunger and poverty without having to depend on the loans and aid from the developed countries. Seven South American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela) signed a document to fund a “Bank of the South” which will operate in the beginning with 20 billion dollars capital. Hugo Chavez also suggested the creation of “South –South Bank” which would include African countries and help to fund development projects. Muammar Gadafi suggested in his speech the creation of South America-Africa South Atlantic defense organization, resembling NATO. His idea was not however included in the final declaration. Among other issues the countries discussed were sovereignty of states which still remain British/French territory, the representation in  the UN security council, global warming and drug issues.

When looking at different sources that portrayed this event I was shocked by the different emphasis and tone each article presented. I have included a link to an article by The Times, which presents a completely different (and in my opinion very distorted) picture about the summit. While the article I have chosen to comment on, from Inter Press Service New Agency, portrays the summit as a successful event in terms of international cooperation, the Times article describes it as a threat or conspiracy to the major powers. Here is an example.

“[…] Mr Chávez sought to promote his socialist policies abroad, urging a new world order that  would confront Western dominance.”  (The Times)

It often mentions the names of controversial politicians, such as Chavez, Gadafi or Mugabe while leaving the 58 countries’ representatives out. It points out to the Venezuela-Iran cooperation on nuclear weapons and presents the two continents as trying to build a counter power to the West.

“The world’s powers want to continue to hold on to their power,” said Mr Gaddafi, who had a white limousine flown to Venezuela to meet him at the airport. He then met Mr Chávez in his trademark Beduin tent by a hotel pool. “Now we have to fight to build our own power,” he said.” (The Times)

This interpretation clearly leaves out the positive side of international cooperation between countries that share many similar poverty and developmental issues. I also find their suggestion to include representatives of the Global South in the UN Security council completely legitimate, as a concern for fair international organization, not necessarily an attempt to overthrow the current powers. The way the Times interpreted this summit is a very realist interpretation in terms of power and balance of power.

IPS article

http://www.ipsnews.net/africa/nota.asp?idnews=48615

The Times article

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6851632.ece