Western Powers, the United Nations, and the Exploitation of the Global South: A Shift Toward Self-Reliance

The United Nations (UN), established to foster peace and equality, has long been dominated by Western powers who have structured the institution to serve their interests. Through control of key bodies, financial leverage, and alliances, these nations have maintained their dominance at the expense of the Global South. However, a new wave of self-reliant geopolitics led by countries like Eritrea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger is emerging, offering a blueprint for resisting Western influence and creating a more balanced global order.

This article explores how these nations are challenging Western dominance, the impact of their self-reliant strategies, and how their example could reshape the UN into a truly equitable institution.

1. Western Dominance: A System of Control

Western powers have entrenched themselves in the UN’s structure through mechanisms like permanent membership in the Security Council, financial contributions, and strategic alliances. This dominance enables them to shape policies and resolutions that prioritize their geopolitical and economic interests, often to the detriment of the Global South.

The Security Council: A Gatekeeper for Western Interests

The UN Security Council (UNSC) is emblematic of Western power, with permanent members (P5) like the US, UK, and France wielding veto power to block resolutions that threaten their strategic objectives. This control ensures that Western allies are shielded from accountability while interventions in the Global South are justified under the guise of peacekeeping.

Economic Leverage: Financial Contributions as Control

Western nations dominate UN funding, which allows them to dictate priorities and influence decision-making. Nations in the Global South, reliant on UN aid, are often forced to comply with Western-driven policies, perpetuating dependency and undermining sovereignty.

2. The Rise of Self-Reliance: Eritrea as a Geopolitical Blueprint

Amid this imbalance, Eritrea has emerged as a powerful example of how nations can assert independence from Western dominance and chart their own course in geopolitics. Eritrea’s approach is rooted in self-reliance, non-alignment, and prioritization of sovereignty over external dependency.

Eritrea’s Model of Resistance

Eritrea’s geopolitical strategy has consistently rejected the imposition of Western-led agendas:

1. No Foreign Military Bases: Unlike many African nations, Eritrea has refused to host foreign military bases, ensuring its sovereignty is not compromised by external powers.

2. Independent Development Path: Eritrea has prioritized building domestic capacity over reliance on Western aid. Its government invests in agriculture, education, and health sectors through internally generated resources.

3. Non-Alignment: Eritrea has maintained a neutral stance in global conflicts, refusing to align itself with Western or Eastern blocs. This independence allows it to act in its own national interest without being a pawn in broader geopolitical games.

Geopolitical Impacts of Eritrea’s Strategy

Eritrea’s stance has inspired other nations in Africa to reconsider their dependency on Western powers. By demonstrating that development and security can be achieved without external interference, Eritrea offers a pathway for nations in the Global South to assert their sovereignty.

3. The Sahel Revolution: Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger

In recent years, nations like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have followed a similar path, challenging Western dominance and embracing self-reliance. These countries are rejecting Western-imposed models and exploring alternatives that prioritize their sovereignty and the well-being of their people.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger: Breaking the Chains

1. Rejecting Western Military Presence: These countries have expelled French troops and closed Western military bases, signaling a shift away from dependency on former colonial powers.

2. Pan-African Alliances: Leaders in the Sahel region are fostering regional cooperation through economic and military alliances, reducing their reliance on Western institutions.

3. Resource Nationalism: With vast natural resources, these nations are taking control of their minerals and energy reserves, renegotiating deals with foreign corporations to ensure more equitable benefits for their citizens.

Key Lessons from the Sahel

• Sovereignty First: These nations have shown that asserting control over their resources and policies is essential for breaking the cycle of exploitation.

• Regional Solidarity: By working together, they are creating a united front against external interference, strengthening their position on the global stage.

• Independent Development Models: Similar to Eritrea, these nations are exploring development strategies that do not rely on Western aid, focusing instead on regional trade and investment.

4. Redefining the UN: Toward a Balanced Global Order

The examples set by Eritrea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger highlight a critical path forward for the Global South: self-reliance and regional cooperation as the foundation for reshaping the UN into a more equitable institution.

Leveraging Self-Reliance for UN Reform

1. Expanding Representation:

   • Nations in the Global South must push for reforms to the Security Council, including permanent seats for Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

   • The Global South must unite to demand equal representation in decision-making bodies like the Peacebuilding Commission and ECOSOC.

2. Reducing Aid Dependency:

   • By adopting self-reliant policies, countries can reduce their reliance on Western aid, freeing themselves from the political leverage that often accompanies it.

   • Independent development strengthens a nation’s ability to negotiate from a position of strength within the UN framework.

3. Building Regional Alliances:

   • Organizations like BRICS and the African Union must continue to advocate for the interests of the Global South, using their collective power to challenge Western dominance in the UN.

   • Regional alliances can also serve as platforms for developing alternative funding mechanisms and development models.

5. A Blueprint for a New Global Order

The rise of self-reliance in countries like Eritrea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger offers a blueprint for the Global South to reclaim its agency and reshape the global order.

Eritrea’s Role as a Catalyst

Eritrea’s steadfast commitment to sovereignty and non-alignment demonstrates that independence is not only possible but also necessary for genuine development. Its example has emboldened other nations to question the status quo and assert their own paths.

The Sahel Revolution: A Movement of Liberation

The actions of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger highlight the potential for regional cooperation to resist external interference. Their resource nationalism, rejection of Western military influence, and emphasis on Pan-Africanism offer a model for other nations to follow.

6. The Future of the United Nations

For the UN to fulfill its original vision of equality and justice, the dominance of Western powers must be dismantled. Self-reliance and regional solidarity are the keys to achieving this transformation.

A Balanced United Nations

1. Sovereignty-Centered Policies: The Global South must lead efforts to reform the UN, ensuring that its policies respect the sovereignty and priorities of all nations.

2. Collective Action: By uniting under common goals, nations in the Global South can shift the balance of power within the UN, creating a truly representative and equitable institution.

Reclaiming Global Governance

The journey toward a balanced global order begins with rejecting dependency and embracing self-reliance. Eritrea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are leading the way, proving that independence and solidarity can overcome even the most entrenched systems of dominance.

In Conclusion

The UN, as it stands, reflects the interests of Western powers rather than the global community. However, the rise of self-reliance among nations like Eritrea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger signals a turning point. These nations are demonstrating that sovereignty and regional solidarity can challenge the status quo, paving the way for a more balanced and equitable United Nations.

For the Global South, the path forward lies in unity, resilience, and a commitment to self-reliance. By following the example of these trailblazing nations, the Global South can reclaim its agency, reshape the UN, and create a global order that truly reflects the principles of justice and equality.