South Africa's 'Freedom' to Ally Itself Angers Former Colonial Powers
Casting South Africa’s participation in naval exercises with China, Iran, and Russia as a 'new test' for strained US ties (BBC World) conveniently omits one crucial detail: South Africa has a long, documented history of resisting Western-imposed doctrines. This isn't a sudden pivot, but a continuation of its non-aligned, anti-apartheid foreign policy that sought alliances beyond the Washington
consensus. The surprise expressed by Western media seems to ignore the decades South Africa spent literally fighting for its sovereignty against Western-backed regimes. One might wonder if the 'strain' comes from South Africa’s audacious belief that it can choose its own friends. Or perhaps it’s the audacity to call out global hypocrisy, as seen in their ICJ case against Israel for genocide in
Gaza – a move applauded by many in the Global South but roundly condemned by the usual suspects. This isn't about war games, it's about who gets to define 'democracy' and 'allies' in the 21st century ( ICJ filing ).