The Guardian 4 June, 2008
Editorial
The choice:
barbarism or a new civilisation
Few would argue that the international situation is changing at a rapid pace. But where is it going: in a progressive, healthy direction or are things going to get worse? Asia is rapidly becoming the main industrial and trade centre of the world even though the Asian countries have not yet outstripped the combined economic power of the countries that make up the European Union and the United States.
But the economic clout of China, India and Russia plus Japan and the other countries that make up the Association of South East Asian Nations, are advancing at a very fast pace.
Based on this economic development, new political groups are emerging and putting forward new political priorities. The Guardian has reported previously on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) which was formed about 10 years ago. Since then other groupings have emerged. There are indications that India is considering becoming a full member of the SCO which would bring added economic and political power to that organisation. (see story this issue). Iran is also knocking on the door to join the SCO as a full member.
Another grouping has come into existence which includes the above countries plus Brazil, the BRIC grouping. There is yet another grouping made up of India, China, Brazil, South Africa and Mexico.
But what is significant is not just that these countries are having many consultations and are finding agreement on a range of issues but that policies based on the principles of the United Nations are being implemented. It has to be remembered that the UN Charter was adopted in 1945 following the defeat of fascism in Nazi Germany, fascist Italy and militarist Japan. It was adopted before the start of the "Cold War" launched by Churchill and Truman against the Soviet Union.
The Charter establishes the "sovereign equality" of all UN members. Disputes between members are to be settled by "peaceful means" and all should "refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state", and that there can be no authorised "intervention in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state".
The Charter calls for "friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples" and for "fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion."
There have been many breeches of the Charter principles in the sixty years since its adoption but they remain essential for peace, justice and the international rule of law throughout the world.
The emerging Asian countries and the various political groups that have arisen are basing their relations with one another and other countries on these principles. They were incorporated in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation that has been signed by Asian countries and was signed by Australia when it wanted to be included in the summit meetings of Asian countries. However a number of practices of the Australian government are a violation of the Charter principles.
The invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan based on trumped up justifications and the setting up of military bases in over one hundred countries by the US are violations of the Charter. The many attempts to assassinate Fidel Castro are attempts at changing the government of Cuba. The Australian forces and administrators now virtually running the Solomon Islands is interference in that country’s internal affairs.
On the economic front there are many measures that aim to subjugate the economies, particularly of smaller countries, to the might of the big powers. A number of countries are suffering the pressure imposed by trade boycotts of one kind or another. They include Cuba, China, North Korea, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Iran and Palestine, to mention some.
But these measures and policies are being opposed by an increasing number of countries. It is more and more difficult for the former colonial powers to get away with their attempts to dominate and interfere in the affairs of other countries. It is more difficult for them to start wars. The principles laid down in the UN Charter are the basis for a new type civilisation and it is in that direction that the world is heading. Australia has to make its choice.