Global Perspectives on Conflict: Gaza, Ukraine, and the Belt and Road Initiative

The Biden administration's unwavering support for Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip, amid its bombardment and high civilian death toll, is creating new challenges in rallying global support against Russia's actions in Ukraine. The developing world sees a double standard in the West's response, criticizing Russia while expressing little outrage over the suffering in Gaza. The Middle East conflict is becoming a renewed front in the struggle for influence between the West, Russia, and China, further dividing the Global South. Resentments are growing in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, as they perceive the West as prioritizing European conflicts over humanitarian crises in their regions. This complicates efforts to win support for sanctions against Russia and highlights the need for Western diplomats to address the perception of double standards.