G20's Challenges Highlight the Erosion of International Solidarity

French President Emmanuel Macron, recognized for his candid critiques of international organizations, has once again raised concerns—this time suggesting that the Group of 20 (G20) could be approaching the "close of an era" as geopolitical divisions deepen and the U.S. moves away from multilateral engagement. Speaking at the G20 summit in Johannesburg on November 22, Macron highlighted the fragile state of global cooperation, with the group struggling to reconcile diverging interests and

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This G20 summit, the first ever held on African soil, was already undermined by Trump's decision not to attend—a move the U.S. administration justified by citing conflicting priorities with South Africa. The absence of the U.S., along with China and other key figures such as Italy's Giorgia Meloni, led Macron to describe the gathering as "lukewarm." He pointed to the "uninspiring visuals" of the group photo, where the sparse turnout and lack of iconic scenery reflected

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Adding to the difficulties, Trump's 28-point Ukraine peace initiative—which calls for territorial compromises and restrictions on Kyiv's military—has ignited intense controversy. The plan, reportedly crafted in secret discussions with Russian associate Kirill Dmitriev and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has been accused of favoring Russian interests. , insisting that Ukraine's sovereignty and its ties to NATO must be preserved. Zelensky, while refusing to capitulate, has advocated for a "fair peace" that upholds dignity and ensures security guarantees .

Macron, who previously labeled NATO as "brain dead," portrayed the G20's difficulties as part of a wider global malaise. "We are finding it hard to establish a unified approach to geopolitical crises," he remarked, referencing the failure to uphold humanitarian principles and sovereignty in conflicts such as Ukraine. His concerns mirror growing worries about the weakening of multilateralism, especially as both the U.S. and China turn inward. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who hosted the summit, attempted to dispel the gloom, asserting that

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The summit's final statement, which urged a "just" resolution for Ukraine and other disputes, was approved despite resistance from Argentina's Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno regarding the treatment of the Israel-Palestine conflict. European diplomats admitted that Trump's plan needs further refinement but emphasized that any deal must have the backing of both NATO and the EU. At the same time,

for Ukraine to agree to his conditions, threatening to withdraw support if Kyiv declines.

As the G20 confronts an unpredictable path forward, Macron's comments capture a widespread unease about the decline of collective action in an increasingly divided world. His dual critiques—of NATO and the G20—underscore his reputation as a challenger of institutional inertia, even as his own presidency approaches its 2027 conclusion. Ultimately,

will decide if it continues as a platform for international collaboration or fades amid global discord.