The Palestine Effect: Europe's Shift, Global Realignments
By: Rioberto Sidauruk, Lecturer at the Gunung Jati School of Law in Tangerang
The issue of Palestine has evolved beyond regional confines, increasingly influencing the global order. [1] In recent years, European nations like Spain, Ireland, and Norway have recognized Palestine as a state, a move that marks a profound shift in their attitudes towards Israel and reflects broader geopolitical realignment. [2] These nations are swayed not only by public opinion but also by evolving international relations that increasingly champion human rights and global justice, thereby intensifying international pressure for a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict rather than one based solely on political might. [3] [4] [5]
Broadly, European support for Palestine significantly impacts a more multipolar world order, a process coinciding with the waning geopolitical dominance of major powers like the United States and its allies. [6] [7] The decline of U.S. influence, coupled with its increasingly isolating foreign policy, opens opportunities for European nations to adopt more independent policies, illustrating Europe's desire to establish foreign policies focused on international law and universal humanitarian values, ensuring the Palestinian people's rights receive due global recognition. [8] [9]
Concurrently, the New York Declaration, which garnered international support for Palestine, has created momentum for changes in the global order, building a more inclusive global framework where developing nations and marginalized groups secure a rightful place in international affairs. [10] [11] This situation compels us to understand that Palestine is no longer just a Middle Eastern issue but a symbol of a broader global struggle for justice and human rights, with solidarity for Palestine now part of a larger movement that prioritizes human rights and social justice in international relations, given the growing number of countries supporting its recognition as an independent state. [12] [13]
Indonesia in the Global Context
Indonesia, as the largest Muslim-majority nation, holds a unique position on the international stage, having long supported Palestinian independence and advocated for a two-state solution to the conflict. [14] [15] Now, with more European countries recognizing Palestine, Indonesia has a significant opportunity to strengthen its diplomatic standing and become more active in fostering South-South diplomacy, aiming to expand global support for Palestine. [16] [17]
As a G20 member with considerable diplomatic influence, Indonesia possesses strong moral and political legitimacy to bridge the interests of the Western world and the Islamic world, playing a vital role in various international forums such as the UN, ASEAN, and OIC to continually advocate for global recognition of Palestine. [18] [19] Indonesia can amplify its voice among developing countries and build broader diplomatic networks to facilitate a peaceful solution for Palestine, thereby solidifying its position as an active promoter of peace and justice and playing a more significant role in fostering reconciliation and dialogue among the parties involved in the conflict. [20] [21] This aligns with Indonesia's commitment to supporting Palestinian independence across various regional and global international forums. [22]
Indonesia's role is also relevant to its foreign policy, which is oriented towards more inclusive peacebuilding based on Pancasila principles. [23] In this this context, Indonesia can strengthen its role as a key driver of global diplomacy that focuses not only on political interests but also on enhancing human welfare and security, as its neutral stance, unaligned with major geopolitical blocs, allows it to be an effective mediator in international conflicts, including the Palestinian issue. [24] [25]
Global Geopolitical Shifts