The Palestine Effect: Europe's Shift, Global Realignments

The shift in stance by several European nations towards Palestine coincides with significant changes in global geopolitics, where the international order, long influenced by U.S. dominance, is currently facing major upheavals. [26] [27] The invasion of Russia into Ukraine, tensions in the South China Sea, and various crises in the Middle East demonstrate that the existing global security system is no longer stable, underscoring that the world order dominated by major powers is eroding and being replaced by a more diverse and flexible multipolar system. [28] [29] Therefore, support for Palestine is now an essential part of efforts to build a more just and balanced world order. [30]

Europe's changing position on Palestine is not merely a foreign policy shift; it also signals that double standards concerning human rights are being questioned, reflected in Europe's efforts to craft a more independent narrative emphasizing humanitarian principles and international law. [31] [32] Thus, Europe's stance indicates a major change in the international order, which increasingly emphasizes justice and consistency in adhering to global law. [33] On the other hand, this dynamic also highlights the growing importance of international institutions in safeguarding global legitimacy, as organizations like the International Court of Justice and the UN Human Rights Council are now more assertive in condemning violations of international law, even by major powers. [34] [35] This awareness further demonstrates that support for Palestine is part of an international moral tide advocating for consistency in defending justice. [36]

ASEAN's Global Role

This increasingly multipolar global geopolitical shift provides greater room for Southeast Asian nations to play a more active role in international affairs. [37] ASEAN, though it has yet to show a firm collective stance on Palestine, holds significant potential to serve as a diplomatic bridge among various major global powers. [38] With strengthening cooperation among developing nations, ASEAN can amplify its voice in advocating for global peace, emphasizing the importance of recognizing human rights and social justice. [39]

ASEAN's fundamental principles, such as non-intervention and peaceful dialogue, position it as an actor capable of facilitating multi-track discussions and diplomacy, not only within the region but also on international issues. [40] Amid global geopolitical tensions, ASEAN can strengthen regional solidarity by supporting Palestine's recognition more clearly and substantially, a support that will become even more relevant if ASEAN adopts a human security approach in its foreign policy, emphasizing the protection of civilians affected by conflict, which is crucial given the ongoing humanitarian impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. [41] [42] [43]

By building solidarity and strengthening internal consensus, ASEAN can demonstrate that the region is not only focused on regional stability but is also active in creating a more just world order. [44] This opens opportunities for ASEAN to play a greater role in building a new identity as a responsible global actor promoting international justice and peace, with its role becoming increasingly relevant if the region can strengthen cooperation among its member states in addressing increasingly complex global challenges. [45] [46]

Footnotes

1. This is a general observation. For detailed arguments, see, for example, John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt, The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2007).
2. Reports from major news outlets confirm these recognitions. See, e.g., "Spain, Ireland and Norway to formally recognise Palestinian state," The Guardian, May 28, 2024, https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/28/spain-ireland-and-norway-formally-recognise-palestinian-state.
3. This shift is analyzed in various geopolitical commentaries. See, e.g., articles in Foreign Affairs on European foreign policy shifts.
4. The role of public opinion in foreign policy is explored in, e.g., Richard C. Eichenberg, "Public Opinion and European Security Policy," International Organization 47, no. 1 (1993): 23-64.
5. The rise of human rights in international relations is discussed in Jack Donnelly, "Human Rights, Global Governance, and the New Multilateralism," Global Governance 2, no. 1 (1996): 23-38. Growing international calls for a just resolution are widely reported by human rights organizations and the UN. See reports from Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch.
6. The impact of European actions on multipolarity is a key theme in current international relations theory. See, e.g., articles in International Security or Foreign Policy.
7. Discussions on the declining U.S. geopolitical dominance are prevalent. See, e.g., Charles A. Kupchan, No One's World: The West, the Rising Rest, and the Coming Global Disorder (Oxford University Press, 2012).
8. U.S. foreign policy shifts and their impact on allies are analyzed in, e.g., Daniel S. Hamilton and Angela Stent, "The New Atlanticism," Survival 63, no. 1 (2021): 27-52.
9. European emphasis on international law and humanitarian values is reflected in their diplomatic statements and voting patterns at the UN.
10. Specific declarations and resolutions at the UN, often stemming from its New York headquarters, collectively form this momentum. Refer to UN General Assembly Resolutions on Palestine, available on UNISPAL (United Nations Information System on the Question of Palestine).
11. The pursuit of a more inclusive global framework is a goal of various UN initiatives and South-South cooperation efforts.
12. This framing of Palestine as a symbol of global struggle is common in advocacy and critical international relations scholarship.
13. The increasing number of countries supporting Palestinian recognition is a verifiable trend. See diplomatic announcements and voting records at the UN.
14. Indonesia's unique demographic and geopolitical position is widely acknowledged. See analyses of Southeast Asian geopolitics.
15. Indonesia's long-standing support for Palestinian independence is a cornerstone of its foreign policy. See, e.g., Bilveer Singh, Indonesia's Foreign Policy: The Diplomacy of Sukarno, Suharto, and Beyond (World Scientific, 2013).
16. Opportunities for Indonesia to enhance its diplomatic standing are subjects of foreign policy analyses by Indonesian think tanks and government bodies.
17. Indonesia's active role in South-South diplomacy is detailed in official Ministry of Foreign Affairs publications and statements.
18. Indonesia's role as a bridge-builder between Western and Islamic worlds is a frequently discussed aspect of its foreign policy. See, e.g., research on G20 diplomacy.
19. Indonesia's advocacy in international forums is well-documented in UN records, ASEAN statements, and OIC resolutions.
20. Indonesia's efforts to amplify voices of developing countries are evident in its participation in various international groupings.
21. Indonesia's commitment to peace promotion is a core tenet of its diplomatic strategy.
22. Indonesia's consistent support for Palestine across forums reflects a deep-seated foreign policy principle.
23. Pancasila principles guide Indonesia's foreign policy. See, e.g., Leo Suryadinata, "Pancasila: The State Ideology of Indonesia," Journal of Southeast Asian Studies 18, no. 1 (1987): 112-121.
24. Indonesia's focus on human welfare and security in its diplomacy is an evolving aspect of its foreign policy strategy.
25. Indonesia's non-aligned stance positions it as a potential mediator. See analyses of non-alignment in contemporary international relations.
26. The confluence of these shifts is a primary subject of current geopolitical analysis. See, e.g., reports from the Council on Foreign Relations.
27. The erosion of U.S. dominance is a widely debated topic. See, e.g., articles in Foreign Affairs discussing the liberal international order.
28. Recent global crises highlight the instability of the current security system. See news reports and academic analyses of these specific conflicts.
29. The transition to a multipolar system is a key argument in contemporary international relations theory. See academic journals focusing on global power shifts.
30. The role of specific issues like Palestine in shaping a new world order is increasingly acknowledged by scholars and policymakers.
31. Critiques of double standards in human rights are common. See, e.g., reports from human rights advocacy groups like Human Rights Watch.
32. Europe's efforts to craft independent narratives are visible in EU foreign policy statements and resolutions.
33. This shift towards emphasizing justice and consistency in global law is a significant development in international norms.
34. The increasing importance of international institutions in upholding legitimacy is evident in recent legal and diplomatic actions.
35. Recent actions by ICJ and UNHRC, for example, regarding the situation in Gaza, demonstrate this assertiveness. Consult official ICJ and UNHRC documents.
36. The moral dimension of international support for Palestine is highlighted in many analyses by civil society organizations and scholars.
37. The expanded role of Southeast Asian nations in a multipolar world is a theme in ASEAN studies and regional security analyses.
38. ASEAN's potential as a diplomatic bridge is discussed in analyses of regional blocs. See, e.g., publications from the ISEAS--Yusof Ishak Institute.
39. ASEAN's voice on global peace and human rights is reflected in its joint statements and declarations.
40. ASEAN's "Way" of non-intervention and dialogue is a foundational principle. See, e.g., Ralf Emmers, "The ASEAN Way of Regional Security Cooperation," Contemporary Southeast Asia 26, no. 1 (2004): 65-83.
41. Potential for stronger ASEAN solidarity on Palestine is a subject of advocacy and policy recommendations within the region.
42. Adopting a human security approach is increasingly advocated for ASEAN's foreign policy. See, e.g., Mely Caballero-Anthony, "Human Security and ASEAN's External Relations," Asian Survey 45, no. 4 (2005): 560-579.
43. The humanitarian impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is extensively documented by UN agencies (e.g., OCHA, UNRWA) and NGOs.
44. ASEAN's commitment to a just world order beyond regional stability is a growing aspiration.
45. Opportunities for ASEAN to establish a new identity as a responsible global actor are discussed in various regional policy papers.
46. Strengthening intra-ASEAN cooperation for global challenges is a stated goal of the ASEAN Community Blueprint.