Is the West Losing Its Grip? Macron's Stark Warning on Ukraine & Gaza

Macron Warns: West Risks Credibility Collapse Over Ukraine and Gaza

In a compelling address at the Shangri-la Dialogue in Singapore, French President Emmanuel Macron issued a stark warning: the United States and Europe risk a significant loss of credibility if they fail to address the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza with urgency and consistency.

Speaking to an audience that included US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and top military officials from across Asia, Macron highlighted the dangers of perceived "double standards" in the West's approach to these crises.

The Ukraine Conundrum: A Matter of Territorial Integrity

Macron didn't mince words when discussing the implications of the Ukraine war. He emphasized that allowing Russia to seize Ukrainian territory without significant consequences could set a dangerous precedent, particularly concerning Taiwan and the Philippines.

He posed critical questions:

• "If Russia could take Ukrainian territory 'without any restrictions, without any constraints… what could happen in Taiwan?'"
• "What will you do the day something happens in the Philippines?"

According to Macron, the core issue at stake in Ukraine is the preservation of territorial integrity and sovereignty, principles that should be universally applied.

Gaza: Avoiding the "Free Pass" Narrative

Turning his attention to the conflict in Gaza, Macron acknowledged a growing perception that the West has granted Israel a "free pass." He stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire and mutual recognition of a Palestinian state.

"If we abandon Gaza, if we consider there is a free pass for Israel, even if we do condemn the terrorist attacks, we kill our own credibility in the rest of the world," Macron stated emphatically.

His comments come amidst increasing criticism from European leaders regarding Israel's military actions and the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. France is set to co-host a UN conference with Saudi Arabia next month, aiming to establish a roadmap for a two-state solution.

The Call for Strategic Autonomy and a New Alliance

Beyond addressing the immediate crises, Macron used his speech to advocate for "strategic autonomy," a vision where nations protect their own interests while collaborating to uphold a rules-based global order, free from the dominance of any single superpower.

He positioned France as an example of a country that maintains strong relationships with both the US and China while safeguarding its sovereignty. This model, he argued, could serve as the foundation for a new alliance between Europe and Asia.

Macron articulated a desire for cooperation without dependence, emphasizing the need for countries to make their own decisions without external dictates.

He said, "We want to co-operate but we don't want to depend... we don't want to be instructed on a daily basis on what is allowed, what is not allowed and how our life can change because of a decision by a single person."

He also warned against the potential for Europe and Asia to become "collateral damage" in the power struggles of superpowers.

Looking Ahead: A Moment of Reckoning for the West

Macron's message is clear: the West stands at a critical juncture. Its handling of the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts will significantly impact its standing on the global stage. By addressing these challenges with fairness, consistency, and a commitment to international law, the US and Europe can reaffirm their leadership and maintain their credibility. Failure to do so risks not only a loss of influence but also the erosion of the very values they claim to uphold.

Tags: Macron, Ukraine war, Gaza war, Western credibility, Double standards, US, China, Europe, Shangri-la Dialogue, Asia, Strategic Autonomy, France, International Relations

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3rp1d21r2wo