For the first time in G20 history, nations achieved consensus on a Leaders’ Declaration without United States participation during South Africa's presidency. The US abstained, but the remaining members adopted the document unanimously. This event highlights shifting global dynamics amid tensions with incoming US President Donald Trump.
South Africa assumed the G20 presidency, leading to a summit where the United States opted not to participate. Despite this, the group finalized a Leaders’ Declaration unanimously, without walkouts, protests, or crisis. As noted in the op-ed, 'under South Africa’s stewardship, the declaration was adopted, unanimously and without objection from those present.' This marked a quiet geopolitical milestone, demonstrating that global decision-making could proceed without Washington.
The absence revealed divergences in economic strategies. The US has pushed for 'de-risking' from China, but other powers like Europe, India, Indonesia, Brazil, and the Global South favored integration over fragmentation. The G20 minus the US represents a combined economy nearly three times larger, with a population of about 5.8 billion compared to the US's 340 million.
Tensions escalated with US President-elect Donald Trump's threats. He stated he would not invite South Africa to the 2026 G20 Summit in Miami. President Cyril Ramaphosa described Trump's claims of a 'white genocide' in South Africa as 'blatant misinformation.' International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola criticized Trump for promoting white supremacy ideology, raising speculation he might be barred from the US.
Eighteen other countries attended South Africa's G20 and signed the declaration, signaling broad support. This positions South Africa within a network of allies, potentially pressuring US partners like Germany and the UK to back Pretoria over Trump's isolationism. The event underscores a move toward multipolarity, where the world operates independently of US dominance.