The world moves on — what SA’s G20 presidency revealed about US’s shrinking gravitational pull
Daily Maverick | 02.12.2025 04:14
When South Africa assumed the presidency of the G20, few expected the gathering to become a quiet geopolitical milestone. Most anticipated the usual choreography of declarations, group photographs and diplomatic gestures. What unfolded, however, was far more consequential. The United States chose not to participate. It insisted, publicly and privately, that under these circumstances a Leaders’ Declaration could not, or should not, be adopted. And yet, under South Africa’s stewardship, the declaration was adopted, unanimously and without objection from those present.
