Features

Issues of South likely to be sidelined as East-West polarity widens

Published

2 years ago

2025/01/30

QUAD Foreign Ministers in Washington DC (Photo:X/@DrSJaishankar)

The meeting with some urgency of QUAD Foreign Ministers in Washington, close on the heels of Donald Trump being sworn in as US President, points to a widening of the East-West polarity in the days ahead. Among other things, the Foreign Ministers committed to ‘strengthening a free and open Indo-Pacific where sovereignty and territorial integrity are upheld and defended.’ This amounts to a virtual drawing-up of future battle lines in East-West antagonisms in vital areas of the South.

Of the deepest concern for the QUAD is the Indo-pacific region in consideration of the fact that it remains the economic power house of the world. Accordingly, it is here that East-West tensions would likely be at their most intense going forward. For both camps the Indo-Pacific is a special sphere of influence which would come to be jealously guarded. Keeping probably China in mind the QUAD grouping went on to declare that it would ‘strongly oppose any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion.’

At the time almost of the QUAD meeting, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was on record as having pledged to the Philippines, a prominent ally of the US in Southeast Asia, an ‘ironclad’ commitment to defend its security. He had also referred to China’s ‘dangerous and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea.’ It would be relevant to recollect that the US and the Philippines are bound to uphold each other’s security in the region on the basis of a Mutual Defense Treaty dating back to 1951.

It is also of relevance to factor in that over the decades China has had a history of strained relations with a number of Southeast Asian countries over territories in the South and East China seas that have been seen as possessing vital strategic resources. One such piece of territory are the Spratly Islands which are claimed by scores of states including the Philippines.

Thus, during President Donald Trump’s second tenure Southeast Asia will likely figure prominently once again as a flashpoint region in the East-West standoff. And this stand-off could aggravate given the Trump administration’s abrasive style in its handling of foreign relations in particular.

The Trump administration’s tendency to prefer a policy of relative international isolation and its no-holds-barred approach to pursuing its self- interests could render what are seen as flashpoint regions in the East-West confrontation some of ‘the most dangerous places to live in.’

Likewise the Taiwan peninsula. Here too the US has made it clear that it intends to leave its footprint as it were in consideration of the US’ decades-long policy of defending Taiwan’s independence. But given China’s hardline on the Taiwan question and its stepped-up naval presence in the region, the Taiwan Sea would come to be characterized by stepped-up big power rivalry. Southeast Asia’s economic vibrancy would lend to Taiwan the importance of a sphere where China and the US would be seeking to consolidate their influence.

While it is clear that the US would be seeking to strengthen its security and military ties in particular with its strongest allies from both hemispheres, and the stepped-up diplomatic activity centering on QUAD is one evidence of this, the indications are that the South would suffer some neglect as it were at the hands of the US.

For example, there is a reported halt by the Trump administration to ‘all existing foreign assistance’ and a ‘pausing’ of new aid. Apparently, these restrictions are applicable to everything from development assistance to military aid. It ought to be clear that the least developed countries of the South would be the most affected by these measures.

Ideally, countries, whether they be of the North or South, should not be dependent on the US for whatever assistance, considering the ‘price’ such dependence carries, but given that ideal conditions are far from reachable for most states of the South in particular, US assistance could not be easily done away with. For those conflict-ridden, impoverished countries in particular such assistance is ‘a matter of life and death’.

Accordingly, the worst-off countries of the South, from an economic stand point, could face the harshest of times from now on from President Trump’s diktats. Given Sri Lanka’s bankrupt status, it too should see itself as being among these unfortunates. Any tilting by the latter towards the US’ adversaries in global politics could bring for them stepped-up adversity. Therefore, Sri Lanka, like many other poverty-hit states, would be compelled to walk a tight rope in foreign policy thinking and implementation.

However, these drastic measures in the area of overseas assistance should be seen as evidence that the US is currently drifting in the direction of a policy of relative international isolation. The US seems to be indicating that from now on it would be virtually ‘washing its hands of’ the worst off of Southern countries in particular. The latter would be more or less left to their own devices.

The question needs to be answered by US political leaders and policy planners as to whether they would be serving the US’ long term interests through the adoption of a policy of international isolation. That is, from the viewpoint of a super power is such a course advisable?

The more reflective sections could be inclined to the view that such a policy direction would be self-defeating for a super power, considering that a policy of isolation facilitates a loss of influence globally for the power concerned. This situation would clear the decks, so to speak, for big powers which are not democracy-friendly to fill the power vacuum created by the vacating super power and there is no alternative to the democratic way of governance to date.

However, the factual situation is that the worst off of the global South cannot be left to their devices by those major states that profess and practise democracy. Be it the Middle East or the chronically conflict-ridden states of Asia and Africa, humanitarian crises of the most disquieting kind are currently unfolding. Tens of thousands of people are being killed or rendered homeless in not only the Gaza but also in Congo and Sudan, to name just two countries torn apart by internal lawlessness and civil wars in Africa.

Such chronically weakened states need a measure of material and financial succor to remain in one piece and get back on their feet. Equally importantly, they need to be aided to tread the democratic path. The UN is doing its best on this score but it needs to be helped in this major undertaking by all the democratic states that matter.

A policy of international isolation was found to be self-defeating for the US in the early decades of the 20th century. Such a policy led to major fascist and repressive states coming to the pinnacle of power globally. Right now, the Trump administration seems to be risking taking the world in the same direction.

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Features

New US sanctions on ICC, a fillip to worldwide political repression

Published

6 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

The International Criminal Court in session. UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s warning to the International Criminal Court (ICC) was stark: ‘Either the ICC will end its threats, or we will end the ICC.’ It followed US central administration accusations that the court was unfairly targeting Americans on the basis of trumped-up war crimes charges.

However, a new plethora of sanctions has been clamped on the ICC by the US, which in turn has spurred accusations by sections of the world that the latter has unleashed an ‘assault’ on the international legal order.

What some of the sanctions would mean for the ICC was outlined by Rubio: ‘We will ban transactions with this rogue court, cutting off their resources and crippling their ability to operate against us.’

The ICC has shown consistency of purpose over the years. Despite some operational constraints it has indicted a large number of political strongmen from around the world, accused of war crimes and other governance excesses that come under its purview. Two such recent figures are: Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Rather than enjoy a mere nominal presence in the world community, the ICC has proved its effectiveness by detaining and bringing to justice scores of VIP politicians and others of their ilk who have been found guilty of human rights abuses and kindred excesses that come within the terms of reference of the ICC.

Accordingly, the international justice system would be stymied considerably as a result of the ICC being dis-empowered, particularly financially. Needless to say, potential and real perpetrators of the species of crime coming under the jurisdiction of the ICC would stand to gain most from such anarchic tendencies. That is, political repression globally would be enabled to enjoy a new lease of life.

A detailing of the types of crime coming under the purview of the ICC provides an idea of what it would cost the international community if the ICC’s operations are gravely hampered. They are mainly: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.

That is, the part of the world to be worst affected would be the global South, since the latter is awash with the mentioned crimes. Needless to say, a chronically-disaffected South will sooner rather than later undermine the well being of the world dangerously. The world is already being put through these paces.

At the time of writing, ‘illegal migrants’ from the South, for example, are aggravating many a Western economy’s woes, besides creating for them acute law and order issues. The fact that these migrants’ presence goes on to become a virtual test of the migrant receiving states’ ability to forge domestic social inclusion in the face of jingoistic protests by mainly white supremacist groups is evidence of the latter. As is known, the US, to take just one example, has been up against this crisis for quite a while.

Accordingly, it will be in the best interests of the West if ‘illegal’ migrant arrivals on their shores are stemmed. If the socio-political and economic problems assailing the South are effectively managed through North-South collaborative, ‘trouble-shooting’ efforts the causes leading to ‘illegal’ migration and connected issues could be resolved at source as it were. For, it is the aggravation of the South’s material questions that lays the basis for the emergence of repressive and anti-democratic regimes in the hemisphere.

Until such time that the aforementioned issues in North-South relations are visited afresh and addressed urgently, a vibrantly functioning ICC would be needed. For, the latter would prove a deterrent to Southern political and military strongmen, highly prone to power abuse and like excesses, from coming into being in the wake of the South’s chronic material woes and the wars and conflicts that result from them.

It stands to reason then that the US would be acting in its own interests by enabling the ICC to perpetuate its mandate without hindrance. For a crop of issues that impinges negatively on internal law and order would be defused.

Meanwhile, there needs to be a meeting of minds among the rest of the West to put back in place a North-South dialogue process aimed at reducing some of the economic pressures that are weighing on the South.

Since economics usually drives politics it will be in the interests of the world community to scrutinizingly re-visit North-South issues of the past and put in place economic relief packages for Southern publics that would enable them to tide over their material hardships rather than permit the latter to aggravate into social disaffection and eventually armed militancy. It is the latter juncture that paves the way for the emergence of authoritarian rulers in the South who then go on to be a blight on their publics.

Accordingly, the Southern-based global development thinking of the past that envisaged a more equitable world economic order needs to be seen as an urgent need. That is, NAM’s international development paradigms need to be resuscitated to the extent possible.

It is unlikely that rightist governments of the West, such as the current Republican administration in the US, would find these projects feasible, but democratic states of Europe, led by perhaps the UK, are likely to think otherwise. For it would not be beneficial for the democratic world to be having on their hands repressive governments in the South who would be gravitating towards the major military and economic actors of the South, such as Iran and North Korea, who tend to be in constant power struggles with the West.

However, until such time that the mentioned, pro-people initiatives are given serious thought the ICC would need to be enabled by the international community to be in place comfortably and carry on with its mandate of bringing repressive rulers to book. Besides the ICC should pave the way for the peoples of the developing world to enjoy some substantial respite from the political repression and even terror which tend to be their lot.

Meanwhile, the wars of West Asia are relentlessly aggravating the economic hardships of people everywhere, driving the point home to enlightened sections that there is no alternative to peacemaking. A challenge is to convert the US under President Trump to this line of thinking.

Features

Clear, soft and shine-free skin

Published

7 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

This week, I give you five simple, time-tested homemade remedies that help reduce the appearance of blemishes, control excess shine and leave your skin feeling softer and smoother.

The Honey and Lemon Brightening Dab:

For stubborn blemish marks, this is a classic. Mix one teaspoon of pure bee honey with three to four drops of fresh lemon juice. Apply gently, only on the affected spots, and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. While honey soothes and softens, lemon helps to brighten naturally. Use twice a week in the evening.

Besan and Rose Water Oil-Control Pack:

An ideal remedy to combat shine, especially on the T-zone. Take two teaspoons of besan (gram flour) and mix with sufficient rose water to form a smooth paste. Add a pinch of turmeric for its antiseptic goodness. Apply evenly, keep for 15 minutes and wash off. It absorbs excess oil without over-drying, leaving a beautiful matte finish.

Aloe Vera and Cucumber Ice Soother:

Blend fresh aloe vera gel with the juice of a grated cucumber and freeze the mixture in an ice tray. Each morning, wrap one cube in a soft muslin cloth and gently rub over a cleansed face for 30 seconds. It calms, tightens pores and imparts a baby-soft smoothness.

Oatmeal and Curd Gentle Polish:

Roughness and old blemish marks need gentle exfoliation. Combine one tablespoon of finely powdered oatmeal with one tablespoon of fresh curd (yoghurt). Massage very gently, in circular motions, for one minute, leave for five minutes and rinse. It removes dead cells and unveils softer, clearer skin.

Multani Mitti and Green Tea Magic Mask:

Brew some green tea and allow it to cool completely. Mix one and a half teaspoons of Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth) with the tea water to make a fine paste. Apply for 10 to 12 minutes – do not let it dry and crack completely – and wash off. It draws out impurities, fades blemishes and bestows a fresh, shine-free glow.

A Gentle Reminder:

As with any natural remedy, always do a patch test on your inner arm first. For those with oily or combination skin, avoid heavy coconut oil application and harsh scrubbing, as they tend to aggravate shine and blemishes.

Features

Compete, shine and be discovered at WCOPA 2027

Published

7 hours ago

2026/10/15

Thilina Walpola

Dream of performing on a world stage? Well, here is your unique, golden opportunity!

The World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) — the one and only official “Talent Olympics” — is the world’s premier global platform for aspiring singers, dancers, actors, models, instrumentalists, etc., to compete, shine and be discovered!

And, yes, this world stage is open to YOU, Sri Lankans living in Sri Lanka and overseas!

Held annually in glittering Las Vegas, WCOPA brings together over 70 countries, all competing for Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals, just like the traditional Olympics.

Lakisha Bernard: Will represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027

Outstanding performers vie for the coveted titles of Junior and Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World, with winners and standout participants awarded over $500,000 in scholarships, cash awards and prizes to catapult their education and careers!

Sri Lanka is already making waves! At WCOPA 2026, Natharie Wickramasinghe, representing Team Sri Lanka, made the nation proud by winning a Bronze Medal in the Ethnic/Folklore Dance category!

Lakisha: Accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate

Recruitment for this prestigious competition is handled through a system of scouts and licensed National Directors — and this is where our very own Chris Rajendra, now based in Las Vegas, and National Director for Team Sri Lanka, comes into the scene.

If you are a singer, dancer, actor, model, instrumentalist — if you have talent burning inside you — contact Chris Rajendra today for registration and, who knows, you may find yourself in Las Vegas, and proudly draped in the Sri Lankan flag, at WCOPA 2027!

The contact address is: Chris Rajendra, wcopa.nationaldirector.sl@gmail.com

or chris.rajendra@gmail.com

Meanwhile, a star is born for 2027, in the form of Lakisha Bernard who is all set to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA 2027.

Originally hailing from the sun-drenched coastal city of Colombo and now carving out her creative career in Canada, 22-year-old Lakisha is stepping into the international spotlight.

This accomplished freelance Model and Fashion Design graduate has officially been appointed as the Team Sri Lanka Promoter for Canada as she prepares to represent Team Sri Lanka at WCOPA in Las Vegas.

Lakisha brings a unique blend of high-fashion sensibility, captivating camera presence and expert garment design to the Team.

Having built her career, from local college shoots to high-glamour concepts, Lakisha’s inspiring journey embodies the true spirit of cultural bridge-building and creative resilience, bringing immense pride and recognition to Sri Lanka on the global stage.

WCOPA 2027 will be held at the legendary Westgate Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, from 12th to 20th July – the very same iconic arena where the late, great Elvis Presley himself performed!

Your moment is now. Your stage is Las Vegas, so hurry and contact Chris Rajendra.