I’m not sure if neutrality even exists. I doubt that I am neutral if/when push comes to shove. I suppose that (my) open-mindedness is (very) different from (my) neutrality. Nevertheless, both seem rationally related; not emotionally.
Switzerland is neutral, according to its self-imposed foreign policy (Wiki). Nevertheless, a majority of Swiss want closer ties to NATO – but with reservations. Also see NATO-2023, Le Monde-2024, and SWI-2024.
“Putin, cash and guns prompt ‘explosive’ rethink of Swiss neutrality. After 500 years of non-alliance, a bombshell report recommends closer cooperation with the EU and NATO.”
Source: Politico, 30 August 2024
Hence, the concept of neutrality is thin, like the edge of a coin. Emotions, like fear, will force people to abandon ratio, and to take sides (eg, EU, NATO). Blame Russian stupidity (eg, invasion ofUkraine) for decreasing neutrality.
Former “neutral” countries are taking sides since the 2022 Russian military invasion of Ukraine (eg, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland). A successful Russian invasion would be a threat to several other countries.
China used to embrace foreign globalism, and domestic nationalism. In 2009, China founded the BRICS alliance, together with Brazil, India, and Russia. The BRICS alliance claims its an alternative towards Europe and USA.
In my view, the BRICS alliance (currently Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and UAE) is an example of decreasing (global) neutrality, and of increasing (global) polarisation.
On December 8, the EU High Representative (and former Estonian PM) Kaja Kallas stated that the fall of the Syrian Assad regime “…. shows the weakness of Assad’s backers, Russia and Iran” (Politico). Note LO: markings by me.
The weakening of Iran and Russia may cause a BRICS weakening. More likely, it’s becoming an axis of desperation towards Europe and USA. Example: BRICS: the burgeoning of an international repressive alliance?
Russia is busy leaving its Tartus naval base and its Khmeimim airbase has been cut off (eg, Guardian, Naval News, Reuters, source). “Analysts say Turkey is the biggest winner, Russia and Iran are the biggest losers in Syria” (VOA).
The Winner Takes It All (1980) by ABBA
band, lyrics, video, Wiki-band, Wiki-song
[Chorus]
The winner takes it all
The loser’s standing small
Beside the victory
That’s her destiny
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless in quotes or stated otherwise.
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