Times of uncertainty: The causes, effects of destabilization in 2024 - opinion

The year 2024 will be remembered as the year that opened people’s eyes. The average person on the street is so confused with geopolitical affairs that it has become so difficult to share one’s point of view on matters that ultimately affect your life and your children’s future.

The average person has the power to create whatever future he or she desires instead of feeling victimized. In South Africa, I learned an African word, ubuntu, meaning “I am because you are.” Everything that happens to me is a source of who you are. We are all connected, and what is happening on the other side of the world has an effect on me, and vice versa. In simple language, we all know it as being aware of one’s thoughts, speech, and actions.

What is happening in the geopolitical arena that affects global commerce, our ability to provide for our families, and the safety and security of our loved ones?

Is the global community on the brink of World War III, due to authoritarian regimes and their relentless pursuit of maintaining power at all costs? Do we as average people have the power to be the cause of world peace – and a common future?

Let’s dive in and try to understand the forces behind the current global situation.

Causes of destabilization

The common denominator among Russia, China, Iran, and other authoritarian regimes is their relentless pursuit of maintaining power at all costs. This fixation on retaining control often leads to a disregard for the well-being and aspirations of their citizens, resulting in domestic and international conflicts and crises.

In Russia, Putin’s regime is driven by the fear of losing power, as evidenced by their aggressive actions in Ukraine to prevent its drift toward the European Union. The Kremlin’s narrative revolves around preserving Russian influence and preventing the spread of Western ideals that could threaten Putin’s grip on power.

Similarly, the aspirations of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as articulated by its leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to spread Islam globally has profound implications not only for its own citizens but also for the broader international community. Khameini’s declaration to export the Islamic revolution underscores Iran’s commitment to promoting its version of political Islam beyond its borders, often at the expense of stability and peace in the region. Sadly, the resources expended on exporting the revolution divert attention and funds away from addressing domestic challenges such as economic stagnation, social inequality, and political repression.

This pattern of authoritarian leadership prioritizing personal interests over the greater good of their citizens has profound implications for global stability. In South Africa, the ruling party appears to be following a similar path of prioritizing the ANC governing party’s interests over those of the people, which underscores the universality of this phenomenon. When leaders become more concerned with retaining power than serving the greater good, the consequences are dire for democracy, human rights, and global stability.

The conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as China’s expanding influence in Africa, and Iran’s extremist Islamic Jihadist ideology transforming peaceful societies into terror hubs, are symptomatic of a world where autocratic regimes pursue power and resources with little regard for the consequences.

Do we as the average person on the street have the power to influence the outcome? Can we be the cause rather than the effect?

In times of uncertainty and challenge, the role of community leaders and media influencers becomes even more crucial in shaping the narrative and fostering positive change. Today, anyone with a smart phone can lead from the front, reaching out with a heartfelt appeal to stand together and advocate for a common future built on education, equality, and the development of a society that thrives on shared values and acceptance of diversity.

We are living in a world where the voices of division and hatred often seem louder than those advocating for unity and progress. However, it is precisely in these moments that our collective voice must rise above the noise, echoing the values of inclusivity, respect, and understanding.

As brothers and sisters for ubuntu, community leaders, and media influencers, you possess a unique platform and influence that can spark meaningful conversations and inspire action among your audience and congregation.For the readers here, I urge you to utilize your platforms to encourage your followers and listeners to stand firm for a society where everyone, regardless of their background, culture, or region, is treated with dignity and respect.

I implore you to join me in rallying our communities and audiences around the common values that bind us together. Let us demonstrate that the real power lies in our unity and our unwavering dedication to creating a better world for generations to come. Be the cause rather than the effect. ■

The writer, born in Jerusalem, grew up in Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu and has lived in South Africa for the past 12 years, where he has led the South Africa-Israel Chamber of Commerce (SAACI), and South Africa Friends of Israel (SAFI). Following the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023, he decided to engage with local communities to promote peaceful solutions and create a much more fair perspective toward Israel in South Africa.