Rising Geopolitical Tensions in December 2024: A Global Overview

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 December 2024 has witnessed significant developments shaping the international landscape. From strategic resource competition in Africa to shifting alliances in the Sahel, these events underline the rapidly changing dynamics of global power and influence.

U.S.-China Rivalry Extends to African Infrastructure

President Joe Biden’s visit to Angola this month highlights Washington’s efforts to counter Beijing's influence in Africa. The centerpiece of this visit is the promotion of a transnational rail project connecting Angola’s Port of Lobito to resource-rich areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia. This infrastructure is designed to facilitate the export of copper and cobalt, critical components in green technologies and a field where China currently dominates. Critics, however, point to the historical exploitation of African resources by Western powers, warning that this could exacerbate poverty and conflict in the region if not managed equitably【10】【11】.

Chad Ends Military Cooperation with France

In a historic decision, Chad has terminated its military partnership with France, joining a growing list of Sahel nations rejecting French influence. This move follows France’s troop expulsions from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Public sentiment in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, reflects widespread frustration with France’s perceived resource exploitation and failure to enhance regional security. This decision symbolizes a broader shift as Sahel nations increasingly assert their sovereignty while navigating new alliances【10】【11】.

Political Unrest in Georgia Amid EU Aspirations

The Republic of Georgia is experiencing mass protests over disputed parliamentary elections and growing public demand for European Union membership. Demonstrators in the capital, Tbilisi, have clashed with security forces, leading to over 200 arrests. These events underscore the country’s struggle to balance its European ambitions with internal political instability, further complicated by Russian influence in the region. The unrest signals a critical juncture for Georgia’s democratic and geopolitical trajectory【11】.

Escalating U.S.-Canada-Mexico Trade Tensions

Former President Donald Trump’s transition back into power has reignited trade tensions in North America. Trump’s threat to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods has prompted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to consider stricter border measures, including drone surveillance. Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has refuted Trump’s claims of a mutual agreement to curb migration. This diplomatic discord threatens the stability of economic relations within the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)【10】【11】.

Conclusion

These diverse events highlight the interconnectedness of today’s geopolitical challenges. From infrastructure rivalries in Africa to the renegotiation of colonial legacies and trade relationships, nations are grappling with the complexities of sovereignty, development, and international cooperation. As these stories continue to unfold, their outcomes will shape the global order for years to come.

Sources

【10】Al Jazeera 

【11】Democracy Now! 

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