Flash Points: Is nonalignment nonsensical?

What neutrality means in the 21st century. MAY 28, 2023  |  [VIEW IN BROWSER](     George Wylesol illustration for Foreign Policy Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, there has been a lot of talk about the return of nonalignment, particularly as countries in the global south have resisted taking sides. But what does nonalignment really mean in the 21st century—and how might it shape global politics? The essays below explore the nonaligned stance of countries such as Brazil and South Africa and question whether key nations insisting on neutrality can really usher in a new, post-Western global order.—Chloe Hadavas   [1]( [A New Cold War May Call for a Return to Nonalignment]( Why a growing number of countries want to avoid getting stuck in a great-power tussle—again. By Shivshankar Menon   [2]( [South Africa’s Nonsensical Nonalignment]( The ANC has forgotten that the outside world’s principled rejection of neutrality sustained the struggle against apartheid. By Eusebius McKaiser   [3]( [How to Understand Brazil’s Ukraine Policy]( Like it or not, Lula’s stance reflects legitimate misgivings about the global order. By Oliver Stuenkel   [4]( [Why Latin America Will Stay Nonaligned]( The bloc’s consensus on Russia’s war in Ukraine is being put to the test. By Jacob Sugarman   [5]( [Why Nonalignment Is Dead and Won’t Return]( An old ideology rears its head but offers little for the present age. By C. Raja Mohan   [Subscribe to Foreign Policy]( Limited time offer! Take on the world with FP. Enjoy a 60 percent discount on your first year of Digital & Print access. Choose an Annual plan and apply promo code [FP60](foreignpolicy.com/subscribe) to claim this exclusive rate. Available for a limited time – don’t wait. [GET 60% OFF](   [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( You’re receiving this email at {EMAIL} because you signed up for FP's Flash Points newsletter. [MANAGE YOUR EMAIL PREFERENCES]( | [VIEW OUR PRIVACY POLICY]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE]( Reach the [right online audience]( with us. Foreign Policy is a division of Graham Holdings Company. All contents © 2023 Graham Digital Holding Company LLC. All rights reserved. Foreign Policy, 655 15th St NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC, 20005.