After a long sabbatical, Macondo Papers is back!
Professor Farish A. Noor and I, Andressa Michelotti, end 2024 by discussing the latest developments in Syria and South Korea. As history unfolds, we observe parallels between the events on in these two countries. Apologies for the low quality video. We noticed that recording with google meets is not the best option as we. We will do it better in 2025! We hope you enjoy this discussion.
Have a great break and see you next year!
Summary
In this video we dive into the geopolitical and historical parallels between Syria and South Korea, focusing on their roles in U.S. strategic interests and global politics. Both countries have hosted U.S. military bases and they have been pivotal in American geopolitics. Nevertheless, they are portrayed differently in Western media. Syria's leaders, including Assad and his father, were once embraced by the West but later vilified, while South Korea is often celebrated as an economic success despite its history of authoritarian rule closely aligned with U.S. interests.
Our discussion critique the lack of historical context in Western media narratives, highlighting the selective criticism of human rights and democracy based on geopolitical convenience. The rise of right-wing populism, nationalism, and "techno-feudalism" globally is examined, with references to Trump's transactional approach to foreign policy and its implications for allies like South Korea and Taiwan.
In this context, it is important to understand the structural inequalities and geopolitical power dynamics rather than focusing solely on identity politics especially from the left. In this sense, we, in the Global South's need to analyze and address our challenges on our own terms, warning against another wasted decade of inaction. We finish our conversation with a reflection of the future, looking ahead to 2025 and beyond.
Background
South Korean President Yoon Impeachment Amid Martial Law Controversy
South Korea's parliament voted to impeach President Yoon on December 14 after his controversial declaration of martial law earlier in the month, which was quickly aborted due to backlash. On December 3, Yoon justified martial law as a measure to protect the nation from "North Korean communist forces" and "anti-state threats," claiming the need to safeguard South Korea from economic and societal collapse.
Within six hours, after inense opposition from parliament and the public pressure Yoon revoked the martial law . The fallout has been significant both domestically and internationally:
Global Reactions:
The United States expressed "grave concern" over the crisis.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the lifting of martial law, reflecting relief among the international community.
North Korea dismissed Yoon’s actions as an "insane act" akin to past authoritarian regimes.
Domestic Backlash:
The crisis has intensified public protests and calls for Yoon’s resignation, revealing deep societal divisions.
The opposition-controlled parliament initiated impeachment proceedings, bolstered by widespread public disapproval.
Allegations of corruption and dissatisfaction with Yoon's handling of the economy and diplomacy have further damaged his credibility.
Yoon’s approval ratings plummeted to a dismal 28% in November, with a staggering 72% disapproval rate.
Syria's Political Transformation: The Fall of Assad and the Challenges Ahead
As of December 2024, Syria is undergoing a profound political and military transformation following the dramatic collapse of President Bashar al-Assad. A coalition of opposition forces, spearheaded by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched a decisive offensive in late November, swiftly overtaking major cities such as Aleppo, Hama, Homs, and Damascus. Assad fled to Moscow as opposition forces took control of the capital.
In the wake of this regime change, a transitional government has been established, with Mohammed al-Bashir named as the new Prime Minister. Among the transitional government’s immediate priorities are closing infamous prisons and facilitating the return of millions of Syrian refugees.
Challenges Ahead: The situation remains precarious, with various factions competing for influence in the power vacuum. Additionally, Israel has escalated its military operations in Syria, targeting strategic areas including Damascus through intensified airstrikes.
Reading Recommendations
Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism by
Share this post