Donald Trump has invited Vladimir Putin to join a newly formed “Board of Peace,” an initiative that has drawn criticism given the involvement of leaders with controversial human rights records. The organization requires prospective members to contribute US$1 billion to participate.
Trump’s “Board of Peace” Draws Controversy
Several nations with questionable democratic practices and involvement in conflicts have expressed interest in joining Trump’s “Board of Peace.” Among them are Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, currently engaged in a contest for influence in Yemen, as well as Bahrain, Egypt, and Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia’s military actions in Yemen, including an airstrike on a school bus, have been widely condemned. Despite domestic repression and extrajudicial killings, Saudi Arabia’s participation does not appear to be a barrier to inclusion in the board.
Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkey have also signaled their intent to participate, demonstrating what some observers see as a trend of authoritarian regimes aligning with Trump’s approach to international relations.
The initiative follows a pattern of Trump leading by example, mirroring tactics used domestically, such as those employed by ICE. He has claimed to have stopped “eight plus” wars, while potentially creating conditions for new conflicts.
Concerns Over Member States’ Human Rights Records
Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership in relation to the conflict in Gaza has also raised concerns, with approximately 70,000 Palestinian civilians killed. Jared Kushner is expected to explore potential business opportunities in the region following what Trump describes as a “clearing out” stage.
Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East and a close friend of Putin’s, is also involved in the initiative.
Analysts suggest the U.S. is shifting from a bedrock of stability in the world order to a principal threat to it. Even Chinese leader Xi Jinping has spoken about the need for multilateralism and a non-hegemonic distribution of power.
Some observers believe a coalition of middle powers could encourage China to uphold its rhetoric and discourage Trump from pursuing a unilateral approach. Australia’s government is urged to avoid involvement with Trump’s Board of Peace, given the participation of Putin and Netanyahu.
Experts warn against appeasement, drawing parallels to historical failures. Mark Carney, speaking at the Davos crowd, noted a “rupture in the world order” and the beginning of a “brutal reality” in geopolitics.
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