Heine Unveils Developments in Gaza

On November 8, 2023, Ambassador Jorge Heine, Research Professor at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies and Interim Director of the Frederick S. Pardee Center for the Study of the Longer-Range Future, penned an insightful piece featured in The Conversation, focusing on the UN’s resolution for a “humanitarian truce” in the Gaza conflict.

With 120 countries supporting the resolution and only 14, including the U.S. and some EU members, opposing it, Heine underscores the Global South’s vocal criticism of Western support for Israel. The article highlights key Global South nations, such as Indonesia, Turkey, Brazil, and South Africa, taking a firm stand against Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Heine attributes the Global South’s assertiveness to structural changes, including the expansion of the BRICS group, which will represent 46% of the world’s population and 38% of GDP. Notably, Latin American nations, historically supportive of the Palestinian cause, displayed strong reactions, with Bolivia breaking diplomatic relations with Israel and Brazil introducing a UN resolution supporting a Gaza cease-fire.

Addressing Western denialism, Heine emphasizes the discontent across the developing world with the UN Security Council’s lack of representativeness. He questions whether the West is truly listening to the Global South’s stance on Gaza, criticizing the perceived double standard applied by the West to conflicts worldwide.

Heine concludes,

“If the Global South is speaking this way on the issue, is the West listening? The voting patterns of Western representatives at the U.N. suggest the answer is ‘no.’ And no amount of Western denialism will be able to block the assertive voice of the Global South.”

For a more in-depth exploration of Professor Jorge Heine’s insights, you can read the full article here.

Ambassador Jorge Heine is a Research Professor at the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University. He has served as ambassador of Chile to China (2014-2017), to India (2003-2007), and to South Africa (1994-1999), and as a Cabinet Minister in the Chilean Government. Read more about Ambassador Heine on his Pardee School faculty profile.