By Ronald Katumba
We are witnessing a growing trend of powerful states undermining the sovereignty of other nations acts that challenge the existing global order.
I call this modern-day colonialism: countries imposing authority over others with near impunity. Nations capable of standing against such aggression may defend themselves militarily, but weaker states risk falling under external control.
Russia’s actions in Ukraine may have been a warning to the world, signaling risks that some countries overlooked or misread due to global propaganda.
Today, the observance of international law is increasingly fragile, particularly against nations with substantial military power or strong alliances such as NATO.
Open acts of aggression, such as in Ukraine, now attract sanctions, but similar acts elsewhere often go unchecked. No country is immune. Venezuela, Greenland, and Taiwan are examples of territories facing ongoing threats to their sovereignty.
Africa, having endured colonialism and neo-colonialism, remains vulnerable. While some nations have adapted, others are at a point of no return, exposed to new forms of external control. Recent events in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali show the lingering desire among African populations to reclaim autonomy, even if it means breaking ties with former colonial powers or neighboring allies.
Currently, the West appears to be positioning Moldova similarly to Ukraine as a strategic counter to Russia through closer NATO ties.
Although Moldova has not formally sought NATO membership, its security partnerships with the alliance, alongside efforts to integrate with the European Union, create a delicate double jeopardy, signaling alignment with Western interests against a potential aggressor.
Such moves risk regional stability and undermine peace initiatives led by the Global South, potentially straining relations between African nations and BRICS countries.
NATO’s security approach has evolved; it now addresses perceived threats outside its member states, rather than focusing solely on defending members.
This broad approach could turn Moldova into another epicenter of instability, disrupting global supply chains and disproportionately affecting vulnerable countries in Africa.
Moldova could face a form of external governance reminiscent of African states’ experiences.
Libya, still reeling from foreign intervention, serves as a cautionary example.
The unchecked ability of militarily strong nations to threaten the sovereignty of weaker states endangers global peace and stability.
In an era where international institutions like the UN are weakening, new measures are needed to uphold territorial integrity.
The war in Ukraine might have been avoided if security concerns regarding NATO expansion had been addressed. Moldova now sits at a critical juncture, highlighting the urgent need for diplomacy and respect for sovereignty.
The author is a private researcher