World moving towards much limited US influence, says Columbia's Jeffrey Sachs
The global landscape is shifting toward a world where the United States plays a more limited role, creating fresh opportunities for emerging regions like Africa, according to Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development at Columbia University.
"The U.S. is actually in a kind of retreat," Sachs said in a recent interview on Global South Conversations with Ismail Akwei.
He added that China, India, and the Gulf region are stepping up as key investors in Africa. "That's good. That's new partners, new cash, new businesses," he said.
Sachs suggested that the US’s diminished role creates space for developing countries to grow independently and diversify their alliances.
On the topic of geopolitical tension, he addressed the rising narrative that Russia poses a threat to developing nations. He dismissed such fears as propaganda, explaining, "The US competes with other big powers. And so it says nasty things about the other powers. But frankly, all of the bad talk, the bad mouthing of China, of Russia, of others, to my mind, doesn't add up."
Analysts note that the shift toward multipolarity is characterised by the rise of countries like China and India, which are expanding their economic and diplomatic footprints. China's Belt and Road Initiative and India's increasing engagement with African nations exemplify this trend. These nations are not only investing in infrastructure and development projects but are also influencing global norms and standards
Sachs encouraged Global South nations to seek investment partnerships broadly and not be swayed by Western narratives. "I would look for business partners, investment partners anywhere," he said.
For him, this moment represents the building of a new, fairer multipolar world where the voices of Africa, Asia, and Latin America will increasingly shape global affairs. "The West, it led and it was often very cruel in its so-called leadership," he explained.
Watch the full interview here:
