US to skip G20 Summit, raising fears of global isolation

United States President Donald Trump has confirmed that neither he nor any senior American official will attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg later this month.

The decision is sparking concerns over the summit’s credibility and the future relevance of the multilateral forum.

Dr Kingsley Makhubela, a former diplomat and risk analyst, says the move risks isolating the United States at a critical moment for global cooperation.

Makhubela explains that the absence of top US leadership will weaken consensus on pressing global issues such as debt restructuring, climate change, and international conflict resolution.

"It's a bit unfortunate because what Donald Trump is doing is essentially isolating America. So, the United States won't be here when critical issues are being discussed; that's where it's a problem. I think part of this is a lack of grasping how the world is changing and changing very fast. The United States is no longer the only show in town. There are other key role players who are there that would take his place. But it's unlikely that you won't see any American representative. What you are likely to see is a very junior official who will be delegated to attend the meeting and to, in a way, exercise a veto over the outcome document because the G20 is all about the leaders who communicate at the end of the day, who will convey a key message around issues that have to do with the global debt, the global economy, conflicts and so on.

"It will be unfortunate for the United States not to be there. However, the show would go on if they were not there; they would lose out."

The boycott also complicates diplomatic continuity, as South Africa is expected to hand over the G20 presidency to the United States in 2026.

Makhubela warns that Trump’s stance may undermine future collaboration and send a negative signal to the youthful African continent.

To listen to Makhubela in conversation with CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit, click below: