Frum urges vigilance in an unpredictable world

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This article was published 17/01/2024 (1020 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Social and political commentator David Frum is urging businesses in Brandon and across the country to stay alert amid the heightened unpredictability within political systems.

During a session dubbed “Geopolitics in Uncertain Times” at Manitoba Ag Days on Tuesday, Frum said businesses need to stay vigilant in the face of changes seen in the political systems of Canada and the U.S.

“Be aware that the political systems of Canada and the United States are less stable than they were 20 years ago — more unpredictable,” he told the Sun. “And beware, we’ve got a world of war on our hands right now outside our borders. What is happening in Russia, Ukraine and the Middle East is that we have ships being stopped on the high seas and, of course, people in Brandon are in the most globalized industry there is.”

As businesses in Brandon grapple with the implications of an increasingly interconnected world, Frum emphasized the need for informed decision-making.

“It all starts with being informed, being willing to hear things that are a little scary and not looking for news that makes you feel good, but looking for news that tells you what you need to know,” Frum advised, stressing the importance of a well-informed business community.

Turning his attention to one critical geopolitical issue, Frum delved into the potential invasion of Taiwan by China. Providing historical context, he outlined the challenges China could face, including counter-pressures from neighbouring countries. Frum also noted the difficulties China has historically encountered in deploying power beyond its borders.

“Invading Taiwan is going to be a really difficult problem and China is vulnerable to so many counter pressures,” he said, “Take a look at a map of China, just look at the ring of violence from South Korea, Japan down to the Philippines. It’s very hard to get things to the Chinese coast if your neighbours don’t want things to come to the coast.”

Frum shifted focus to internal threats within the United States, particularly highlighting the ongoing crisis at the southern border. “On Oct. 20, President Biden sent Congress a request for $106 billion in aid, about $60 billion of it for Ukraine, about $14 billion for Israel to help in its war against terrorism and about $14 billion with the southern border,” Frum said, saying there was an urgent need for Congress to address the issue. He pointed out the complex legal infrastructure required for effective border patrolling and raised alarm over the delay in congressional action, attributing it to political manoeuvring rather than genuine crisis resolution.

Reflecting on broader geopolitical shifts in the U.S., Frum expressed unease about the changing perspectives on international relations. Frum pointed out a departure from the longstanding bipartisan consensus on issues like free trade, defending allies and supporting democracy. He also scrutinized the influence of former president Donald Trump, noting Trump’s discomfort with traditional democratic allies and alignment with leaders wielding unchecked power.

Frum emphasized the need for collective action on global challenges. In preserving global order, he said, there’s a vital force of nations that collaborate across borders, ensuring the safety of the seas and valuing human life, while holding conflict within limits.

“If that goes, it’s a world at war, a world in chaos and if Americans make the wrong decisions in the next month, we could be heading toward it and that’s the thing that frightens me most of all,” he said. “As we navigate these challenges, let us remember the importance of international collaboration and the preservation of a world order that safeguards the well-being of all.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

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