The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s decision to boycott the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in South Africa is the latest example of America’s growing isolationism under Donald Trump’s administration.
Norway’s foreign minister Espen Barth Eide rightfully called Rubio’s move “unfortunate”, emphasising the importance of diplomatic engagement even in disagreement.
Eide also took the opportunity to express support for the decision by South Africa to take Israel — an ally of America — to the International Court of Justice — something that has contributed to the animosity between the American administration and South Africa.
“Of course I hope that bilateral issues are sorted out, but I would very strongly defend the right of South Africa to use international institutions, for example the ICJ, and if somebody disagrees with the proposition they should say that in court.
“In every court there is at least two views. Otherwise there wouldn't be a court. We have to defend the right of every member of the UN to use a principal organ of the UN if it so desires,” said Eide.
The world is moving forward, building multilateral alliances to address economic development, security and global justice. But the Trump administration, instead of participating in this collective effort, continues to throw tantrums, retreating into unilateralism under the guise of American exceptionalism.
Rubio’s absence and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s decision to snub the meetings signal a deeper unwillingness to engage with the global order when it does not align with Trump’s world view.
One of the key flashpoints between the US and South Africa has been the Expropriation Act, which Trump and his administration have, relying on misinformation, decried as a human rights violation. Norway, however, has taken a different approach, accepting South Africa’s explanations and recognising the need for redress within the country’s historical context.
Eide’s remarks reflect a global shift away from American authoritarianism, a shift in which nations are willing to challenge Washington’s dominance and assert their independent foreign policies.
The Trump administration’s approach is rooted in an outdated belief that the US can dictate terms without consequences. As Eide noted, true diplomacy means engaging in discussions even when there are disagreements. Rubio’s decision to boycott the G20 meeting, citing South Africa’s alleged anti-American stance, is a shallow and petulant response to a country exercising its sovereign right to enact legislation and pursue international justice.
The attitude towards the ICJ case further underlines Washington’s selective application of human rights rhetoric. Norway, a Nato ally of the US, has taken a more measured stance, supporting South Africa’s right to bring a case to the ICJ as part of the UN framework. Eide’s remarks affirm a simple truth: if the US disagrees with the case, it should argue its position in court rather than resorting to diplomatic boycotts and strong-arm tactics.
This latest episode is part of a broader pattern of Trump-era diplomacy: when the world doesn’t bend to America’s will, the administration throws a fit. But the global order is shifting. Nations like Norway are demonstrating that they will not simply fall in line with Washington’s dictates. They are forming new partnerships, strengthening economic ties and embracing multilateralism.
The irony is that America’s withdrawal does not weaken these global efforts — it only sidelines the US. Rubio and Bessent’s absence from the G20 does not stop the world from moving forward; it only highlights how far the US is falling behind.
The tantrums will pass. The world will move on. And when America is ready to engage with maturity, it may find that it has lost the influence it once took for granted.
For opinion and analysis consideration, email Opinions@timeslive.co.za
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