Article Analysis of “Opinion | The West and the rest: how genocide in Gaza will usher in the end of ‘his story’,

16 Jan 2025

By Chandran Nair

The ongoing tragedy in Gaza has become more than a humanitarian crisis—it has emerged as a defining moment in global history. Chandran Nair’s article examines how the atrocities in Gaza underscore deep-rooted systemic issues within international power structures, driving a global reckoning with Western dominance, colonial legacies, and the narratives that have long shaped our understanding of history.

A Global Awakening

Nair frames the Gaza conflict as a turning point, igniting widespread outrage and highlighting the contradictions inherent in a world order built on the principles of domination and exploitation. He explores how centuries of colonialism and imperialism have left a lasting imprint on global institutions, borders, and economies, perpetuating inequality and injustice. The West, he argues, has failed to move beyond its historical role as a dominant force, continuing to rely on exceptionalism, military intervention, and systemic oppression to maintain its position of power.

This reckoning is not new. It began with the growing awareness in the non-Western world about the impact of colonialism on their histories, economies, and cultures. Nair traces this awakening to key moments in modern history, such as the U.S.-led invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, which exposed the West’s disregard for international laws and fueled skepticism about its commitment to global equity. These events shattered the illusion of a benevolent global order and revealed a persistent mindset of racial and cultural superiority within Western societies.

The “End of His-Story”

At the heart of the article is the idea that the dominant narratives of history—what Nair calls “his-story”—have been crafted to uphold Western supremacy. These narratives whitewash the brutal realities of colonialism, slavery, and genocide, presenting a sanitized version of the past that obscures the experiences and contributions of non-Western nations. The rise of movements like Black Lives Matter and the demand for decolonized education reflect a growing rejection of these narratives and a call for “our-stories” to take their place.

In the case of Gaza, the live-streamed horrors of war have brought these issues into sharp focus. The West’s support for Israel, even in the face of accusations of genocide, exposes the double standards and hypocrisy that define its approach to international relations. While non-Western countries face scrutiny and sanctions for far lesser offenses, Western nations remain complicit in systemic violence and oppression.

The Implications of a Global Shift

This growing awareness has profound implications for the future. Around the world, communities are demanding justice for historical and ongoing wrongs, from reparations for colonial exploitation to accountability for climate change, which disproportionately affects the Global South. These demands are not limited to political or economic spheres but extend to cultural and educational realms, where efforts to decolonize knowledge and reclaim indigenous traditions are gaining momentum.

The “End of His-Story” represents a seismic shift toward a multipolar world order, where power is shared, and narratives reflect the diversity of human experiences. Nair emphasizes that this is not a call for deglobalization but for “de-Westernization.” It is an effort to dismantle the structures of dominance that have defined the international system for centuries and replace them with more equitable and inclusive frameworks.

The Role of Western Nations

For Western nations, this shift demands a profound reckoning with their own histories and identities. Nair argues that the West must abandon its sense of exceptionalism and superiority, acknowledging the harm it has caused and committing to meaningful change. This includes rethinking political doctrines, reforming international institutions, and addressing systemic inequities in global governance.

Read the full article here: https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/opinion/article/3293301/west-and-rest-how-genocide-gaza-will-usher-end-his-story

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