By Matt Underwood New Zealand declines invite to join Board of Peace. The news, from what I gather, is pretty straightforward. New Zealand, in a move that’s been greeted with everything from wry amusement to outright approval, has declined an invitation to join this “Board of Peace”. And let’s be honest, the company on the guest list, or rather, the lack thereof, probably played a big part in their decision.
This “Board of Peace,” from the sounds of it, isn’t exactly a who’s who of global diplomacy. Sure, you’ve got Belarus on board, which is… interesting. Then there’s a smattering of countries, like Hungary, some of the Central Asian states, and those oil-rich Middle Eastern monarchies. But beyond that, it seems the wheels start to fall off. The fact that Russia is apparently on the fence speaks volumes. China, another global power, would supposedly stay far away, and as for other European heavyweights, well, let’s just say they’re not exactly lining up to join.
It’s easy to see why. The whole thing seems to be viewed by some as a bit of a joke, a potential scam, or, as one person put it, “the Axis of Shitholes.” The perception is that this isn’t about peace; it’s about buying favor and access. And let’s face it, when the chairman is someone who’s been described as the “biggest grifter in the world,” the concerns about where the money is going are pretty valid. The idea that countries are expected to pay a “cover charge” to get in on the action is, in itself, telling.
The delay in New Zealand’s response also stands out. It seems like the expectation, from those watching, was an immediate “thanks, but no thanks.” The fact that it took some time, and that the Prime Minister ultimately couched the rejection with a caveat (“in its current state”), hints that there was at least some consideration given to it. But, at the end of the day, common sense prevailed. And the upcoming election undoubtedly played a role, with any association with this organization seen as political suicide.
So, who’s in? Well, if the assessments are correct, the membership appears to include a collection of countries with questionable human rights records or a history of, shall we say, less-than-transparent governance. The irony of such a group claiming to be about “peace” isn’t lost on anyone. It’s hard not to raise an eyebrow at the potential for hypocrisy and self-serving motives.
This decision from New Zealand is seen as a win. It aligns them with the “more civil countries” that are apparently steering clear of this whole thing. It also seems like a clear message that New Zealand values its reputation, its neutrality, and its ability to engage with the world on its own terms. As a small nation, reliant on trade and global relationships, it makes perfect sense to avoid getting entangled in something that could damage that standing.
The whole situation has an air of desperation about it. The fact that the invitation went out to a country like Mongolia (population 3 million) while apparently overlooking countries with far more influence is telling. The assumption is that this initiative is more about gathering money and influence than promoting world peace, a concept this board appears to be failing at. And the fact that so many serious countries are staying away makes it clear who is being left holding the bag.
What it all boils down to is that this Board of Peace seems to be a non-starter. Whether it eventually fizzles out or continues to limp along, it doesn’t appear to be gaining any real traction with the countries that could actually make a difference on the global stage. It’s a bit of a cautionary tale, a lesson in not getting caught up with the wrong crowd. And for New Zealand, it’s a chance to reaffirm its commitment to diplomacy and sound judgment, leaving the “Axis of Idiots” to do their own thing.