The global economic landscape has been significantly affected by protectionist policy, imposed by the U.S. President Donald Trump. He is imposing high tariffs on imports. It has disrupted international trade and disproportionately affected developing nations in Asia and Africa.
To face such challenges, it is crucial to revisit the vision of Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno, who championed the unity of Asia and Africa through the Bandung Conference of 1955. By fostering economic cooperation, political solidarity, and cultural exchange, Asian and African nations can collectively counteract the adverse effects of global protectionism.
The Bandung Conference marked a significant moment in the history of Asian-African unity. It had brought together 29 newly independent nations to discuss strategies for economic and political cooperation (Acharya, 2016). The conference emphasized principles such as mutual respect, non-interference, and economic collaboration to counteract neocolonial influences. Soekarno envisioned a future where Asian and African countries could establish their own economic and political narratives, free from any other hegemony.
With Trump’s tariff policies, this vision becomes even more relevant. The protectionist stance taken by the U.S. has hindered the economic progress of many nations that depend on global trade. By reviving the spirit of Bandung, Asia and Africa can work together to establish a more balanced global trade system. Eventually, it can minimize dependency on the hegemony’s economies.
A primary strategy for uniting Asia and Africa in the face of trade barriers is strengthening intercontinental economic partnerships. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in Asia present promising frameworks for economic integration (UNCTAD, 2021). If both regions align their economic policies and trade agreements, they can create a vast market that reduces reliance on the other continent hegemony economies.
Joint investments in infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, and ports would facilitate trade between the two continents. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), spearheaded by China, has already laid the foundation. This can lead to an increased connectivity between Asia and Africa. Such initiatives through collaborative efforts among all participating nations can further reduce trade costs and enhance economic resilience (Sun, 2019).
Political unity is essential for countering the negative impact of unilateral trade decisions. Asian and African nations must strengthen their diplomatic ties. They can also collectively advocate for fairer trade practices at global forums such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN). By forming a strong coalition, they can challenge policies that disproportionately harm developing nations and push for reforms that ensure equitable trade practices (Stiglitz, 2020).
Additionally, fostering South-South cooperation through diplomatic channels and joint policy-making can provide alternative economic pathways. Organizations such as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the BRICS group can serve as platforms for strategic negotiations that benefit both continents.
Cultural and educational exchanges are crucial for fostering long-term unity between Asia and Africa. Academic collaborations, student exchange programs, and language initiatives can strengthen people-to-people ties. All these can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s histories and cultures. Institutions such as the ASEAN University Network and the Pan-African University can lead such initiatives to build intellectual bridges between the two continents (Mazrui, 2018).
Media collaborations that highlight shared struggles and achievements can also play a vital role in unifying Asian and African nations. Documentaries, books, and digital content that celebrate historical ties, such as the Bandung Conference, can inspire younger generations to embrace the vision of unity and cooperation.
Dr. Djuwari is an Associate Professor at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Surabaya (UNUSA) Indonesia. Surabaya, the editor of some research journals in the Philippines and Indonesia. He is also a journalist in some newspapers in Indonesia; the President of International Association of Scholarly Publishers, Editors, and Reviewers (IASPER), a small business owner of Djuw Café
