(By Vick L. Ssali, Aichi Gakuin University)
JSAS 2024 @Ritsumeikan has been reported on and appraised in a previous JSAS newsletter. I have, nevertheless, been thirsting to point out what in my view made this year’s conference special: the innocent, often humorous, and very powerful intervention by Yoshiki Ueda and Neo-Freedom Tsuyama, part of the Africa-Asia “Born Free” Post-Apartheid South African Generation.” Their presence and intervention were relevant because, as the organizers eloquently introduced their presence at this special event, “this year South Africa celebrates the 30th anniversary of the democratic elections held after the abolition of apartheid. South Africa is now in a period of upheaval, with the ruling party, the ANC, winning fewer seats than its majority in the elections at the end of May for the first time since the country's democratization. How do the younger generation born after the country's democratization view South Africa today? What kind of relationship can be built between South Africa and Asia, including Japan?”
The two special guests addressed these questions very eloquently. As two individuals born in post-apartheid South Africa and raised in Japan, they showed that they embody a unique blend of experiences, shaped by diverse cultural, political, and social realities. Their perspectives illuminated the nuances of transformation, political engagement, and active citizenship across Africa and Asia, bridging historical contexts with contemporary global dynamics. Their lived experiences serve as a rich resource for fostering deeper intercultural understanding and innovative approaches to citizenship and political engagement.
Ueda-San and Tsuyama-San’s presence and interventions were also timely. They spoke about the bigger issue of Palestinian rights. They don’t only speak about them, but they actively engage in social activism advocating for this cause. Through NAMNAM Space in Tokyo, currently a hub for most of the pro-Palestine protests and event organization for the Tokyo Youth, Neo Freedom Tsuyama is also dedicated to creating a safe space for People of Color (POC) and the LGBTQA++ community. And while working for an IT Company, Yoshiki Ueda is also actively engaging in solidarity activities for Palestine.
These kinds of interventions are more relevant now than ever before. The world is on a blink of collapse, and it is becoming very difficult to listen to any voice of reason especially if it is coming from the “small people” of this world. In his book, The Road to Unfreedom, Timothy Snyder gives an intriguing but disturbing account of what drives Russian president Vladimir Putin: warped ideals and distorted interpretations of history. With these, Snyder argues, “Putin has closed the logical circle.” The Kremlin Leader believes that by its nature, Russia is “a producer and exporter of harmony and must be allowed to bring its variety of peace to its neighbors.”[1] That’s what apparently informs Putin’s engagement in Ukraine, and his perpetration of immeasurable suffering to millions of innocent Ukrainians. The Russia-Ukraine conflict underscores the dangers of relativism on a geopolitical scale. Putin’s narrative of historical entitlement clashes with Ukraine's sovereignty, creating a war fueled by competing interpretations of history, identity, and power.
This entitlement mirrors a broader trend seen in other global conflicts: a refusal to acknowledge shared truths or respect pluralistic values. Instead, subjective interpretations of history, power, and sovereignty are weaponized to legitimize oppressive actions.
"The dictatorship of relativism," a term popularized by Pope Benedict XVI[2], suggests a societal trend where objective truths are dismissed, and personal perspectives become the ultimate standard. This concept resonates deeply with the state of global politics, where ideological divides and competing narratives often paralyze progress and exacerbate conflicts.
In the USA, polarized politics reflect this relativism, as both major parties often operate within echo chambers, prioritizing partisan truths over shared realities. This fuels legislative gridlock and erodes trust in democratic institutions. This is bad news for the world. The self-proclaimed “policeman of the world,” “defender of democracy,” and “the greatest nation on earth,” is now compromised. As renowned author Yuval Noah Harari put it, “in America now, everyone is talking but no one is listening.”[3]
In the Israel-Palestine conflict, deeply entrenched historical grievances and divergent narratives about land, identity, and justice have made mutual understanding elusive, perpetuating cycles of violence.
Closer to home, the Sudan crisis, with its warring factions vying for power, reveals how personal and factional ambitions override national unity, plunging the nation into chaos.
Here in Asia, the (forgotten) situation in Myanmar further exemplifies the "dictatorship of relativism" through the entrenched entitlement of the military generals, who prioritize their authority and narrative of "national stability" over the will and welfare of the people. The military's justification for the 2021 coup and subsequent repression dismisses the democratic aspirations of its citizens, undermining universally recognized principles of justice and human rights.
Globally, this dynamic erodes the possibility of dialogue and reconciliation. Whether in the polarized USA, war-torn Sudan, or conflict-ridden Myanmar, breaking free from the "dictatorship of relativism" requires cultivating a shared commitment to universal principles—dignity, justice, and the collective good. Only then can these stalemates transform into opportunities for genuine progress.
Relativism in these contexts fosters division, where the absence of a shared framework for truth prevents meaningful dialogue, reconciliation, and lasting solutions. The challenge lies in rediscovering common ground that transcends personal and nationalistic narratives, prioritizing the dignity and well-being of all people involved.
So, we need more younger voices like Ueda San and Tsuyama San. The world needs young people engaging actively with the world's challenges, particularly in resisting a "dictatorship of relativism" that seems to be constraining global progress. We need more spaces like NAMNAM Space in Tokyo, where young voices can collaborate and amplify their perspectives, whether through youth organizations, academic forums, or global networks.
How can you and I facilitate these efforts? What role might you and I play in supporting these young changemakers? The clock is ticking!
[1] Snyder, Timothy, The Road to Unfreedom – Russia, Europe, America (2018). Penguin London House UK, pp. 61-62.
[2] Pope Benedict XVI (1927–2022): A German theologian and leader of the Catholic Church (2005–2013), known for his intellectual rigor, emphasis on traditional doctrine, and critiques of moral relativism. He was the first pope in over 600 years to resign, citing declining health.
[3] Yuval Noah Harari is an Israeli historian, professor, and author, best known for his globally influential books Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, and 21 Lessons for the 21st Century. He was speaking in an interview for a podcast at Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard on October 30, 2024.
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