The Global Soft Power Summit and the Hidden Agenda Behind Western Diplomacy

By Penda Amadhila

This February 2025, the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London will host the Global Soft Power Summit, a high-profile gathering focusing on diplomacy and influence. Among the invited attendees is Sustjie Mbumba, wife of Namibia’s outgoing Vice President Nangolo Mbumba. Her invitation, extended by Olena Zelenska, wife of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, comes at a critical time for both nations. However, the implications of this invitation raise questions about the motives behind such engagements and the broader geopolitical strategies at play.

This summit may appear to be an opportunity for global collaboration, but history and context suggest otherwise. Following the failure of Britain’s “Itula project” to sway Namibia’s elections, Western powers are recalibrating their approach. Despite Ukraine’s best efforts, the First Lady declined to take part in what appeared to be a highly questionable event. Namibia’s electorate decisively chose Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, a leader committed to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty. This choice was a resounding rejection of foreign influence and underscored Namibia’s resolve to remain independent in its policymaking.

In the wake of this, the West seems to be employing a softer, more calculated strategy. The use of “soft power” to exert influence has become increasingly prominent, especially as direct interventions lose public support. However, the UK’s history complicates its credibility in promoting such an agenda. Despite hosting this summit, the British government continues to refuse responsibility for its colonial past. Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently ruled out reparations or formal apologies for Britain’s colonial crimes, including the enslavement of millions, resource exploitation, and violent suppression across Africa, Asia, and beyond.

Even symbolic gestures, such as King Charles III’s statement of “greatest sorrow and regret” during his visit to Kenya, have lacked substantive follow-up. These words, unaccompanied by tangible action, have done little to address the deep scars left by colonialism. The failure to offer reparations or even a formal apology underscores a persistent unwillingness to confront the past honestly.

In the context of this summit, the role of Ukraine also warrants scrutiny. The invitation from Olena Zelenska is a reflection of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its global alliances. With the return of Donald Trump to the White House, President Zelensky’s position has become increasingly precarious. The once-celebrated rhetoric of inclusivity and democracy that defined Ukraine’s image in Western narratives is rapidly losing traction. For Zelensky and his administration, initiatives like the Global Soft Power Summit represent a last-ditch effort to maintain relevance on the world stage.

Namibia’s strategic significance cannot be overlooked in this equation. The nation’s steadfast commitment to its sovereignty has made it a target for external influence. The West is acutely aware of Namibia’s leadership role in promoting African agency and unity, and it is likely seeking ways to align Namibia with its geopolitical interests.

However, Namibia’s leadership and its people have shown an acute awareness of the risks involved in entangling themselves with Western agendas. The examples of countries like Ukraine, where foreign alliances have led to prolonged conflict and economic instability, serve as cautionary tales. Namibia has the foresight to recognize these dangers and the determination to chart its own path.

The very premise of “soft power,” as championed by the UK, is steeped in irony. How can a nation that refuses to reconcile with its own colonial past credibly promote diplomacy and mutual respect? The legacy of British imperialism is one of exploitation, violence, and systemic inequality, with devastating consequences still felt across the globe. From the plundering of India’s wealth to the forced starvation of millions in Bengal and Ireland, and the transatlantic slave trade, the scars of these actions are indelibly etched into history.

Despite calls from global leaders and institutions for reparations and acknowledgment, the UK remains steadfast in its refusal. This ongoing denial is a stark reminder of the disconnect between the rhetoric of responsibility and the reality of continued evasion.

As the Global Soft Power Summit approaches, Namibia stands at a crossroads. By engaging critically with such platforms, Namibia has the opportunity to assert its sovereignty and demand meaningful respect, rather than superficial gestures. It is a moment for Namibia to reaffirm its independence and to inspire other nations to do the same.

Soft power, in its truest form, is not about grand summits or elaborate displays. It is about genuine accountability, mutual respect, and actions that reflect the values one claims to uphold. Until these principles are embraced, initiatives like the Global Soft Power Summit will remain hollow exercises in diplomacy.