Rapid economic and social renewal is underway, reflected in the worldwide abandoning of a raft of destructive narratives. John Endres, IRR CEO, shares his major takeaways from the ARC conference in London, where over 4,000 delegates got a strong dose of this reality. Endres urges Pretoria to smell the coffee urgently. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.
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Highlights from the interview ___STEADY_PAYWALL___
London’s Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) conference brought together global thinkers, policymakers, and intellectuals to engage in robust discussions on the pressing issues of our time. Among them, Institute for Race Relations (IRR) CEO John Endres offered a South African perspective on the ideological battles shaping the world today. His discussion with BizNews editor Alec Hogg highlighted the intersection of economic policy, political philosophy, and South Africa’s challenges in a rapidly shifting global order.
A battle of ideas: Conservatism vs. Liberalism
One of the dominant themes of the ARC conference was the ideological tension between conservatism and liberalism, a subject that Endres found particularly stimulating. He noted that while conservatism is rooted in specific cultural and historical traditions, liberalism aspires to universal principles. These tensions, Endres argued, are not just theoretical but have profound implications for governance and economic policy.
In his discussion with Hogg, Endres reflected on how these ideological struggles manifest in South Africa. The country, he pointed out, is still largely governed by the African National Congress (ANC) worldview, with little visible impact from opposition parties like the Democratic Alliance (DA) despite the Government of National Unity (GNU). The DA’s inability to significantly influence governance, he suggested, has allowed ANC policies to continue largely uncontested.
South Africa’s economic crossroads
South Africa’s economic direction was a major concern for both Endres and Hogg. As news broke during the conference that the DA was resisting the ANC’s proposed 2% VAT increase, Endres saw this as a potential turning point. He emphasized that for too long, South Africa has been operating under “an age of self-delusion and self-indulgence,” relying on unsustainable economic policies that hinder growth and job creation.
A particularly eye-opening moment came when Hogg pointed out that South Africa’s GDP per capita has declined for years. The country’s policy framework, from Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) to stringent labour laws, has created barriers to competitiveness, echoing the concerns raised at ARC regarding Western economic self-sabotage. Nigel Farage’s comments about Britain’s self-imposed industrial decline through excessive regulation struck a chord, as South Africa faces similar challenges with its steel industry and broader economic policies.
The role of hard power in a changing world
One of the standout moments of the conference was the discussion on geopolitical shifts and the resurgence of “hard power” in international relations. Endres highlighted the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the war in Israel and Gaza, and the growing influence of leaders like Donald Trump, all of which signal a move away from consensus-driven politics towards a more confrontational global order.
Echoing insights from Eric Weinstein’s presentation, Endres noted that many of the beliefs upheld in the post-Cold War era—particularly around globalization and cooperation—are becoming obsolete in a world where power dynamics are shifting rapidly. South Africa, he argued, needs to reassess its place in this new order rather than clinging to outdated economic and foreign policy models.
South Africa’s path forward: Jobs, prosperity, and removing barriers
Hogg and Endres concluded their discussion with a clear message: South Africa has the potential to unlock prosperity, but it requires a fundamental shift in approach. “Just get the obstacles out of the way,” Hogg urged, emphasizing that economic growth and job creation are not mysteries but simple principles that successful nations follow. Endres reinforced this by stating that South Africa’s leadership needs to abandon policies that hinder competitiveness and instead embrace a path that prioritizes economic freedom, investment, and a skilled workforce.
Whether South Africa’s leaders will heed these lessons remains to be seen, but the discussions at ARC made clear: the world is moving forward, and South Africa must decide whether to follow or be left behind.
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