---
title: "Trump's G20 boycott: A diplomatic power play unpacked"
description: "As South Africa prepares to host the G20 and its presidency to the United States, President Donald Trump announced its decision to boycott the summit. In this episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi speaks with Professor John Stremlau about the power play behind the boycott, the diplomatic fallout, and what it signals about an era where disruption is strategy."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "THE READINESS REPORT"
author: "Redi Tlhabi"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/redi-tlhabi/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-11-11-trumps-g20-boycott-a-diplomatic-power-play-unpacked/"
published: "2025-11-11T21:45:40"
updated: "2025-11-13T21:44:19"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 43
---

# Trump's G20 boycott: A diplomatic power play unpacked

> As South Africa prepares to host the G20 and its presidency to the United States, President Donald Trump announced its decision to boycott the summit. In this episode of The Readiness Report, Redi Tlhabi speaks with Professor John Stremlau about the power play behind the boycott, the diplomatic fallout, and what it signals about an era where disruption is strategy.

By Redi Tlhabi · Published 11 November 2025, 23:45 SAST · Updated 13 November 2025, 23:44 SAST

## Key points
- In a riveting tête-à-tête, Redi Tlhabi and Professor John Stremlau explore the intricate dance of geopolitics and democracy, proving that navigating global affairs is as tricky as herding cats in a room full of rocking chairs.
- Redi Tlhabi hosts a compelling podcast featuring Professor John Stremlau, delving into pressing global issues.
- The episode is produced by Emilie Gambade and Joel Seboa, with original music by Bernard Kotze.
- Listeners can access the podcast on various platforms, including Spotify.
- Support independent journalism by becoming a Maverick Insider at Daily Maverick.

## Content

[YouTube video: "YouTube video"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxKfDtj17u0)

[Media](https://player.simplecast.com/3a88baee-7d03-48e5-88ca-daa6a1e7b609?dark=false)

**Hosted by** Redi Tlhabi
**Guest**Professor John Stremlau
**Produced by** Emilie Gambade & Joel Seboa
**Original Theme Music & Design by**Bernard Kotze

You can listen to the podcast everywhere, including Spotify!
Support journalism that protects democracy. Become a [Maverick Insider](https://tinyurl.com/SupportDailyMaverick). **DM**