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The Multipolar World Ahead

By
Azfar Khan
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The Multipolar World Ahead: The Rise of New Great Powers and the Future of International Affairs

Introduction

As the world moves on in the 21 century, the number of influential international players is growing rapidly and the scenario is transmogrifying from a uni and bipolar world towards a multipolar world based on amateur rising powers in different world centers. With the rise of new powers in the international arena, the absolute and relative power of the US and its ally Europe is also declining. The world is seeing new power centers in different regions and with the back of the small state of regions, they are becoming a power to reckon with in the new geopolitical milieu. This is not unprecedented and the world has seen multipolarity before as in the 17th and 18th centuries, however, the time the balancing act of powers would be more stable.

Despite strong arguments from Western scholars about American superiority and its capacity to influence others, Russia-Ukraine War, US withdrawal from Afghanistan, autonomy of Middle East and Chinese assertion in the Pacific have exposed the US and its Allies’ failure to dictate amateur powers. The phenomenon is not recent, but Henry Kissinger recognized the rise of powers four decades ago and as a political realist he views it as beneficial for world peace. While recent trends are against the absolute power of the US and the West, it is not posited that role of the US would be vanished. Instead, the US would remain in great power in the near future however, its power would relatively decline greatly as the regional players collude against it as the case appears. Looking at recent trends multiple regional players are going to become great power centers in world affairs in the future.

Rise of New Power Regions

It is not just China that the US considers a threat to American hegemony as Biden Doctrine accentuated that it needs to curb China’s dominance but, the US has to face confrontation in terms of economic and policy matters regarding world affairs from other regional powers too. There are multiple regional centers that are emerging as great powers. Before we delve into multipolar discourse, different regions must be highlighted which are going to become important in world affairs.

To start with American Continent, the US and Canada are one bloc with considerable influence over the Latin American states. However, Brazil appears to be challenging the US dominance with the support of dissent powers against the US absolute dominance in the American Continent. Brazil is part of BRISC which is a powerful alliance in terms of economic cooperation and other matters of world interest. That means that Brazil would have much sway in matters pertaining to South American states. Secondly, Western Europe is detaching itself from the United States and asserting its own independence and autonomy. It is evident from a long time ago but now, European leaders are openly asserting their independence in affairs of the world. European dealing with Russia concerning Russia-Ukraine war has made it explicit that European interests are paramount against her long-time ally the US.

The third important region is the Middle East with vast natural resources, especially oil and gas. It is not only the centre in terms of rapidly developing new economies but is also the centre of the Muslim world which surpasses 2 billion threshold. Recent rapprochements between die-hard enemies have given the green light to it becoming great powers centre. The fourth region is Central Asia with Russian dominance over sparsely populated but densely mineral-resourced Muslim states. This region is emerging as the energy centre of the world. 

The fifth region is Indo-Pacific which contains powerful economies such as China, India and Japan. This region is most important as it is in direct confrontation with the US and is most concerned with the world’s peace. African Continent should also be considered as a separate power region as many countries are asserting their independence from Western Influence and siding or collaborating with China and Russia.

New Players in the Regional Centers

As it is aforementioned, new regions are emerging as great power centers. These are based on or around a few rising states that have achieved the status of being developed and are moving to become great powers based on their economic might and the centre point of the region’s small states. Firstly Brazil is becoming a new regional power in South America. It has vast land with a rapidly surging population. The economy is going well despite political doldrums. That is why Brazil is being considered an important new player in world affairs and it is also part of BRISC.

Secondly, Saudi Arabia and Iran are great powers in the Middle East. The recent rapprochement between the two and their allies in the regions shows that these two states would act in consortium reminiscent of Germany and France in Europe. Turkey would be influential player in the world affairs due to its strong economies and great Muslim heritage. For the first time since the revolution, it is evident that the rulers of these states are serious about achieving the role of great powers. Both Saudi Arabia and Iran have huge natural resources and are centers of the Muslim World which give them more capital of becoming great powers pushing the world towards multipolarity.

Thirdly, China and India are two great powers that are the new centers in the Indo-Pacific with number of rising economies in East Asia. India is part of the BRISC and Shanghai Cooperation Organization and influential player in South Asia. It has a big tech industry and a rapidly modernizing economy. China is not only regional power in Indo-Pacific but a great power that is contending with the US which would be discussed separately below.

Fourthly, Russia is holding firm despite sanctions from the US. It makes clear that Russia has the support of its neighbours in Central Asia or its neighbours are not supporting NATO because, for the first time since 1991, white people are killing white people. Central Asian republics are becoming major energy sources which is why they are emerging as distinct following Russian footsteps. Fifthly, North or Whole Africa also needs a special separate mention as its countries unite under African Union. South Africa is part of powerful alliance BRISC.  West and the US are too well known to recur here.

Future of American Power

After the defeat of the NATO forces at the hand of the Taliban and the haste withdrawal of the United States from Afghanistan, The Economist started a series of opinion articles on the future of American Power and it can be inferred that the US lost its credibility to a great extent. Kissinger argued that the US failed to define goals explicitly. It not only lost its strategic focus but its objectives were absolute and elusive based on abstract Utopian visions without contemplating the history and culture of Afghanistan. Despite all these mishaps, Kissinger accentuated that America would remain a key component of the international order.

Paul Kennedy argues that the relative strength of the US is declining. It is now one of the biggest gorillas among multiple gorillas and China is going to be the biggest challenge for the US. The future of the US would not only depend upon its military strength but technological advancement and economic development. America would find it difficult to finance its high position in future, ergo it would be very challenging for the United States whether it can sustain its great power position in the long run. So it can be inferred that American Power in the future would not be absolute and it would have many contenders.

It is not argued here that the American power would vanish like other great empires such as Ottomans or Nazi Germany but the institutional setup of the United States is firm and it would take time even to contract its muscles from the world. It will be the key component of world order in the Pacific and the Atlantic. Its industrial might and economic power would remain stable in the near future but it has to reconcile multiple new centers for technology and economics.

The Chinese World Order

The United States considers China as its biggest contender as stressed by Biden Doctrine. But its biggest threat is Climate Change. War with China can not destroy America but Climate Change can. It is because China has a long history of peaceful coexistence. It is intriguing that the Chinese never carried genocide against the people they invaded instead they cooperated with them and established trade relations, unlike colonial invasions of the West and the US. Paul Kennedy asserts this feature in his book, ‘Rise and Fall of Great Powers: Military Conflicts and Economic Change Since 1500-2000’ and notes that China does not have a history of the murder of people in an alien land. Chinese emphasis on peaceful existence is winning a many great friends in world.

In terms of economics, China is establishing Belt and Road Initiative which also includes CPEC. The purpose of the project is to create easy excess to the countries and increase trade and commerce. China does not want to play proxy wars and respects international law. It has recently carried out and succeeded in establishing relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. President of China1 also carried out a visit to Russia to emphasize dialogue to end the conflict with Ukraine. It is unprecedented in history. Chinese believe in World Order is that of peaceful coexistence based on economic cooperation and respect for the sovereignty of the states as against the unipolar hegemonic designs of the United States. So the new powers would definitely support the Chinese viewpoint and multiple players would be enrolled in great power politics balancing each other.

The Case for Multipolar World

As the new regions are developing rapidly, the states leading them are also asserting powers in international affairs. It is the first time since the Second World War that Europe is detaching itself from the US. Macron has made it clear that Europe should resist the pressure to follow in American footsteps. He believes in the European superpower led by France. Despite the US sanctions European states did not cut off ties with Russia following Russo-Ukraine War despite American duress. So the European Union is a distinct great power in the multipolar world. Brazil which has a surging economy and stable political situation in the country has also asserted autonomy in case of a Ukrainian invasion. President Lula da Silva criticised the US and West for giving weapons to Ukraine which would prolong the war and also in part blamed Ukraine for the conflict. It shows that Brazil possesses its own viewpoint on world affairs and does not support one power’s dominance.

Russia, despite sanctions from the US and West, remains stable because it has intact trading relations with other countries such as China, India and the Middle East. That shows Russian credibility in the world states other than the US followers wanting to deal separately with Russia. Saudi Arabia and Iran have had tense relations with the US since the Biden administration assumed the reigns of power in America. Both have resisted American pressures and stood firm. Muhammad Bin Salman is a rising leader in the world and is greatly admired for his modernist vision for the Middle East. So the Middle East would also emerge as a great power in the multipolar world.

India is also a rising power with a great huge market and surging economy and it has earned great respect in the last two decades and is emerging as great power in the multipolar system. China is not only a power in itself but it is also a supporter of the multipolar world. As discussed above China appears to be not carrying any absolute hegemonic designs, unlike America. Moreover, the rise of new regional and intra-regional organizations such as BRISC, ASEAN and Shanghai Cooperation Organization seconds the argument that the future of international affairs is a multipolar world.

Conclusions

With the arrival of multipolar world it looks like the world was never unipolar as Shafqaut Rabee noted in The Business Standard News aptly noted, ‘If you read human history over centuries prior to 1900, you would realize that the world was never unipolar, nor was it bi-polar. The world, rather, has always been multipolar — where local hegemons shaped geopolitical affairs within their respective vicinities, with occasional, and often consequential, conflicts with newly arrived external forces, often resulting in historic realignments.’

The rise of China, new relations in the Middle East, European autonomy with regards to the affairs of Europe , African independence from colonial heritage, Brazil and Indian economic rise and the decline in the American credibility explicitly make point for the rise of multipolar world.  With the rise of these competing economies,  relative decline of the American power and Chinese assertion of its power in the world affairs the world is moving toward multipolarity. In the coming era, the issue of the world would be decided not by one hegemon power but multiple great powers taking on board their regional allies.

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Combating the Alarming Surge in Women’s Rapes

By
SANA ULLAH
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The safety and security of women in society are fundamental pillars of a just and progressive nation. However, Pakistan is currently grappling with a distressing rise in the number of reported cases of women’s rapes. This issue demands immediate attention and concerted efforts from all stakeholders to bring about a transformative change in our society. It is high time we address this crisis head-on and work towards creating a safer environment for our women.

The increasing number of women’s rapes in Pakistan is a deeply disturbing trend that cannot be ignored any longer. According to statistics, the reported cases have surged significantly in recent years, painting a grim picture of the society we live in. Behind these numbers lie the stories of countless women whose lives have been shattered, leaving a profound impact not only on them but also on their families and communities.

To effectively address this crisis, it is essential to identify and comprehend the underlying factors contributing to the prevalence of women’s rapes in our society. Patriarchy, gender inequality, and the culture of silence have fostered an environment where perpetrators feel emboldened, and victims are often blamed or stigmatized. Inadequate implementation of laws, a slow justice system, and societal prejudices further compound the problem, making it a deeply entrenched issue.

Education plays a crucial role in transforming mindsets and breaking down societal barriers. We must prioritize comprehensive sex education, promoting gender equality, and fostering a culture of consent from an early age. Empowering women through education not only equips them with the tools to protect themselves but also challenges the existing power dynamics that perpetuate violence against them.

Effective legislation is a cornerstone of any society seeking to combat gender-based violence. We must review and strengthen existing laws, ensuring that they provide adequate protection to victims and impose strict punishments on perpetrators. Simultaneously, the justice system must expedite rape cases, ensuring a swift and fair trial process. This will not only deter potential offenders but also restore faith in the legal system, encouraging survivors to come forward and seek justice.

Creating awareness and sensitizing the masses about the gravity of women’s rape cases is crucial in transforming societal norms. Media, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and religious leaders should actively engage in campaigns to challenge harmful stereotypes, promote gender equality, and foster a culture of respect and empathy. Such initiatives will help in dismantling the prevailing toxic masculinity that contributes to the prevalence of violence against women.

Remember that strategies are not foolproof and don’t guarantee constant wins. They can enhance your chances of winning the Aviator game but should be used with responsible gambling practices in mind. It’s essential to set a budget, establish a time limit, and prioritize having fun while playing.

Building robust support systems for survivors is essential in facilitating their healing and recovery process. Local communities, NGOs, and governmental agencies should work in collaboration to establish helplines, counseling centers, and safe spaces for survivors.

Additionally, we must encourage the active involvement of men as allies in this struggle, creating avenues for dialogue and engagement to challenge prevailing norms. The surge in women’s rapes in Pakistan is an urgent crisis that demands immediate attention and action from all segments of society.

By addressing the root causes, empowering women, strengthening the legal system, promoting awareness, and fostering community engagement, we can work towards creating a society where women are respected, protected, and free from the fear of violence.

It is time to stand united and create a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality. Together, let us build a Pakistan that we can be proud of—a Pakistan where women can thrive without the constant threat of violence.  

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Pakistan: A politically defaulted State

By
Usama Abdullah
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Pakistan is a politically defaulted state as it has been never through a stable political situation after the no confidence motion April 2022 against PTI regime. The PDM coalition government was unable to hold strong centralized government. The legitimacy of PDM was severely undermined or completely eroded because it has not been capable to hold the needs and aspirations of public leading to a lack of trust and support from the population. Public institutions of administrative bodies, judiciary, NAB and parliament are showing a gradual failure. The economic turmoil due to high inflation, unemployment and lack of inflation, a huge brain drainage with the last year and failure of the government to implement clear and effective economic policies due to delay in talks with IMF has leaded to a severe political crisis.

Humanitarian issues have been also breaking out due to shortage of food shortage due to increase in the prices of food items. Considering this scary situation the government introduced cheap floor scheme which caused very tragic situation at the distribution centers as there were very large number of people   . This shows a huge population is facing food shortage.

The political situation is becoming worse day by day after the mob attacks on the state properties such as GHQs on May 9, the public which was apparently protesting against the arrest of Imran Khan in the Al Qadir Trust Case. After that there was a very violent reaction by the supporters of PTI and caused a law and order situation. After that the state machinery came into movement which led to arrest of all the political leadership of PTI. After the happening of this PTI started falling like a sand’s castle, till now many of the senior leaders and closed companions has left PTI.

There is very unique pattern in which first the PTI leaders are arrested by police and forced to do a press conference against the events of 9th at GHQS and others state owned properties. It is mentioned by most of the members that there is huge pressure on them to left PTI and Imran Khan by threatening their family. To harass the families is a very immoral step by the authorities. Although no one has named any person or institution of the state but in hidden words there is a serious criticism on the establishment. Imran Khan and PTI supporters are continuously criticizing establishment.

It is a very lame policy of the state to stop the criticism on them by knocking out the most popular political party of the country. This makes the situation tenser because the largest political party and the state institutions are confronting each other. No matter which will win this battle either Imran Khan or the establishment in both cases there would be more precarious situation as the political chaos will become more severe.

In this whole picture PDM government is just like a spectator because they are not taking the responsibility of any event and more focused in the elimination of alleged cases against them. All the cases of corruption against PMLN and PPP leadership are shutting down and none of them found guilty. In this scenario what is the legitimacy of hearings of these cases.

End of freedom of speech is making situation more worse is that many media persons and journalist has been forced arrested by unknown authorities which are not presenting them in court and not telling anything about the charges which have been put on them. This the pattern which has been followed in the cases of Sami Ibrahim and Imran Khan Riaz.

Moeed Yousef and Shabbir Shakir has fled the country due to life threats. These are just four name which has been highlighted by the media community but there is a very extensive list. In this way the accountability of the political actors has been become vastly questionable because there is a continuous bombardment of one side narrative.

The voice of IK and PTI has been silenced by the state, all the news houses has been asked by PEMRA not to broadcast the news talks of Imran Khan. In this way the accountability of politicians by media has been stopped and public is not aware the complete story. Public is on their own and looking towards the political leadership and the state institutions.

The delay in the election from due date is also a factor due to which Pakistan is unable attain political stability. To make the functioning of a democratic country free and fair elections on due time are necessary. In the electoral politics elections and smooth transition of government are one way to achieve and maintain political stability. A

fter the dilution of Punjab and KPK provincial assemblies the elections must held on 14th May but due to many reasons ECP (Election Commission of Pakistan) did not hold election which is a clear violation of constitution. It has now taken Pakistan into constitutional crisis because Judiciary has given clear order to hold election to ECP but the implementation on these order is looking impossible. 

Not only the media persons but also the PTI social media activists has been arrested by the authorities which include women also. Thousands of PTI workers have been put into jails due involvement in the 9 May protests. Recently the issue of misbehaves in jails with PTI women activists which were arrested highlighted by PTI. It is linked with the violation of women rights.

Due to all such activities PDM coalition government has been facing pressure from the side of international community. The issue of political crisis in Pakistan has been under debate in the British Parliament. Recently the Australian Government officials have also discussed the uncertainty in Pakistan regarding Political situation. The Australian Parliament has considered to put ban on the army and ISI officials in Australia which a serious proceeding in the international community because due to constant pressure by the Pakistani nationals residing in Australia on the government this step has been taken by the officials.

By considering all the humanitarian, constitutional judicial, economic crisis and international dynamics Pakistan has become a politically defaulted state. There is only one way to get out of this creepy situation is that all the authorities and officials must be take on board. In spite of putting the responsibities on another PDM Coalition government, PTI and Imran, establishment should sit on table and decide what will be the future of Pakistan. The grand democratic dialogue by the participation of all the stakeholders will prove a lifesaving step for a politically ill country.

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South South Cooperation in Promoting Sustainable Development

By
Syed Hassam Ali
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Introduction:

SSC (South-South Cooperation) has become a potent and revolutionary force in advancing sustainable development on a global scale. When nations from the Global South work together to address common development concerns, it signals a paradigm change in international cooperation. These countries are altering the development landscape by combining their skills, resources, and experiences.

South-South Cooperation

Collaboration between developing nations in the Global South for the purpose of sharing resources, information, and technical know-how is referred to as “South-South Cooperation.” SSC places a strong emphasis on horizontal relationships between states with similar difficulties and resources, as opposed to traditional development cooperation, which often entails aid from affluent nations to the developing world. It acknowledges that the Global South has valuable experiences and creative solutions that can be effectively shared both inside and outside of their own region.

Understanding Sustainable Development

In order to meet the demands of the present generation without compromising the potential of future generations to meet their own needs, sustainable development is a concept. It acknowledges the interdependence of environmental preservation, social advancement, and economic growth. Finding a balance between social inclusion, economic progress, and environmental care is necessary for sustainable development. It includes the inclusion of social justice, economic viability, and environmental sustainability in decision-making processes. Promoting renewable resources, reducing waste and pollution, guaranteeing social fairness, supporting inclusive and participatory decision-making, and understanding how global concerns are interconnected are some of the fundamental ideas. In order to address urgent problems like climate change, poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation and to build a more resilient and prosperous future for all, it is essential to understand sustainable development.

A Rising Force in International Development:

In recent decades, South-South Cooperation has grown remarkably. South-South commerce surged from $59 billion in 1990 to nearly $4 trillion in 2019, according to the United Nations. This increasing tendency draws attention to the growing economic linkages between developing nations. As a result, SSC is now a significant factor in both global economic growth and the decline of poverty.

Sharing Knowledge and Best Practices:

Knowledge exchange is one of the main tenets of South-South Cooperation. Developing nations are progressively exchanging their insights, best practices, and development-related lessons. For instance, several nations in Africa and Latin America have adopted Brazil’s Bolsa Familia program, which uses conditional cash transfers to combat poverty. This knowledge exchange helps countries avoid having to reinvent the wheel and hastens the process of reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Economic Collaboration and Trade:

Economic cooperation and commerce between developing nations are promoted via South-South Cooperation. African countries’ dedication to enhancing intra-continental commerce is demonstrated by the creation of regional integration projects like the African Continental Free commerce Area (AfCFTA). SSC enables nations to diversify their economy, increase productivity, and improve competitiveness by utilizing regional markets. This results in fewer people living in poverty, more jobs being created, and more chances for sustainable development.

Achieving SDGs through SSC:

The SDGs have been supported by SSC in a significant way. SSC supports the achievement of the main SDGs of gender equality, food security, health, and well-being by encouraging cooperation among developing nations. The South-South Galaxy platform, introduced by the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, acts as a virtual hub for the exchange of SSC solutions, the facilitation of alliances, and the mobilization of funding for sustainable development projects.

The cumulative monetary contributions to SSC initiatives have reached considerable amounts as of 2021. For instance, the China-South-South Climate Cooperation Fund has promised to contribute $3.1 billion to programs in developing nations aimed at reducing the effects of climate change and preparing for them. Similar to this, $150 million has been pledged by the India-UN Development Partnership Fund for the implementation of SDG-related initiatives in least developed nations.

Financing for Development:

A key element of South-South cooperation is financial cooperation. The establishment of new development finance organizations like the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the New Development Bank (NDB) demonstrates the expanding financial might of emerging nations. These organizations offer alternate funding sources for construction projects and other types of development activities. For instance, the Belt and Road Initiative’s flagship project, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has made a considerable contribution to Pakistan’s infrastructure growth.

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation:

Concerning climate change, South-South Cooperation is essential. Developing nations frequently share similar vulnerabilities and climate change-related experiences. Nations exchange technology, methods, and knowledge for preventing and adapting to climate change through SSC. For instance, India’s International Solar Alliance (ISA) brings together nations with abundant solar energy to encourage the use of solar energy worldwide. The alliance makes it easier to export solar technology and aids poorer nations in achieving their goals for renewable energy.

Conclusion:

South-South Cooperation has grown into a vibrant and inclusive strategy for advancing global development while tackling common problems. The expansion of economic cooperation, information sharing, and financial cooperation among developing nations has accelerated the SDGs’ fulfilment. Nations of the Global South are reshaping the global development agenda by combining their capabilities and resources. Recognizing and utilizing South-South Cooperation’s potential to promote sustainable and equitable development globally is crucial as we move forward.

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Book review: the future of geography

By
Saad Iqbal
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For the first time since the late 1960s, space exploration and satellite technologies are making headlines. This is due to developments such as Elon Musk’s SpaceX using reusable rockets to launch thousands of Starlink satellites into orbit and the emerging competition between the United States and China for resources on the Moon. Both of these developments are bringing space exploration and satellite technologies back into the public eye. In addition to these large nations, a number of countries who were previously absent from the space race are now actively participating in it. The United Arab Emirates and Estonia are two examples of countries that have sent rovers to explore the surface of the moon.

Tim Marshall, a journalist and author, presents an enlightening but insufficient introduction to the geopolitical ramifications of the renewed war for space in his most recent book. The publication of this book has been delayed for quite some time, but from my perspective as a researcher and practitioner of space policy, the wait has been more than worthwhile.

When it comes to matters of cosmic and world politics, Marshall is at his best.

The author makes a convincing argument that the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 and other existing international legal frameworks are unable to cope with the rising commercialization of space and the influx of new space players.

Marshall is also correct in his warnings about the perils of space conflict, which, according to him, would create so much space debris that it “will continue to pose a danger to crucial satellite networks and space stations, as well as to human life,” so leaving the domain uninhabitable for years to come. By examining the contentious governance argument about how, if at all, operations on the Moon should be regulated, the author provides much-needed insight into the complexity of lunar exploration.

His discussions of the links between geopolitics on Earth and space exploration are also useful. One example is the significance of location when choosing sites for space launch operations, while another is the competition between China and the United States for control of the Moon’s south pole, which contains large deposits of ice water that could be converted into oxygen and fuel.

Despite the fact that many nations, including those in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, now have a presence in space and a national space program, and despite the fact that many policy and business experts are encouraging firms to adopt corporate space policies, Marshall fails to explain why this is the case.

Launch prices have dropped significantly over the last two decades, from at least $10,000 per kilogram to less than $2,000 per kilogram. A significant contributor to this decrease is SpaceX’s employment of reusable rocket boosters, in addition to their hectic launch schedule. The rapid development of microprocessors is resulting in the production of smaller satellites and spacecraft that are more competent at a lower cost, which is pushing the rise of space access.

Marshall fails to take into account the strategic aspects of space power that are responsible for the contemporary political significance of astropolitics. The success of modern economies and militaries is heavily reliant on satellites for communications, navigation, and earth observation; yet, the reader is left wondering whether or not activities comparable to these can be carried out in other environments, such as airspace.

It is possible for satellites to orbit above governments without intruding on their sovereignty, contrary to aircraft like as the spy balloons that prompted a diplomatic controversy between the United governments and China earlier this year. Marshall might have made this argument. It’s possible that he looked at how even the most insignificant regimes might feel like they have a strategic presence thanks to satellites.

The uncorrected proof that I read originally belonged to Marshall, and it included errors on occasion. As an example, in 2008, as part of Operation Burnt Frost, the United States successfully brought down a rogue surveillance satellite at an altitude of 350 kilometers, as opposed to 241,000 kilometers.

In spite of these qualms, Marshall should be commended for reporting on an issue that has received little coverage. The expansion of economic and military goals in space is substantial, and it is practically guaranteed that it will play a large role in the most high-stakes periods of conflict between the United States and China.

In his conclusion to The Future of Geography, Marshall expresses some skepticism regarding our collective ability to cooperate in space and share in its benefits; however, he also offers some hope: “Given all recorded human history, it is unlikely that we will recognize our common humanity and work together in space to harvest its riches and then distribute them equally. “Anyone who is interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding these geopolitical possibilities and worries should read “The Future of Geography.”

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Pakistan Needs to Move Past the Intra-Elite War

By
Saad Iqbal
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0

The situation is over in Pakistan. Although the present confrontation between authoritarian populist Imran Khan and the military is unusual, even the worst-case scenario is likely to result in nothing more than a change in administration and a diminution in the military’s excessive political power.

To have any long-term influence, the social forces occupying the empty political space will have to execute fresh and radical policies. This is still quite unlikely.

Worse disasters have befallen the country of 220 million people. Prime ministers have been hanged or slain, and after years of civil conflict, a substantial chunk of the country broke off to become Bangladesh in 1971.

But one thing has been consistent throughout. From the 1960s to the present, the development vision advocated by Pakistani elites and the international development establishment has remained mostly unchanged. This stability, and the resulting lack of choices, is arguably more worrisome than the current inter-elite conflict.

Anyone who has studied the politics and history of the Global South will recognize this sight. The promised land is really a carbon replica of the beautiful meadows of the industrialized North. Being the “next Asian Tiger” is one of Pakistan’s Vision 2025 ambitions.

Substantively, this includes increasing productivity and consumption in both quantity and quality by a top-down, modernizing technique that tolerates no opposition. As a result, huge infrastructure is built for resource extraction, processing, and transportation. The industry changes to producing cash crops for sale rather than food for human use. Export production is a primary goal due to growth potential and currency benefits.

All of this is based on the ever-increasing use of energy enabled by the combustion of fossil fuels and, since the 1980s, increasingly unaccountable private capital. This pattern has had disastrous consequences for society and the environment.

Life expectancy has grown, and many people now enjoy comforts that were unthinkable a century ago (for example, electricity, motorized transportation, sugar, and so on), but the drawbacks have been considerably more severe. The floods that devastated Pakistan in 2010 and 2022 are among the most dramatic examples of this.

The Pakistani government and its representatives to COP27 have blamed the country’s disastrous floods on Pakistan’s comparatively little contribution to global warming. Some argue that Pakistan bears the expenses of Western greed while obtaining no advantages.

This is definitely true; resource consumption and environmental degradation have surged in the Northern Hemisphere during the previous three centuries. However, the physical, social, and political repercussions of the previous 75 years of prosperity have amplified the effects of climate change significantly.

Experts, for example, have long noted that Pakistan’s enormous hydrological engineering projects ignore local knowledge or the region’s centuries-old patterns and natural flows in its watersheds, deltas, hill torrents, and rivers. Recent flooding has heightened interest in two major hydrological projects: the Chashma Right Bank Canal in Southern Punjab, which began construction in 1978 and was funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Left Bank Outfall Drain in Sindh, which was built in the 1990s with World Bank funding.

In both cases, formal claims were filed by local communities requesting an investigation and settlement of suspected infractions of environmental and social standards. Due to these violations, the project area was threatened with floods in both cases. The inspection boards agreed with the assertions on many aspects, including the legitimacy of their fears about increasing flood levels, both times. Residents in Chashma protested in 2002 that the canal diverted rainfall away from the riverbanks where they had previously lived.

Seasonal floods, which had been used to keep crops fertilized, was increasingly endangering human lives and livelihoods. A wide area was wiped away and is still recovering from the massive rains that fell in 2010 and 2022, causing the slopes to collapse and the embankments to breach. Flooding would have occurred anyway, but scientists and villagers believe that the canal exacerbated last year’s floods in Southern Punjab and Sindh.

Imran Khan or Shahbaz Sharif may form the next government of Pakistan. It is critical to reject the idea that one has no viable choices.

In the Chashma inspection in 2004, the ADB inspection panel concurred with the claimants and proposed many improvements to address the concerns uncovered. However, the US did not put pressure on the Pakistani government to implement the suggestions, and future aid was not contingent on the nation implementing the essential changes.

Twenty years later, none of the recommendations have been adopted, and people continue to drown, lose all they own, and endure the weight of hubris and apathy. The irony of Pakistani officials now campaigning for the new United countries loss and damage fund to help underprivileged countries affected by climate change is impossible to overlook.

While the Pakistani government makes passionate arguments for the rule of law abroad, it plays Global North at home, rearranging territory and populations with little consideration for the potential for damage.

“Pakistani water managers [are] acutely afflicted with mega-projectivitis: a deadly disease caused by modernity and a blind commitment to colonial thinking and practices,” writes critical geographer Daanish Mustafa. Post-colonial enormous dams, barrages, canals, and sewers were created in Pakistan beginning in the late nineteenth century with the world’s biggest canal irrigation system. This “mega-projectivitis” is still present today.

Despite the state’s financial woes, crowdsourcing efforts are being used to build new dams. The new Islamabad airport exemplifies this obsession with massive public works projects. All of these enormous, publicly visible monuments provide possibilities for corrupt officials to profit while also assisting Pakistan in making the critical transition into the modern, urban world and fueling the economy.

Pakistan urgently needs a plan. It must cater for 220 million people without transferring the load to other living beings or inanimate things.

 The real issue in Pakistan is that no one is thinking about alternative solutions. No one in power, no liberal intellectuals, and even the anticapitalist left, with its profound analysis but limited capacity to prevent more killing and suffering, can prevent further bloodshed and misery. The only alternatives are capitalist industrialisation, megaprojects, and global consuming for profit and pleasure.

It’s possible that there are more efficient ways to operate large-scale communities, but we haven’t found them yet. Latin America is far ahead of the rest of the globe when it comes to thinking outside the box and attempting new ideas.

Despite legitimate concerns about scalability, replication, and the hazards of romanticizing indigenous cultures, what emerges from that experience is the need for a fundamental shift in how we think – with the planet, not against it. Rather of working against the people who live there, use their knowledge and insight.

With each passing year, the ecological and social harm caused by development as progress makes it increasingly difficult to live a good existence. Imran Khan or Shahbaz Sharif may form the next government of Pakistan. It is critical to reject the idea that one has no viable choices.

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Religion, Modernity and Politics

By
Rana M. Umer
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0

RELIGION has remained a living topic in almost all ages. Many have discussed religion in different ways; some have even made religion a topic of acrimonious debate. Karl Marx has declared religion to be the opium of the people. He mentioned this while writing a Critique on Hegel’s Philosophy of Right published in Paris in February 1844. As a result of his writing, some Europeans developed misconceptions about religion while others confined it to special occasions such as childbirth, marriage, death etc.

Marx’s work also inspired the foundation of many communist regimes in the 20th century where religious practices were discouraged officially until these regimes ended in the 1990s. In Western notions of modernity, religion has often been labeled as primitive, regressive, outdated, and incompatible with the forward-thinking nature of modern existence.

The prevailing sentiment has been to dismiss religion, doctrines, creeds, and any form of restrictive lifestyle. Throughout history, numerous instances can be found where individuals have actively denied or discarded religious beliefs, while others have exploited or twisted religious teachings for their own purposes.

 Religion is an inner state: Throughout history, religion has been a deeply personal and introspective experience. Regrettably, religion has also been entangled with violent conflicts, the marginalization of women, the sacrifice of children, the enslavement of individuals, the branding of others as infidels, and the cruel punishments of imprisonment, exile, or even death.

Occasionally, misguided and peculiar interpretations of religion have led to fatalism, intolerance, fanaticism, superstition, internal conflicts, social isolation, and even instances of suicide.

Recently, in April of this year, there were disturbing reports of multiple murders allegedly perpetrated by a custodian of a shrine and his associates in Sargodha. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of how religion can be wrongly manipulated within society, prompting important inquiries into the effectiveness of religious beliefs.

The allure of political power and financial gain has enticed numerous individuals to exploit religion as a means of personal enrichment, resulting in the abuse, misuse, and misinterpretation of religious teachings.

Many individuals have crafted religious ideologies to align with their own desires and interests. At times, religion has been wielded by tyrannical rulers for authoritarian ends, coercing people into unwarranted subjugation.

A historical example of this can be seen in 1492, when King Ferdinand ascended to power in Spain and positioned himself as the defender of the Christian faith, leading to the expulsion of Jews from Spain and the forced conversion of Muslims to Christianity.

In the context of Pakistani politics, whenever religion is brought up, it is often perceived merely as a means to manipulate the public’s religious sentiments for personal political advantages.

Although it is undeniable that religion has been and still is exploited for political purposes in Pakistan, such sweeping criticism tends to overlook the potential societal advantages that can arise from a thoughtful incorporation of religion into politics.

An illustrative instance of this phenomenon is the Riyasat-i-Madina model, which was promoted by the former Prime Minister, Imran Khan. Although there were indications of his utilization of religion prior to the 2018 elections, Khan’s religio-political narrative gained significant prominence after assuming the role of prime minister.

As observers who have witnessed similar patterns unfold in the past, we were swift to dismiss his ambitions as yet another instance of a supposedly ‘secular’ political leader exploiting religion for personal political advantages. As per the findings of the World Values Survey, a significant majority of 98 percent of Pakistan’s population identifies with the Muslim faith.

Nearly 90 percent of Pakistanis consider religion to be of utmost importance in their lives, while 37 percent express strong approval for a system governed by religious law, devoid of political parties or elections, and an additional 27 percent view it as moderately positive.

In a country where a substantial portion of the population supports religious influence in governance, the representation of religious perspectives in politics can be considered a democratic entitlement.

While the abuse of religion rightly deserves condemnation, its rightful and appropriate application deserves recognition and admiration. Is Imran Khan’s utilization of religion in politics comparable to that of Maulana Fazlur Rehman or other political leaders? Why does the employment of religion in politics often draw criticism from specific sections?

Should religious representation in politics solely rely on the platforms of religious leaders? The focal point should not be whether religion should be wielded as a political tool or not, but rather how religion can be effectively employed in politics to bring about societal benefits. Omitting faith from the realm of politics has the potential to inspire reactionary narratives.

What sets Khan apart is his proactive approach to realize his religious-political vision. He has demonstrated unwavering support for the Muslim world, leading to the UN designating March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. Khan has also established the Rahmatul-lil-Alameen Authority in collaboration with esteemed Muslim scholars, aiming to offer practical solutions for prevalent social issues in Pakistan.

Additionally, he has founded the modern Islamic Al Qadir University, which aligns with the global trend of post-secular expansion of religious educational institutions. Furthermore, Khan has brought madrassas into the mainstream and placed a renewed emphasis on Islamic education through the implementation of the Single National Curriculum.

Khan’s comprehensive Ehsaas program, which has received international acclaim, embodies the realization of his vision for an Islamic welfare state. These initiatives deserve recognition as they illustrate a political leader who harnessed religion not primarily for personal political advantages, but for the greater social welfare of the populace. Casual criticism of religion in politics carries significant social consequences. When a strong social sentiment is denied an outlet for expression, it tends to manifest through more extremist channels.

Just as excluded Baloch individuals may seek solace within militant Baloch organizations, ordinary Muslims who feel unrepresented often find refuge in extremist groups driven by religious inspiration, as observed today with the rise of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan. The rapid ascension of TLP should not be viewed as surprising, considering the repeated exploitation of Islam by political and non-political entities, only to be disregarded once their objectives have been achieved.

The utilization of religion in politics is not inherently wrong but is contingent upon the objectives it serves. When religious-political rhetoric is substantiated by actions that bring about positive social transformation, it fosters a restoration of trust among the religious population, instilling a sense of representation and deterring them from embracing fringe narratives.

Disregarding religion in mainstream politics would only further legitimize reactionary narratives propagated by certain groups with religious inspiration. Granting faith its rightful place in Pakistan’s political discourse is crucial for fostering a progressive, democratic, and unified society.

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Measuring the Extent of Normalization with Assad Regime

By
Saad Iqbal
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0

The remarkable mending of ties between Bashar Assad’s administration and Syria’s neighbors is seen in very different ways by Syrians on each side of the mainly frozen battle lines.

Residents in government-held regions of Syria are hopeful that an uptick in foreign trade and investment would help alleviate the country’s dire economic condition, which has led to price hikes and a shortage of fuel and electricity.

Those in northern Syria who had hoped to receive aid from Saudi Arabia and the other Arab nations in their fight against Assad’s regime now feel even more alone and abandoned.

The defense ministers of Turkey, Russia, Iran, and Syria met on Tuesday in Moscow to continue their ongoing conversations. When it comes to funding the armed opposition battling Assad, Turkey plays a crucial role.

Furthermore, regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia has backtracked on its support for organizations fighting Assad’s government in Syria. Diplomatic ties between the two nations had been severed more than a decade ago, but this week Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan traveled to Damascus to repair the damage.

The monarchy is hosting the Arab League next month and has been advocating for Syria’s reinstatement. There are still several laggards, but Qatar stands out the most. The Arab League was established so that Arab states might cooperate and help one another.

For the time being, at least, several Arab leaders have voiced hope that Syria would agree to a UN mechanism coordinated with the Arab League that would enable refugees to return home securely. Refugees from Syria and residents in Jordan and Lebanon are becoming more antagonistic against one another.

Another key concern is the flow of ‘amphetamine’. Synthetic amphetamine “Captagon” is escaping Syria and entering neighboring Arab countries including Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Captagon trafficking, estimated at $1 billion per year, has its origins in Syria. In order to address the “transnational security threat” presented by the drug trade, the US Congress passed the Captagon Act last year, which required Vice President Joe Biden’s administration to develop such a strategy. Despite going on for nearly two years, the dispute between the United Arab Emirates and Jordan over Syria has not been resolved. Saudi Arabia, a major player in the area, has a better chance of winning.

Normalization efforts with Assad are met with ambivalence at the White House, but they aren’t being forcefully blocked. There have been no recent diplomatic endeavors involving Syria in which the United States took part. Re-admitting Assad would have serious political and moral consequences for the West, which is unable to bear them at this moment. Sanctions and lawsuits filed against Assad by dual nationals in the US, France, and Germany have also been an impediment to his efforts.

A German court has convicted a middle-ranking Syrian security official guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity and sentenced him to life in prison. The dreaded chief of security and trusted advisor Ali Mamlouk may be among those who face retribution for their participation in the creation of Assad’s heinous prison and torture apparatus.

The Caesar Act, passed by Congress in 2019, is a sweeping sanctions bill that includes the Syrian government among its many intended victims. This should prompt extreme caution on the part of anybody contemplating doing official business in Syria.

Assad was not invited to the next Arab League conference in Riyadh. Despite the fact that Amman signed the Rome Statute creating the International Criminal Court, Bashir nonetheless attended Arab League meetings in 2017, including the one in Jordan. Bashir met with Assad in person in Damascus in 2018. His pride had been destroyed, however.

Since Bashir’s overthrow, the United States removed Sudan off its list of state sponsors of terrorism, marking the beginning of Sudan’s gradual but steady reintegration into international society. The transition to civilian rule in the nation burst early this year, while erstwhile lieutenants turned peace negotiators who helped remove Bashir went to fight with one another this month.

Neither a new movement nor any generals showing indications of challenging Assad for the presidency have emerged in Syria. On their route to Damascus, the visiting dignitaries may learn something from the circumstances in Khartoum that sparked the war. Without authority, deterrent, or accountability, negotiating with a tyrant in a presidential palace or in fatigues is a recipe for disaster.

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REVOLUTION OR MANIPULATION?

By
Haroon Khan Uthwaal
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0

Pakistan is currently embroiled in an extraordinary humanitarian crisis. Social polarization is at an all-time high, the economy is tanking, rehabilitation of flood victims from last year is stalled, IMF is further creating hurdles to grant next bailout for Pakistan despite its record inflation and deteriorating fiscal situation, and the government seems busy in crushing its opposition. On the flipside of the coin, masses of the country-with barely 59% of the literacy rate-are busy in protests and vandalism to bring out so called revolution. A revolution which they do not even know the meaning of.

This article aims to discuss the enigma of populism and to unleash the real meaning of revolution. It is worth noting here that there are three major components of revolution. The very first component is to provide an ideology that is completely different from the status quo. The second component is a social group that is dissatisfied with the status quo. That is interested in developing a new system by dismantling the present system. The third step is to make a political proposal for a new system.

significant revolutions serve as justifications for this argument. The French Revolution, aimed at eradicating monarchical rule and ensuring equal rights for all citizens, and the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, which sought to empower the working class and establishing socialist system by overthrowing the capitalist bourgeoisie. It represented a stark departure from the existing status quo, with distinct ideological differences. Likewise, in the French Revolution, the social base comprised intellectuals, workers, and new merchants who opposed the prevailing order and played significant roles in the revolution. Similarly, in the Bolshevik Revolution, the working class emerged as the revolutionary subjects, supported by the middle class and intellectuals of the time. Lastly, during the French Revolution, the concept of democracy began to take shape as an alternative to monarchy, representing a transformation in the political system.

Now, let’s draw a comparison between these three components and the political stance of Imran Khan. Firstly, examining Imran Khan’s ideology, is there anything that he says which hasn’t been said before in Pakistan? Upon closer analysis of his narratives, it becomes clear that Imran Khan does not explicitly criticize the state or the existing status quo. Instead, he advocates for a centralized authority and persistently pushes the state to conform to his own narrative. His ideology revolves around strengthening the central power of the state through a Presidential system under his leadership. During his tenure, Imran Khan not only attempted to suppress political opposition but also targeted Baloch nationalists. Additionally, Islam has been a sensitive subject for Muslims in the subcontinent since the British rule, and Imran Khan tried to manipulate the Pakistani masses by using an Islamic approach, drawing comparisons to the idealized Islamic state of Riasat-e-Madina. He resorted to various means to exploit the narrative of Islam for his political ends. Recently, the case of Al-Qadir trust was also an Islamic touch.

In Pakistan, Imran Khan has propagated a belief among the people that the country’s woes are solely attributable to the military. However, what is interesting is that he has never advocated for holding the entire institution of the Army accountable. Instead, he consistently blames the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for all the problems.

Secondly, in Pakistan, speaking out against corruption has never been considered a truly revolutionary act. Throughout Pakistan’s history, the country has witnessed three prolonged periods of martial law, lasting nearly three decades. On each occasion, the military establishment has employed the narrative of corruption and the absence of accountability, primarily targeting politicians as a means of enforcing accountability, no bureaucrat, judge or any other senior public servant has been held accountable. So, the process of accountability is a means of governance in Pakistan. According to Imran Khan’s narrative, the state’s commitment to accountability is not as strong as his own, implying that he holds a stronger stance on the issue than the government does.  Secondly, within Imran Khan’s movement, the individuals who are considered revolutionary subjects do not represent the common masses of the state. It is notable that approximately 80% of seat tickets in Punjab have been given to elite individuals such as Pervez Elahi and Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who are already entrenched in the existing status quo. In essence, Imran Khan is accommodating individuals who have no vested interest in bringing about significant changes to the system.

Thirdly, in a revolutionary context, it is crucial to envision a different political system. In Pakistan, Imran Khan has propagated a belief among the people that the country’s woes are solely attributable to the military. However, what is interesting is that he has never advocated for holding the entire institution of the Army accountable. Instead, he consistently blames the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for all the problems. This suggests that his narrative blaming the Army is entirely false. It appears that he is manipulating the public to garner support for elections and ultimately seeks the COAS’s interference in politics. If the COAS were to support him politically, suddenly the same COAS would be viewed favorably. This indicates that the issue lies not with the COAS or the Army itself, but rather this propaganda is being disseminated solely to attain power. Furthermore, when Imran Khan was removed from power, he constructed a narrative against the United States to rally public support. However, it is noteworthy that he is now appealing to members of the Congress to raise their voices in support of him. This shift in his approach suggests a certain level of inconsistency in his stance and raises questions about the sincerity of his narrative against the United States.

It clearly demonstrates that the PTI’s policies are devoid of political discourse, driven by emotive tales rather than rationality, and focused on fantasizing about a non-existent utopian political global environment. This might be a horrible experiment perpetrated on our country. This is the time for the followers of the Pied Piper to approach the current situation with rationality. It is important to avoid plunging the country into an abysmal abyss of devastation by resorting to acts of vandalism targeting public property and esteemed institutions. These destructive actions should not be undertaken merely for the sake of a person who has been known to manipulate the nation through frequent and notable policy reversals, often referred to as U-turns, throughout his political career.

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A Profound Journey of Transformation: “The Forty Rules of Love” by Elif Shafak

By
Mushahid Latif
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0

Review

Sometimes in life, we find ourselves deeply unsettled, yearning for solace and answers that seem elusive. It was during one such period that I came across Elif Shafak’s extraordinary novel, “The Forty Rules of Love.” Little did I anticipate that this captivating book would not only enthrall me from the first page but also take me on a profound voyage of self-discovery and spiritual awakening.

“The Forty Rules of Love” is a mesmerizing tale interweaving two parallel narratives that beautifully converge. The first narrative follows Ella, a middle-aged woman trapped in a loveless marriage and grappling with the monotony of her existence. Seeking solace, Ella becomes a reader for a literary agency and embarks on a life-altering journey when she encounters the manuscript “Sweet Blasphemy” by Aziz Zahara.

Aziz Zahara’s narrative transports us to the 13th century, where we bear witness to the extraordinary love story between the celebrated poet Rumi and the wandering dervish Shams of Tabriz. As their connection deepens, Rumi’s perspectives on love, faith, and existence undergo a profound transformation, shaping his poetry and inspiring generations to come.

Through these two intertwined narratives, Elif Shafak delves into the power of love, spirituality, and the human pursuit of meaning. Shafak’s writing is poetic, evocative, and infused with intricate details that seamlessly transport the reader to various time periods and settings. Each character is meticulously crafted, their struggles and triumphs resonating on a deeply emotional level.

One of the most remarkable aspects of “The Forty Rules of Love” is its seamless fusion of history, spirituality, and philosophy into a cohesive and thought-provoking narrative. Shafak masterfully brings to life the mystical traditions of Sufism, delving into Rumi’s teachings and the transformative nature of love and devotion. The book explores themes of self-discovery, the quest for inner truth, and the significance of embracing one’s passions and desires, serving as a reminder of the importance of living a purposeful life.

Furthermore, the novel sheds light on the challenges faced by women throughout different eras, emphasizing their strength, resilience, and unwavering determination to break societal barriers. Ella’s journey acts as a mirror for contemporary readers, urging them to confront their fears, embrace change, and embark on a path of self-realization.

“The Forty Rules of Love” is a deeply moving and enlightening novel that prompts readers to question their beliefs, break free from societal constraints, and seek a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Elif Shafak’s storytelling prowess and profound wisdom make this book a true gem, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s heart and mind.

In conclusion, “The Forty Rules of Love” is a literary masterpiece that seamlessly blends history, spirituality, and the power of love. It is a book that demands to be savored, with each page offering new insights and fostering a profound connection to the human experience. Shafak’s poignant narrative will inspire readers to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and transformation, reminding us all of the transformative power of love and the boundless possibilities of the human spirit.

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