Kanwar Khalid Ali Khan
As we stand on the threshold of a new world order, the certainties of the past are fading, replaced by bold realignments and a power struggle between established major powers and emerging players. For much of the 20th century, the United States enjoyed unchallenged supremacy, steering global politics, economics, and security. But today, that dominance faces new threats as a host of emerging powers, led by BRICS nations and strategic alliances, step into the ring, ready to shape the future.
The decline of American dominance
For decades, American influence was almost a given. From the Marshall Plan’s support of post-war Europe to the imposition of the dollar as the global reserve currency, the U.S. constructed a world in which its values, economy, and military power held uncontested sway. But now, cracks in that system are undeniable. Internally, the U.S. grapples with intense political polarization, economic pressures, and the weight of costly military interventions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond.
Externally, its influence is waning as it contends with mounting debt and a public weariness toward international engagement. Allies are beginning to hedge their bets, and adversaries are gaining ground. As the balance tips, we see the beginnings of a multipolar worlda world where the U.S. is no longer the lone conductor of the global orchestra.
Around the world, this decline is more than a mere backdrop; it is a seismic shift that challenges the established order, a change as momentous as the fall of past empires. For nations like Pakistan, this emerging order presents both risks and opportunities. Where once we were compelled to align with the U.S., we now glimpse the possibility of a more balanced path, choosing our alliances based not on dependency but on mutual benefit and shared strategic interests.
The emergence of BRICS as a global power bloc
One of the most telling signs of a multipolar world is the rise of BRICS. Comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has transformed from a loose economic grouping into a formidable alliance, united in its challenge to the U.S.-centric world order. BRICS nations, representing a significant portion of the world’s population and GDP, have begun challenging not just the dollar’s dominance but also the systems, norms, and policies imposed by Western powers.
The BRICS coalition seeks to break free from the petrodollar, a system established in the 1970s that requires oil sales to be conducted in U.S. dollars. This petrodollar arrangement has long been a cornerstone of American power, reinforcing demand for the dollar and maintaining its status as the global reserve currency.
But BRICS, led by economic giants like China and resource-rich Russia, is challenging that status quo. China and Russia, in particular, have taken bold steps, promoting their currencies for international trade and establishing frameworks that bypass the dollar entirely. These moves are not just about currency; they represent a shift in allegiance, a realignment that cuts across economic, strategic, and cultural lines.
For countries like Pakistan, BRICS offers a tantalizing glimpse of an alternativean escape from the dollar’s grip, a chance for economic sovereignty, and the promise of partnerships that aren’t bound by historical ties or dependencies. In this new landscape, Pakistan stands poised to redefine its economic ties, embracing new opportunities in a world where the U.S. no longer holds all the cards.
The shadow of a new cold war
Within this emerging multipolar landscape, a new Cold War is brewing, but this one is not confined to nuclear arsenals or ideological battles. Instead, it spans a vast spectrum of economic rivalry, technological competition, and regional alliances. At the center of this tension is Chinaa nation that has grown from a modest economy into a global powerhouse, challenging the U.S. on fronts that include trade, technology, and even space exploration.
The U.S., determined to retain its dominant position, has responded aggressively, instituting tariffs, imposing sanctions on Chinese tech companies, and flexing its military muscle in the South China Sea. But China, unfazed, has deepened its alliances, particularly with Russia, to counterbalance American influence. Together, China and Russia are pushing for a new kind of order, one that limits Western dominance and empowers regional blocs. For Pakistan, this U.S.-China rivalry poses a unique challenge. Our geographical position places us directly in the crosshairs of these competing powers. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of China’s determined Belt and Road Initiative, offers Pakistan significant infrastructure investment, while our historical ties with the U.S. add a layer of complexity. In this multipolar world, Pakistan must balance these relationships carefully, steering clear of the pitfalls of dependency while securing its economic and strategic interests.
A path forward: Embracing a balanced Foreign Policy
As the tectonic plates of global power shift, Pakistan faces a rare opportunity to carve out an independent foreign policy that serves its interests rather than the agendas of foreign powers. While the BRICS alliance and the China-Pakistan partnership offer promising avenues, the road ahead requires nuance, wisdom, and the ability to engage with both East and West.
The allure of BRICS lies in its promise of a diversified economy, an economy that isn’t subject to the whims of Western sanctions or currency fluctuations. However, such a path is not without its own set of challenges. The relationships within BRICS are complex, and each member brings its own set of ambitions and limitations. Pakistan, therefore, must approach BRICS not as a replacement for the U.S. alliance but as a complementary avenuea way to expand its economic horizons while maintaining a balanced approach in its foreign policy.
Regional Dynamics: Navigating Alliances in the Islamic World
In addition to its relationships with the U.S. and China, Pakistan has a significant role to play within the broader Islamic world. As the only nuclear-armed Islamic state, Pakistan’s influence extends beyond its borders, making it a key player in the Middle East and South Asia. Our relationships with Gulf nations, Turkey, and other Islamic countries offer strategic advantages that can be leveraged in a multipolar world.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE, once deeply aligned with U.S. interests, have begun exploring partnerships with China and Russia, signaling a shift in their foreign policies. This new alignment presents Pakistan with opportunities to foster deeper ties with these countries, particularly in areas like energy, trade, and defense. By strengthening these alliances, Pakistan can bolster its position as a bridge between East and West, fostering stability and mutual benefit across the region.
A vision for the future: Asserting Pakistan’s place in the Multipolar World
In this rapidly changing global order, Pakistan has a choice: to remain a pawn in the games of major powers or to step forward as an independent player. The multipolar world offers unprecedented opportunities for nations that are willing to redefine their alliances and assert their sovereignty. For Pakistan, this means embracing an agile foreign policy, one that balances relationships with both traditional allies and emerging partners.
Our journey forward must be guided by a clear vision, a vision that prioritizes economic growth, regional stability, and national sovereignty. By leveraging partnerships with BRICS, deepening ties within the Islamic world, and maintaining a cautious relationship with the U.S., Pakistan can secure a future that is both prosperous and secure. This is not merely a diplomatic balancing actit is a call for Pakistan to become a proactive architect of its destiny.
In this multipolar world, where old alliances are fading and new ones are forming, Pakistan has the potential to emerge as a regional leader, a country that commands respect not through dependency but through the strength of its vision and the resilience of its people. As we navigate the complexities of this new global landscape, let us remember that Pakistan’s true power lies not in alliances alone but in its capacity to stand firm, engage wisely, and pursue a path that aligns with our deepest values and aspirations. The future beckons, and with it comes the chance to reshape not only our alliances but our destiny.
The author is a freelance writer and a retired government officer.
