From the 15th century, the world was under the colonial rule of Western powers across Africa, Asia and Latin America until the 20th century—plundering resources by all means, fragmenting values and cultures, altering religions and dismantling societies under the imperialist colonial system.
Instead of bipolarity, the power structure of the world has now shifted to multipolarity, reflecting a mixed and balanced distribution of power among regional powers—China in Asia, the EU in Europe.
Ruslan Abdulgani of Indonesia, a lifelong symbol of resistance against colonialism and imperialism and the 9th Foreign Minister of Indonesia, gathered 29 independent states to forge solidarity, unity and hope in the post-colonial world.
Post-colonialism analyzes the long-term effects of colonial rule on various aspects of life, including culture, politics and economics.
The agenda of the Bandung Conference aimed to steer away from bloc politics and instead work for cultural and economic cooperation, rejecting the high moon of Cold War-tier domination or division.
Five principles were set down: peaceful coexistence, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression and non-interference in internal affairs.
Under globalism, institutions like the United Nations, the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were created for economic cooperation, peace and global governance, along with organizations like NATO and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Regionalism is a broader concept that encompasses the political, economic and cultural integration of regions.
It can manifest in various forms—such as economic unions, political alliances, cultural collaborations and shared opportunities.
Article 40 of the Constitution of Pakistan declares that the state shall endeavor to preserve and strengthen fraternal relations among Muslim countries based on Islamic unity, support the common interest of the people of Asia, Africa and Latin America, promote international peace and security, foster goodwill and friendly relations among all nations and encourage the resolution of international disputes by peaceful means.
A perfect example of the term “globalism” describes a common identity based on distant characteristics such as language, culture, history and food habits.
The recent political kinesiology of the world has shifted to regionalism as a driving principle in international relations.
Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic gesture towards Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) initiatives aimed at resolving internal disputes demonstrate a new practical approach that prioritizes local solutions—even as broader unity remains out of reach.
The United States reigned supreme as a superpower in a unipolar world.
It forecast its dominance through economic leadership, military might, cultural influence and control over global financial institutions—namely the World Bank, IMF and NATO.
Africa is now on an ambitious journey toward regional integration with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to establish a single market across 54 nations—African solutions for African problems.
Changing World Order and Pakistani Position?
As a decisive state in South Asia, Pakistan stands at the mind-bender of the global strategic hamster cage.
Its role in the new order depends on how it channelizes shifting alliances.
China’s BRI and CPEC—its marvelous feat projects—aggrandize Pakistan’s geoeconomic utmost gravity.
Pakistan must choose the path to progress, not bloc politics, amid the rising US-China rivalry and pursue neutrality.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Sanghar, Sindh. (advaddero@gmail.com)
