A. Mohaimin Shah
Today marks the twenty-year anniversary of the infamous 9/11 incident and what followed is history. As the entire world was shocked by the horrifying attacks on the twin towers, an attack was perpetuated by a terrorist organisation — The Al-Qaeda and its leader Osama bin Laden. The attack occurred on not just any state but the world’s sole Hegemon at the time — The United States of America (USA). USA reacted swiftly and aggressively, it changed the entire course of US foreign policy with a new grand strategy intact; declaring Global War on Terrorism (GWoT), US made no stones unturned to invade Afghanistan and crumble the Taliban regime. As US dwelt deeper in Afghanistan and Middle East, its focus diverted from previous rival (Russia), it forged new alliances, and made absolute necessary plans to take down terrorist organisations and their ideology. As US ventured deeper in Afghanistan and The Middle East, some states took advantage of the situation; made tremendous growth and influence in World politics and economy. Their influence has made serious doubts in the existence of the American led Liberal World Order and the world is currently facing transition from being a unipolar one to a multipolar world.
“Russia’s Resurgence”
One of the countries that has made a comeback is Russia(the successful heir to previous U.S.S.R.). As America engaged in GWoT, Russia waited for the perfect time to strike back, and it did in 2014, when it annexed Crimea. Russian President Vladimir Putin has to take the credit for bringing Russia back to the international chess-board. The Putinization of Russia has brought the country back into the game and is already making influence in the international system and has been contradicting America’s influence especially in the Caspian region where both states are diplomatically engaged with Central Asian states to attain their dominance in the region. Russia is also a member Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and is sharing seats with China and other Asian states in the organisation. Russia’s comeback has surely made America anxious and has surely made rusts over its global hegemony.
“Rising China”
Over the years, China has made tremendous growth in economic measures. It has lifted millions out of poverty, has a 96.8% adult literacy rate, and a GDP that has been improving every year. China has surely become an economic power in the 21st century, especially after its change in reforms back in 1970s. Currently, China is going through a significant change under the leadership of President Xi Jinping (the change is termed by experts as China’s “Third Rise”) and its remarkable revitalising of trade route- Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), that will link China with Europe and Africa.
The growth and influence of China has been felt in the international system and USA’s reaction to China’s rise proves that it feels threatened by China’s existence. Former US President Donald Trump took necessary measures to contain China’s influence (Indo-Pacific strategy, stepping in on South China Sea dispute, blaming China for human rights violence against Uighur Muslims, implementing sanctions and ultimately starting a trade-war and not to mention that he dubbed the corona virus as a “Chinese virus”). China’s ongoing growth, especially after successfully curbing the covid-19 pandemic and achieving tremendous economic growth proves that China is moving like a bullet-train(one that is not going to stop anytime soon).
“Influence of the Right”
The 21st century has seen the comeback of right-wing parties in domestic and international affairs of the state. The views of the right- wing parties are generally different than the left. The populist leaders of the right are taking control of the contemporary circumstances and by creating propaganda are winning the hearts of the public. The rise of the right has posed a question on the significance of the left-wing politics. Brexit is a notable example of the influence of the right-wing parties in international politics. The other significant example is the premiership of Narendra Modi and his hindutva ideology which are a threat to the minorities living in India and making the lives of the minorities a living hell.
India has also made impact in world politics. Its recent/ongoing partnership with USA (specially to contain China) has created rifts and balance of power perspective in the South Asian region. However, despite making growth in economy and becoming “the world’s largest democracy” it has been unable to take measures against population control, tackle poverty and has been unable to curb the on-going pandemic. India’s relations with Pakistan have also been turmoiled over the past few years (mostly because of its hindutva manifesto) and the role it will play in the future of international politics remains to be seen.
“Increasing Islamophobia”
When looking at the casualties suffered all over the world after the post-9/11 scenario, it affected the lives of Muslims the most. The events of 9/11 tarnished the image of Muslims all across the globe, especially in the west where they were Over the years, molested, harassed, ignored and targeted by the west and their mainstream media. It surely created a wave of Islamophobia all across the world. Muslims were labelled as terrorists and labelled as radicals who want to wage war against the west. This however has mostly been false, most of the Muslims living in the west have nothing to do with terrorism, they want to live their lives peacefully and without any discrimination. They want to freely express their religion like all other religions in the world but the media and right-wing leaders are portraying Muslims in an antagonistic role and evil-doers of the society, which is completely biased and unethical. Islamophobia is real and is increasing daily, it is up to the Muslims to take the matter into their own hands just like the “Black Lives Matter (BLM)” which highlighted racism and discrimination against the blacks, it is time for Muslims to highlight their cause so that they are heard and perhaps it is time for Muslims to start a movement similar to the “BLM”, a “Muslims lives Matter” movement will be of worthy cause.
“Is US still relevant in world politics?”
The aftermath of the Cold-War saw the world heading towards a unipolar moment. One led by the United States of America. At the time no country matched its strength, especially in military and economic measures. US enforced its own version of world order i.e., the liberal world order and promoted democracy all over the world. USA finally became the world’ sole superpower in the 1990’s. However, over the years the circumstances have changed, USA does not enjoy the same level of dominance it once did in the past. Rise of other states have made changes in the polarity of the international system. China’s rise has posed a significant threat to the US and the future scenario predicts that the US will forego necessary measures to contain the growth and influence of China. Even America’s allies have changed their stances. They are no longer dependent on America as they were years ago. The integration of European states into a powerful organization i.e., The European Union (EU); the organization has proved to be bulwark success for Europe. Although they are still America’s allies, the circumstances might change in the future. As far as America’s foreign policy is concerned, it has made tremendous changes over the years. From Trump’s isolationist policies to Biden’s reversal approaches, USA’s dominance around the globe has surely decreased. However, its influence is not, it is still the most powerful country in the world and no other country can match its military might. The troop withdrawal from Afghanistan indicates that it has left the South Asian region, but one can predict that it is a part of its long-term strategy and will surely make a comeback to contain what it considers is a threat to its hegemony i.e., China.
