In the contemporary international order, the increasing reliance of powerful states on sanctions and tariffs as instruments of pressure against other nations reflects a deeper failure of global political relations and diplomacy. Traditionally, diplomacy has served as the cornerstone of international engagement, fostering dialogue, negotiation, and compromise as a means of resolving disputes. However, the prevalence of economic coercion in the form of sanctions and protectionist tariffs indicates a shift away from principled, humanitarian, and cooperative politics.
Sanctions are often justified by powerful nations under the pretext of promoting peace, human rights, or stability. Yet in practice, they frequently inflict disproportionate suffering on civilian populations rather than achieving genuine political reform. Similarly, tariffs are imposed under the guise of protecting national interests, but they disrupt global trade flows, weaken trust among nations, and generate new economic rivalries. Both mechanisms replace dialogue with coercion, undermining the spirit of international cooperation.
This trend represents not only a weakening of humanitarian and principled politics but also a direct threat to the norms of multilateralism established after the Second World War. Institutions such as the United Nations, World Trade Organisation, and other international bodies were created to prevent unilateral coercive measures and to ensure that disputes would be resolved through legal and diplomatic frameworks. The growing dominance of sanctions and tariffs demonstrates the erosion of these institutions’ authority and highlights the inability of global governance structures to enforce fair and balanced rules.
Furthermore, the weaponisation of economic tools by powerful states exposes the structural inequalities in the international system. Smaller and developing nations are left vulnerable, with limited means to resist or negotiate against such coercive policies. This perpetuates a cycle of dependency, resentment, and instability, ultimately weakening global peace and security.
If the international community continues to prioritise sanctions and tariffs over meaningful dialogue, the world risks sliding further into fragmentation, mistrust, and geopolitical confrontation. A revival of principled, humanitarian, and cooperative diplomacy is urgently needed. The future of global politics depends on re-establishing trust among nations, strengthening multilateral institutions, and reaffirming the values of justice, equality, and mutual respect as guiding principles of international relations.
The Question of National Liberation for Historic Nations
Another crucial agenda that deserves the urgent attention of the international community is the question of national liberation for historic nations. Across the world, many nations remain trapped within multinational states where they continue to face systemic oppression, exploitation, and denial of their fundamental rights. These nations are subjected to political domination, economic marginalisation, and cultural erasure, often under the guise of “national unity” or “territorial integrity” in multinational states.
Recognising and supporting the struggles of nations for their independence must be regarded as a legitimate exercise of the right to self-determination. should not be seen as a threat to global order but as a pathway to peace, justice, and stability. Genuine diplomacy and principled international politics demand that the aspirations of oppressed nations be acknowledged rather than suppressed. By granting these nations the right to shape their own political futures, the international community can transform long-standing conflicts into opportunities for cooperation and progress.
The liberation of nations suffering under the structures of coercion and exploitation must be embraced as a success of global diplomacy, not its failure. Only by addressing these historic injustices can the world move toward a truly equitable international system built on respect for diversity, equality of nations, and the inalienable rights of all peoples.
Therefore, we affirm to the world that the liberation of Sindhudesh from the unnatural state of Pakistan’s subjugation is essential for global peace and regional stability.
Shafi Burfat