During the Cold War, the world was ideologically divided into two major blocs: the capitalist economies led by the United States and the socialist economies led by the Soviet Union. Following the end of the Cold War, the United States emerged as the sole global superpower, while the Soviet Union disintegrated. In this new unipolar world, China strategically leveraged technology transferred from the United States to transform its society, achieve rapid economic growth, and strengthen its military capabilities.
Currently, the global order is shifting from the bipolarity of the Cold War to a multipolar system dominated by regional powers. On one side, there are NATO member states; on another, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) countries; and in the Middle East, the Arab League is moving toward a NATO-style military alliance. Africa, Europe, and Central Asian nations are also forming regional coalitions, signalling a gradual division of the world along multiple regional lines rather than purely ideological blocs.
The United States has recently renamed its Department of Defence to the “Department of War,” signalling preparation for potential large-scale military conflict, particularly against China. However, ongoing conflicts, such as the war between Russia and Ukraine, have made a direct US-China confrontation risky and potentially costly. At the same time, China has actively showcased its military strength and advanced technology during SCO summits, signalling to the United States that it will no longer accept unilateral dominance in global affairs. China is actively preparing a new world order, with Russia aligning alongside it.
Meanwhile, US trade policies have strained relations with India, a strategically significant nation, causing New Delhi to increasingly engage with China and Russia. In the Middle East, Israel continues to assert its dominance through military and political pressure over countries such as Iran, Qatar, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Yemen. On the other hand, the ongoing conflict launched by Russia against Ukraine is, in essence, a psychological war directed not only at Ukraine but at the United States and Europe as well. It clearly demonstrates that, alongside potential conflicts in the Middle East, Europe, and a possible Chinese offensive against Taiwan, the world is moving away from the dominance of a single superpower’s world order. Instead, the global stage is increasingly being divided into regional superpowers and regional geopolitical, military, political, and economic alliances, transforming the world into a battlefield of modern wars.
Within this shifting landscape, Israel’s pursuit of military dominance in the Middle East may be interpreted as an attempt to curb the growing influence of Russia and China in the region. Simultaneously, Russia and China, by strengthening Iran against Israel, have sought to weaken America’s foothold in the Middle East. At present, Washington appears intent on using Pakistan’s military as a proxy force under the pretext of “defending the Arabs,” while also applying pressure on Israel to exercise restraint, so that the region does not tilt entirely toward the Russia, China bloc in reaction to Israel’s actions.
The underlying reality, however, is well understood: the Pakistani military, Islamic in name but American in practice, has historically operated according to U.S. political directives and financial incentives. Now, its revenues are expected to flow increasingly from the Arab monarchies, while its operations in the Middle East will essentially serve U.S. strategic interests. Publicly, its actions will be wrapped in the rhetoric of Islam, but in practice, they will function to safeguard America’s geopolitical agenda.
Taken together, these developments indicate that the world is not only witnessing the rise of regional blocs but is also moving toward a potential large-scale confrontation between the United States and China. China is rapidly expanding its economic influence and trade networks across Asia, the Middle East, South America, Africa, and the Pacific, while simultaneously enhancing its military technology and capabilities. This poses a direct challenge to US global supremacy. In response, the United States will likely strive to maintain its superpower status, potentially leading to new regional conflicts or even a direct clash between the two great powers.
Such a conflict could have catastrophic consequences for the world, potentially resulting in massive destruction, loss of human life, and a regression of human civilisation. Survivors might face conditions reminiscent of a “new Stone Age,” underscoring the urgent need for diplomacy, strategic restraint, and global cooperation to prevent a war of unprecedented scale.
In conclusion, the shifting global order, characterised by the rise of regional powers, the intensifying US-China rivalry, and the formation of multiple military alliances, signals a critical juncture in international relations. The coming decades will test the ability of global leaders to manage competition, avoid catastrophic war, and establish a more balanced and stable world order.
Shafi Burfat