Changing Global Political Dynamics and Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

This article is a written summary of a podcast episode featuring Dr. Ammar Ali Jan, where he shared deep insights into the shifting world order, the decline of U.S. hegemony, and the emergence of multipolarity. To watch the full episode, click the link below.

The world is entering a transformative era. The unipolar world order that emerged after the Cold War—with the United States at its helm—is steadily giving way to a multipolar global landscape. This shift is fueled by changing power dynamics, the recalibration of national security strategies by rising states like China, the unpredictable foreign policy of former U.S. President Donald Trump, and the growing assertiveness of regional powers. While America still possesses considerable military and institutional dominance, its hegemonic influence is increasingly contested, exposing the inherent contradictions in its so-called “rule-based order.”

Building on this critique, Dr. Ammar Ali Jan highlighted how the so-called U.S.-led “rule-based international order” has long been framed as a system designed to uphold peace, democracy, and global cooperation. However, historical evidence tells a different story. Rather than ensuring justice or fairness, this system has often operated in service of American strategic interests, marked by selective enforcement and blatant double standards.

For instance, the record of U.S. interventions—from Iran in 1953 and Chile in 1973 to Iraq in 2003 and Libya in 2011—reveals a pattern of undermining sovereignty and violating international law. These actions have had devastating consequences: destabilized states, the rise of extremism, humanitarian catastrophes, and long-term damage to state institutions. After 9/11, such interventions intensified under the guise of the “War on Terror,” legitimizing preemptive warfare and prolonged occupations, particularly in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Furthermore, another key pillar of American dominance has been control over global energy flows, especially in the oil-rich Gulf. Strategic alliances with monarchies like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE are rooted not in shared democratic ideals but in ensuring access to vital energy resources and securing geopolitical leverage.

To that end, the United States has deployed military force when necessary—seen in the 1991 Gulf War and the 2003 Iraq invasion—to maintain influence over the region’s oil corridors. These actions were less about humanitarian intervention and more about maintaining an imperial grip, turning Gulf monarchies into compliant clients of Washington’s regional agenda.

Meanwhile, as American credibility declines, the global balance of power continues to shift. Despite its superior military and institutional strength via the IMF, World Bank, and NATO, America’s authority faces growing resistance. The 2008 financial crisis, in particular, shattered faith in the Western economic model and weakened its moral leadership.

In contrast, China offers an alternative vision—one focused on economic interdependence and soft power. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Beijing seeks to build connectivity and foster mutual development without deploying troops or pursuing regime change. Although it faces criticism for its authoritarian governance and alleged debt-trap diplomacy, China’s rise has, in many ways, avoided the destructive fallout associated with U.S. militarism.

As a result, the United States has adapted its global strategy. Facing the limits of unilateral control, it increasingly relies on what Dr. Jan calls a model of “regional hegemons”—outsourcing its interests to trusted allies. Israel, armed with billions in military aid and diplomatic protection, acts as a regional enforcer in the Middle East, particularly against resistance movements and rival states.

Similarly, in Africa and South Asia, powers like Kenya and India are encouraged to play counterbalancing roles against Chinese influence. This approach reflects a fragmented global order, where the U.S. no longer serves as the singular global policeman but functions as the manager of a network of regional actors upholding its waning influence.

This global retrenchment was further accelerated during Donald Trump’s presidency. His “America First” doctrine abandoned multilateral cooperation, tore up key international agreements, and introduced a transactional, self-serving approach to global affairs.

Dr. Jan insightfully compares Trump’s worldview to John Milton’s portrayal of Satan in Paradise Lost—a fallen leader who chooses to “reign in hell” rather than “serve in heaven.” This metaphor captures the chaos of Trump’s foreign policy, including the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran Nuclear Deal, actions that undermined decades of diplomatic progress.

Bringing the discussion to Pakistan, Dr. Ammar Ali Jan strongly emphasized that foreign policy is not isolated from internal affairs—it is, in fact, a reflection of domestic realities. If Pakistan hopes to adopt a wise and effective foreign policy in a multipolar world, it must first address its internal political and economic challenges. Without internal order, external ambitions become unsustainable. Therefore, Pakistan must prioritize democratic reforms, political stability, and economic resilience. Rather than aligning itself with any particular bloc, the country should pursue a balanced, non-aligned foreign policy that allows it to engage with multiple powers on its own terms. According to Dr. Jan, if Pakistan strengthens its internal institutions and ensures justice at home, it can confidently play a meaningful role in shaping the new global order.

Yet, as this new multipolar world continues to take shape, it brings both opportunities and risks. While the decline of American dominance may allow for a more equitable global structure, it does not automatically guarantee peace. The absence of a single superpower could just as easily lead to regional rivalries and unchecked conflicts.

Thus, it becomes imperative for emerging powers to lead with diplomacy, cooperation, and reform. The global institutions that once served a Western-centric order must now be restructured to reflect new realities and ensure inclusivity in decision-making processes.

Ultimately, Dr. Jan concludes that the waning of American hegemony signals more than just a power transition—it represents the collapse of a deeply flawed system. A world shaped by oil wars, regime changes, and support for authoritarian allies cannot claim moral legitimacy. The international community stands at a pivotal moment. Multipolarity is not an endpoint, but an opportunity—a corrective moment in history. Whether it leads to greater justice, peace, and cooperation depends on how both old and rising powers navigate this uncertain path.