Pakistan’s Weltanschauung (World View) By Nadir Mir [Book Review]

The book, ‘Geopolitik Pakistan’ is a major contribution on the Pakistani intellectual scene. This seminal endeavour on Geopolitiks from Pakistani perceptive is even more astounding. The book aims to introduce a critical subject with new thinking for the benefit of Pakistani nation and the world at large.  Pakistan’s Weltanschauung or world view is indeed a pioneering Geopolitikal work of the author Brigadier Nadir Mir (R). His first book was ‘Gwadar on the Global Chessboard’ which was on Geo economics and greatly contributed to rekindle the Gwadar Project.

Pakistan’s Weltanschauung or world view is the abiding theme rather than foreign imported concepts and ideas. Geopolitik, in this book is a combination of National Security Policy and Foreign Policy. It commences with an appraisal of Global Geopolitikal environment which is heading towards a Non Polar World rather than an imminent Multi Polar World. In essence, even as the western world’s dominance recedes no new hegemon would be globally dominant. The critical importance of Geopolitiks for Pakistan and the subject’s evolution are discussed thread bare initially.

The Geopolitiks relating to Afghanistan, Pakistan – India’s Geopolitikal rivalry and likely India – China Cold War are dealt at length and convincingly. Future Geopolitik 2013 – 2020 is an apt description of critical players in the global world. This is a fascinating Geopolitikal world tour.

Aspects of Geo-Oceanic Politik and Geo-Demographic Politik, relationship of Politiks and Geopolitiks, Great Games and BRICS future are extremely well presented. 

The book contains 13 chapters, 283 pages and it is summed up in its Crux Chapter, to craft Geo-strategy and Geo-economics for Pakistan. The maps, sketches and illustrations make the book graphically comprehensive and illuminate the bigger world picture.  Despite the Pakistani origin of this work, over all the global vision is perfectly apparent. ‘Geopolitks of Peace’ is the solution to the world’s problem. US – China amity is in global interest and Pakistan in fact proved a Geopolitikal bridge for initial US – China contacts. Russia has a great role to play for global peace and balance. Even as new powers Turkey, Brazil, South Africa are rising and contributing to the world’s prosperity. 

The same way, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia and others have historical, cultural and multi links with Pakistan. This work portrays Pakistan’s potential both as a bridge state and an interposing state. ‘Geopolitik Pakistan’ is an effort to highlight Pakistan as a unified, powerful and prosperous rising power, its current troubles notwithstanding. Pakistan needs change and the change should be democratic, reform revolution based. 

The book is very well researched. A rare combination of history, geography, economics, strategy, ideology, emotions and a lot more to make it real Geopolitiks. It covers the historic past, deals with present day issues and projects the future pragmatically. This propagates Pakistan’s new National Security Narrative and Foreign Policy which projects Pakistan’s National Cause. While suggesting peace with India, Indian hegemony is to be resisted and Kashmir remains central to Pakistan’s Cause. 

All told, the book, ‘Geopolitik Pakistan’ is a surprise gift from this beleaguered nation. Any reader would be influenced by the historic truths, geographical realities, pragmatic deductions and logical yet suggestive narration. Certainly, a book of sound ideas and great authority for every chapter being virtually conclusive. 

The author, as a pioneering Geopolitician has contributed immensely to the National Cause of Pakistan and for global peace. He is initiating Pakistan National Reform.

The author Brigadier Nadir Mir has written articles on Geopolitics, they have been published in Pravda ru (Moscow), China Daily (Beijing), EU Times, The Nation Pakistan and many think tanks.

Originally Posted by Editor on Nov 11, 2013 in Book Reviews

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Strengthen Pak-US friendship

Nadir Mir

Pakistan and America were and, perhaps, still are friends. Nevertheless, mostly this relationship has been a roller coaster ride, especially after the Afghan war that is the major cause of instability in Pakistan. Consequently, the economy is collapsing, militancy is increasing impacting Pak-US relations. Despite geopolitical bondage Islamabad and Washington blamed each other for it. Now with America’s planned exit from Afghanistan, there is a need to strengthen Pak-US friendship.

The US should be seen by Islamabad as a friend after its forces leave the neighbourhood, and Washington needs to get rid of its obsessive thoughts about Pakistan’s nuclear weapons. It needs to realise that a strong, stable and economically vibrant nuclear Pakistan is required to bring about a nuclear balance in South Asia; it poses no threat to anyone.

Against this backdrop, Secretary of State John Kerry’s pragmatic and amiable views about Pakistan are a good omen. Hopefully, friendly relations with the US will develop in the future.

Pak-US Geopolitics: America is a global power, but also a non-Eurasian power. Washington has a long list of geopolitical concerns. Afghanistan should be on the wane, while Middle East and Africa are rising issues. The Afghan war has lasted too long. President Barack Obama, thus, has taken a bold and wise decision to drawdown the forces Afghanistan. Pakistan can facilitate America in its exit strategy and help stabilise the war-torn country after the occupation forces leave.

Having said that, Mali and Algeria and Africa at large would now be the US-Nato forces’ major concern. The turbulence in North Africa, West Africa and larger Middle East is linked. After all, the geographically and economically north and west Africa is closer to Europe than Afghanistan, and a greater concern of the western world.

Moreover, the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM or AFRICOM) was established to ensure American interests. Now, Washington needs to outsource its security concerns to Islamabad to achieve a negotiated peace in Afghanistan. For this purpose, the Pak-US relationship should be improved.

Pakistan seeks peace at home and peace abroad. Washington must respect the aspirations of Pakistani people and coordinate with the army and ISI for a peaceful Pakistan and Afghanistan. The ISI has greatly contributed to regional balance. All this is to America’s advantage so that it exits Afghanistan without worrying about leaving behind an explosive region. The reality is that Pakistan’s army would be the only professional, powerful military force between River Oxus and River Sutlej after the US has left Afghanistan.

All things considered, Pak-US geopolitical interests should coincide in future, only if Washington respects our national interests.

Pak-US Geo-economics: America’s geo-strategy should give way to geo-economics in Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Central Asian Region.

The Central Asian energy and mineral resources can be easily piped through existing conduits through Afghanistan to the deep Gwadar seaport on the Arabian Sea. Pakistan is already coordinating with China and, perhaps, even Russia for geo-economic confluence. Yet, this is not a zero-sum game.

The USA can also be an economic partner, or part of a greater consortium. Energy and transit highways from Central Asia, the old silk route (China-Pakistan), and even the new silk route (Afghanistan, Pakistan and India) are all possible only through Pakistan. Therefore, it can serve as a bridge between the regions of Central Asia, West Asia, China and South Asia. This can be achieved in an environment of peace. Otherwise, Pakistan has the potential of acting as an interposing state.

Future Geopolitics: With Iraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s re-election, the chances of Israel-Iran conflict may rise. This may embroil the USA even if by default, while North Korea and USA’s relations can worsen. It seems that America is going to remain busy even after it departs from Afghanistan.

Pak-Afghan friendship and geo-economics ties are keys to regional peace. The training of the Afghan forces by Pakistan should go a long way in achieving the quest for stability. Islamabad can bring Kabul and Taliban on the negotiating table. On the whole, America, Pakistan, China and Russia can help achieve lasting peace in Afghanistan.

As Indian ambitions increase, there may be a divergence of interest with the US. Washington has leverage with Russia, China, the EU and other parts of the globe. On India, the main leverage is Pakistan. No matter how much New Delhi talks of ‘Shining India’, it would remain embroiled with Pakistan until it settles the Kashmir dispute.

Even as Israel, and even USA, come in conflict with Iran, a moderating and war-avoiding role can be played by Pakistan. Washington can benefit from Pakistan’s diplomacy that is not just limited to Afghanistan. By the same token, Washington should discourage centrifugual tendencies in Balochistan. Indeed, a united, peaceful, prosperous and nuclear-armed Pakistan is in the interest of regional balance and American efforts for a stable world.

The writer is a retired brigadier and has authored a book titled Gwadar on the Global Chessboard. Email: nadirmir13@gmail.com Blog: wwwpakistangeopolitics.blogspot.com

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Change we need!

by Nadir Mir

To begin with, Pakistan needs reforms. Historically all nations demand reforms. Ironically reforms have been planned and implemented by both evolutionary and revolutionary political systems in the world. The British evolutionary system (except for Oliver Cromwell) since Magna Carter till date has reformed itself continuously and constantly.

The French Revolution 1789, followed by the ‘Code Napoleon’ implemented reforms and the laws of France. Even earlier the American revolution of 1775 was actually a war of independence from the British Crown. What made this a real revolution were the numerous reforms which followed in the newly formed USA. Today, China and Turkey plus other successful economic models have reformed themselves. Both are brotherly states for Pakistan and sources of inspiration.

It is to be considered that Pakistan’s situation and environment is unique. Firstly, Pakistan’s geography is superb. It is pivotally located. The confluence of West Asia, Central Asia, China, South Asia and Indian Ocean is a unique factor. It has the potential of being a ‘bridge state’ or interposing state between these multi-regions. The geo-economic potential through Gwadar lies untapped as yet. Its mineral riches abound (Reko Diq riches alone are estimated at $1 trillion). Its variety of terrain and weather gives it numerous opportunities.

Secondly, Pakistan’s demography of 200 million (by 2015) has immense human potential. Its energetic youth is waiting to be tapped. The Muslim identity and culture synergize with numerous regions. Thirdly, Pakistan’s other assets include a long list of tangible or intangible factors.

Fourthly, Pakistan’s geopolitical situation is improving. Pakistan’s strategic and brotherly ally China is rising. USA is withdrawing from Afghanistan which should, however, rekindle friendly relations with America. Pakistan and Russia are befriending each other as well. Alongside peace talks, trade plans continue with India. Turkey, which is Pakistan’s fraternal ally, is also a rising power.

However, the internal dynamics of Pakistan present a different picture. The nation needs to be united; its political system reformed, economy built and elitism replaced by a welfare society. Militancy, law and order problems need to be resolved. The internal scene is often exploited by foreign hostile forces. In any event, Pakistan’s house needs to be put in order.

The question is what needs to be done and by whom? Pakistan needs to be reformed but who will do it? The conventional political parties with status quo mindsets claim it their democratic right. The change seeking political parties is the second group. Reform seekers form the third group. More revolutionary forces are likely to appear on the national scene in future.

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Conventional wisdom holds that a great majority of Pakistani people seek change. Real change can come only through reform. Moreover, before reforms are carried out the basic ingredient of unity has to be achieved or else reforms will not be worth the paper written on.

The political system of Pakistan has two major problems. It is divisive and elections are simply money based. A common perception is that an election costs Rs 10 crore as a conventional estimate. In that case 99.99 percent Pakistanis cannot even dream of fighting elections. It is election by the elite, of the elite, for the elite! Even if some from the middle class do make it, the overall system is elite based. Such a political system is a travesty of democracy. In a true republic, as per the constitution, Pakistan belongs to all the people of this country. Two hundred million Pakistanis by 2015 are shareholders and stakeholders.

Elections are not the question. Who gets elected is the question. Political reform in Pakistan must seek to unify not divide people. Difference of opinion does not mean war within Pakistan. The nation needs peace and unity at home. Secondly, unlimited money spent on politics must be controlled through legislation, media and public opinion building. A vibrant, expressive civil society can prove helpful. If a one dish limit can be placed on wedding meals, some financial limit should be imposed on election politics. Furthermore, foreign funding sources for politics in Pakistan need to be scrutinized. The Pakistani middle class must have opportunity to participate directly in politics. So a more balanced political order could emerge.

Pakistan’s woes emanate mainly from political problems. So it is essential that political reforms are carried out first. Only then will Pakistan be able to emerge as a great nation!

About the Author: The writer is a retired brigadier and has authored a book titled Gwadar on the Global Chessboard. He is a regular contributor to The Fire Within

'Change we need' also published in Nation Monday, January 07, 2013

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The Global Anti Elite Revolution

Posted by EU Times on Jun 2nd, 2012 // Nadir Mir

Revolution is in the air – Globally. At least the first wave of revolutionary fervour has struck the world. Commencing from unlikely Tunisia, spreading through dormant Egypt, toppling the Libyan strongman, the North African – Arabian Peninsula rejoiced in the Arab Spring. Yet the ‘Occupy Wall Street’ and western world change seekers are even more dramatic. Striking at the heart of capitalism, the affluent Western World is reeling under the unprecedented onslaught. The Global Anti Elite Revolution is spreading at a time when the western world’s socio economic system is in disrepute.

Once the Bastille was stormed on 14 July 1789 in Paris, the French king Louis XVI was informed that it was not a revolt, but a revolution. This is what the unfolding scenario appears like today. What differentiates the present and apparently future crisis is not chaotic civil strife – rioting but idea and concept based spontaneous radical game change. There are a number of issues involved here, but a central one is ‘Equality’. The monopolistic elites in most of the world control bulk of the wealth, power and resources leaving a paltry or marginal part for the masses or the majority. The traditional have nots are being joined by a large segment of the middle classes against an elite culture increasingly demonized in the information age. In the Middle East besides economic equality, political – social cultural equality drives the protesters. In USA and EU, it is more to do with economic equality as political, socio, cultural restrictions are relatively few.

The French Revolution was followed by numerous in Europe of 1848, once the Metternich conservative order was challenged, in multiple states. While Revolutions were a historical occurrence the Russian 1917, Chinese 1949, Iranian 1979 became more notable on geopolitical account. Hitler’s Nazi Revolution entered history books with the fall of Berlin 1945.

Francis Fukuyama (in The End of History) proclaimed the death of communism and victory of capitalism. Today capitalism is under attack in its own bastion. If the Soviet Communist order lasted from 1917 till 1991, the capitalists’ victory over Marxist Leninists – appears short lived also. From 1991 — 2011, a twenty years period was the glory of capitalism. Though of course ‘Pure unbridled Capitalism’ will be under severe strain in future. That this has happened in the West should be no surprise. Karl Mark a German, writing ‘Das Capital’, had clearly Germany in mind, and of course the classic ‘Mother of all Revolutions’ 1979 was French!

The Marxist Revolution was initially meant for rapidly industrializing ‘Deutschland’ rather than serfdom based ‘Mother Russia’. Irony of history, Geopolitics and First World War etc helped usher March and October 1917 Revolutions in Moscow. Germany was still revolution prone, but the rise of Hitler deflected it into nationalism and racialism. Still the word Nazi stood for National Socialists!

Today Revolution is globally becoming a house hold word. USA, EU and large parts of the world will experience radical – revolutionary upheaval. The most ironic part of the tale is that America may be ripe for a Second Revolution. The First American Revolution, commenced as the war of independence from the British Crown, followed by numerous reforms that followed and later expansion that created the modern United States. There are several reasons for the Second American Revolution. The US economy is in decline; at least its share of Global GDP is shrinking. Washington’s endless wars and outrageous expenses could put the most notorious spend thrift in history to shame. Wealth within USA is monopolized by the elite. So long as the lower and lower middle classes were in the financial comfort zone, no one thought of ‘Occupy Wall Street’ movement. Now Ron Paul himself talks of Revolution.

By 2020 China’s economy may supersede USA. Washington’s policy of containing Russia (with the world’s largest land space) and China (the world’s future largest economy) may not be doable. In fact, America’s super expensive wars of the previous decade have already ruined its economy. The cumulative effect of all this would inspire the good hearted, charity giving, God fearing, amiable folks in America for a real change. Amazingly Washington supported the ‘Arab Spring’ movement, which was in fact the right thing to do, but the chickens are coming home to roost! (A Libyan Revolutionary banner said it all – ‘today Libya, tomorrow Wall Street’). As per one analysis USA is among the most unequal societies.

The environment on the European continent is even more bleak for the present economic order. The European economic malaise, EU interstate disparities are further aggravating its crisis. The Euro Crisis is not simply a financial matter. It also has nationalistic, socio – cultural facets at work. Germany and Greece have not only different economies but also have different people. EU faces both intra and inter European economic issues. EU may manage its issues but the future remains uncertain. After all Europe was the birth place of modern revolutions and revolutionaries. The word radical, recently reflective of militants – terrorists may be realigned with traditional anarchists and revolutionaries.

The situation in countries like India – Pakistan and others are even worse in terms of equality. India with its inequality based ethos, may not see a revolution, but rather may face civil war and turmoil. The Brahman inspired Delhi order would strive to crush all such movements or term them as ‘terrorists’! (the most popular word in India). The world’s richest and poorest people live in India. Even while India wastes money as the world’s biggest arms importer, hundreds of millions of Indians live in abject poverty. There are more hungry people in eight Indian states than all of Africa. The Maoists and other revolutionaries are fighting the Indian system and have been termed as the biggest internal threat by Delhi.

Pakistan of course is getting ripe for a revolution, because a corrupt, foreign influenced and incompetent elite monopolies most wealth and delivers little. People are losing faith in an unresponsive political system in Pakistan. The economic meltdown further emboldens militants, anarchists and miscreants. A reform revolution is the only solution to Pakistan’s predicament. A new welfare state model and not monopolistic elite based system is the need of the hour

The world yearns for peace and prosperity. An end to wars and fair distribution of wealth within nations and societies would lead to a better world. This may have sounded utopia yesterday but is the road map for tomorrow.

The author is a retired Brigadier of the Pakistan Army. Geopolitics of Peace is an endeavour by Nadir Mir

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