The pursuit of prosperity has animated human societies for centuries, a relentless quest that transcends borders and ideologies. Nations strive for it, leaders promise it, and citizens yearn for it-yet its essence remains elusive. Prosperity isn’t merely the accumulation of wealth or the glitter of GDP figures; it’s the fabric of thriving communities, equitable opportunities, and a shared sense of purpose. But why do so many societies falter in this pursuit? The answer lies in what I call the “Prosperity Puzzle,” a framework built on three interlocking pieces: mandate, will, and vision. These elements aren’t abstract theories-they’re the sinews of progress. The mandate reflects the legitimacy a leader earns from the people, a foundation of trust that legitimizes governance. Will is the resolve to act, the unrelenting drive to transform ideas into reality despite obstacles. Vision offers the blueprint, a compelling picture of a better future that inspires and directs effort. When these three align, prosperity flourishes; when they don’t, stagnation-or worse-sets in. Too often, though, two pieces go missing: mandate and will. Vision alone, no matter how grand, cannot sustain a society without the trust of the governed and the determination to follow through. Consider the implications. A leader with a dazzling vision but no mandate governs on shaky ground, their authority questioned at every turn. A leader with vision but no will delivers eloquent speeches that echo into silence, leaving promises unfulfilled. The absence of these two pieces explains much of the world’s dysfunction-nations rich in potential yet mired in inertia. Mandate ensures accountability to the people, knitting society together with a sense of shared purpose. Will turns rhetoric into action, bridging the gap between aspiration and achievement. Without them, vision becomes a hollow shell, a mirage shimmering just beyond reach. Will turns rhetoric into action, bridging the gap between aspiration and achievement This pattern plays out vividly across the globe, offering lessons in both success and failure. In the United States, Donald Trump’s return in 2024-Trump 2.0-demonstrates how these pieces can converge to drive progress, a case we’ll explore deeply in the next part. By contrast, Pakistan’s recent history reveals the chaos unleashed when mandates and will vanish, leaving even the boldest visions to wither. These aren’t isolated stories; they’re symptoms of a universal truth. Prosperity demands all three elements in concert, and the absence of any two spells stagnation-or collapse. Let’s turn first to Trump’s America, where the puzzle finds its pieces falling into place. Donald Trump’s resurgence in 2024 marks a striking chapter in American governance, a phenomenon we will call Trump 2.0. His victory was not just a political comeback; it was a testament to the Prosperity Puzzle clicking into alignment. Unlike his first term, shadowed by division and legal tangles, this iteration boasts a robust mandate, unyielding will, and a clear vision-elements propelling tangible successes that reshape both America and the world. Trump’s mandate emerged from a resounding electoral triumph. Trump has secured 52% of the popular vote, a clear mandate from a polarized nation hungry for change. His base-spanning rural heartlands, working-class strongholds, and even pockets of suburban support-handed him a legitimacy that doubters can not easily dismiss. This trust fuels his ambitious vision: a revival of American greatness, rooted in sovereignty, pragmatism, and unapologetic boldness. His will, meanwhile, remains his signature trait-an unrelenting force that bends obstacles to his purpose. The results speak volumes. In Gaza, Trump brokered a ceasefire before taking office, ending months of bloodshed. His vision for peace, backed by a mandate to act decisively, met his will to sidestep bureaucratic quagmire. On the Panama Canal, he convinced Panama to ditch a Chinese infrastructure deal, restoring U.S. influence. “America’s lifeline is ours again,” he declared – a promise kept through sheer determination. Afnan Wasif: The author is a Strategic Studies Graduate from the National Defence University, Islamabad. He tweets @afnanwasif Muhtasim Afridi: The author is a Strategic Studies Graduate from the National Defence University, Islamabad. He tweets @muhtasim_afridi