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Faisal Shabbir

The End of Western Dominance?

The culmination of the 21st century has ushered in an era of shifting tides in geo-strategic and geo-political spheres. The support of multilateralism in the form of Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), AUKUS and ANZUS 2.0 amongst others by the West to contain China during the first quarter of the century has shifted significantly the course of geopolitics toward geostrategic adventurism in the Indo-Pacific Ocean Region (IPOR) as well as South Asia (SA). However, the four days of the Pakistan-India conflict can be used to establish new multilateral initiatives, such as the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed). There are certain dynamics for such arrangements to prove their rationality in the IPOR and SA. Nonetheless, the active phase of the Pakistan-India conflict from May 7-10, 2025, reframed the power equation in the region. The new equation has redefined the arrangement of variables from India’s dominance in the region and the self-proclaimed status of net-security provider to the exhibited prowess of Pakistan’s Armed Forces on every battlefield despite limited resources in comparison with the adversary, India. Moreover, China’s mil-tech advancements have stunned the world by proving a remarkable stride in holding its signature through formidable defence capabilities and cutting-edge technologies.

The new equation has redefined the arrangement of variables from India’s dominance in the region and the self-proclaimed status of net-security provider to the exhibited prowess of Pakistan’s Armed Forces on every battlefield.

The Indo-Pacific countries, especially in close vicinity of China and to the extent of Australia need introspection for their own national interests. The elephant in the room, as some strategists quote China, is a reality that cannot be discounted by the Global South including first-world countries of the Indo-Pacific littorals. China, boasting 5000 years old civilization, carrying along strong time-tested beliefs instilled by the likes of Confucius, Lao Tzu and Sun Tzu, while having gone through the negative patch of Opium Wars; has come out wise and a staunch proponent of a multilateral world and peaceful co-existence. Having gained economic strength and military might in the region, China has embarked upon a challenge to bring in prosperity and growth, especially for the Global South; which is suffering at the hands of Western hegemony. While India’s drum-beating hollow slogans of power projection through Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and so-called ‘Net Security Provider’ fell like dominos after initiating hostilities to garner domestic support before its elections; could not stand against Pakistan’s military’s onslaught in that limited war.

China, cognizant of the eroding international rule of law and justice established the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong on May 30, 2025. Spearheaded by China and supported by 33 founding members including Pakistan, IOMed offers a fresh and much-needed alternative platform for peaceful and consensual dispute resolution. The inauguration was attended by over 400 high-level representatives from 85 countries and 20 international organizations; however, the event hasn’t garnered much attention from the international media, whereas it is the beginning of a new world order based on multilateralism and win-win for all. The first-of-its-kind historical event marks the establishment of an intergovernmental organization exclusively established to resolve international disputes through mediation. Pakistan was represented by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr M Ishaq Dar. This development aligns with Pakistan’s broader foreign policy goals of promoting stability, cooperation, and dialogue in the region and beyond.

The United Nations, the world’s premier multilateral body established in 1945 after World War II to promote peace, security and cooperation, could not deliver. Intrinsically biased, inefficient, and geopolitically manipulated by the P-5 member states with veto powers have invariably stalled the implementation of rule-based order worldwide. The UN, acts more as a tool of Western hegemony, particularly when it comes to conflicts in Kashmir, Palestine, and the South China Sea. Meanwhile, mini-lateral arrangements supported by the West established to extend a particular agenda of the Western world order, have focused lately on the containment of China resulting in the undermining of multilateralism aimed at conflict resolution, cooperation and sustainable peace by and large. Therefore, the corollary that IOMed has the potential to prove itself as a neutral, dialogue-driven platform for dispute resolution that prioritizes mediation over coercion and inclusivity over exclusion; can be drawn on the failures and inefficacies of the West-led multilateral and mini-lateral organizations in the IPOR and SA reflected as follows:

The Kashmir Issue: A Case of Selective Morality

The UN has failed to implement its resolutions on Kashmir since 1948, particularly UNSC Resolution 47 which called for a plebiscite to determine the region’s future. Rather, the UN has turned a blind eye to India’s illegal annexation of Jammu & Kashmir in 2019 through revocation of Article 370 and abolishment of Article 35A to suppress Kashmiris’ right of self-determination.

The Gaza-Israel Conflict: Double Standards in Full Display

The UN’s paralysis on Palestine is even more glaring. Despite over 100 resolutions condemning Israel’s occupation, no concrete action has been taken. The US routinely vetoes any meaningful intervention, rendering the UN Security Council impotent. Meanwhile, Palestinians’ suffering continues, exposing the UN’s hypocrisy when Western allies are involved.

The South China Sea: UNCLOS vs. Geopolitical Intimidation

The 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruling against China’s South China Sea claims by the Philippines under US influence was a politically motivated verdict, not a neutral legal judgment. China rightly rejected it as it never consented to the arbitration. Yet, the US and its allies, while geographically located thousands of miles away, continue to leverage UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea) to restrict China in its waters, while the United States has refused to ratify UNCLOS.

China’s Response: Inclusive Multilateralism & the Birth of IOMed

China’s actions have always been louder than words. It has consistently advocated for genuine multilateralism platforms where all voices are heard, especially of the countries comprising the Global South, not only just those of the West. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and now the IOMed reflect this vision. The IOMed is designed as a neutral, non-coercive mediation body, free from the veto politics and power imbalances of the UN. Its focus is on dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful resolution through non-binding mediation.

Although IOMed is in its infancy stage, it is likely to gain strength and is expected to mediate effectively to resolve conflicts before they escalate. It can offer non-binding but influential arbitration, avoiding the pitfalls of enforcement failures seen in the UN rulings. The UNSC’s P-5 veto power ensures that only a few nations dictate global peace. IOMed can adopt a rotational leadership model, ensuring fair representation for Global South nations. Based in Hong Kong, IOMed is well-placed politically to address regional issues and disputes such as Kashmir and the South China Sea without Western bias. It can also mediate in Palestine, Africa and South America, where the UN interventions have often been disastrous.

Pakistan should champion IOMed as a credible alternative through the following actions and measures:

Pakistan should lodge Kashmir’s case at IOMed and seek a neutral fact-finding mission on Indian atrocities in that region. That will fetch international support, particularly from human rights activists across the world. Simultaneously, it will illuminate the case away from the UN reflection and Western influence to enhance pressure on the UN for resolution of the issue.

For Pakistan, aligning with IOMed to build its legitimacy can create a counterbalance in the region, and Pakistan can voice its concerns over certain issues linked with regional peace and stability; specifically terrorism, economic disruptions due to traditional and non-traditional challenges, political and social unrest at the hands of external actors, and unwinding false narratives created by India.

Pakistan can propose IOMed-backed peace talks for Afghanistan besides other regional and territorial conflicts to find out the indigenous solution to the regional issues.

The IOMed offers a fresh, inclusive approach that prioritizes dialogue over domination and justice over geopolitics. For Pakistan, this is a historic opportunity to redefine its diplomatic strategy. By embracing IOMed, Pakistan can secure justice for Kashmir, and position itself as a leader in alternative global governance. The world needs more mediation, and less militarization; IOMed might just be the answer.

The writer regularly writes for various newspapers and blogs. His research interests include Indo-Pacific geopolitics and leadership. He can be reached at [email protected].

Filed Under: Op-Ed

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