In Part I, published on November 3, and Part II, published on November 17, 2025, in the Daily Times, Pakistan, I identified a few areas that cause immense stress for ordinary people worldwide. And, that has nothing to do with their economic well-being but primarily relates to the societal issues that have multiplied over time due to sheer neglect by the respective administrations across the globe.
The most unfortunate aspect is that the wars between the Unequal military Powers (UMPs) have been accepted as a new normal, and therefore, there is no effort to find ways to avoid them. The reigning powers find it convenient to launch airstrikes against smaller states to coerce them into submitting to their demands, which may range from security to the economy, and from trade concessions to sanctions.
However, in Part III, I will endeavour to convince the realists that the Creator has formed a universe that can adequately serve over 30 billion people. In contrast, the total world population is only around eight billion. Therefore, there are sufficient natural and material resources that can be shared with people in developing countries who are struggling to provide basic amenities to their citizens. Incompetence and corruption of the ruling elites of developing states notwithstanding, they are at a greater disadvantage than the developed North.
Perhaps it is time that the developed states realise the plight of the people of the developing world and willfully offer assistance and space so that they can stand on their feet to become self-sufficient in food, shelter, health, and basic infrastructure.
Only a little effort is needed from a few gamechangers who would realise the plight of people deprived of basic amenities.
China’s investments through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to expand and enhance communication and connectivity with the Global South and other far-off regions are a good move. BRI aims to build the necessary infrastructure across Africa, South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and South America to connect people and businesses. So far, hundreds of BRI projects have been completed in various countries, and another hundred are in progress. Most of these projects include major highways within a country in need of roads or across the countries of the region. Likewise, the rail networks facilitate the movement of people and commodities. Investments are also directed towards building ports, airports, bridges, dams and other energy projects. Climate protection is gaining significant traction in the BRI, and several projects to green the deserts are also underway.
The food security in the developing world is a priority under the BRI. Agricultural projects include soil development, water conservation and provision, and the introduction of corporate farming, all of which form part of the greater BRI projects.
It is necessary to mention that BRI is changing the ground situation in several countries that accepted China’s offer to join the projects, primarily because the funds were invested in public-sector development rather than given as aid to corrupt regimes.
The question is: if China can bring an overdue infrastructural revolution in the Global South, why have the colonial powers not done so during occupation or since the so-called decolonisation, which remains debatable?
China, like any other global power, seeks to exert influence over smaller states. Still, it does so responsibly by investing in public-sector projects that are visible and directly contribute to the country’s infrastructure.
I often refer to Sun Tzu’s dictum that one should wage war without fighting, and I have rephrased it with my own: one should win wars with other means. This is what China is doing. Perhaps China is following both Sun Tzu and me, in that it is winning the hearts and minds of the people of the Global South by other means. By investing in public-sector development in developing countries that were in dire need of basic amenities, China has impressed the people who are directly or indirectly benefiting from its investments.
At the cost of repeating and alienating the realists, I believe that ordinary people everywhere want peace that is free of psychological, emotional, and physical harm. Unfortunately, there appears to be no effort in this regard by global stakeholders, who adhere to the Clausewitzian dictum that war is a continuation of policy by other means.
Only a little effort is needed from a few gamechangers who would realise the plight of people deprived of basic amenities. And, as the Creator directs it through the concept of Zakat, I am sure that no living being will go hungry, unclothed and without shelter.
The writer of this article has authored four international books: Nuclear Deterrence and Conflict Management Between India and Pakistan, South Asia Needs Hybrid Peace, Understanding Sun Tzu and the Art of Hybrid War, and Diplomacy and Deterrence.”
The writer of this article has authored four international books: Nuclear Deterrence and Conflict Management Between India and Pakistan, South Asia Needs Hybrid Peace, Understanding Sun Tzu and the Art of Hybrid War, and Diplomacy and Deterrence.”