The world today is changing at an unprecedented pace, reshaping the geopolitical landscape as we once knew it.
As the global order evolves, the traditional champions of freedom, equality, and human rights may increasingly find their influence diminishing, leaving societies to gravitate towards religion, spirituality, historical narratives, and cultural identity. This shift is driven by a profound human need for coherence and unity in an uncertain world, as nations seek refuge in familiar anchors that protect them from external threats or internal fragmentation.
International law, the bedrock of global diplomacy for the past century, appears to be increasingly fragile. Established norms and rules governing state sovereignty and international relations were never eternal truths but instead were constructs of powerful nations serving their strategic interests at a particular historical moment.
Free trade, openness, and certain liberal values that once benefited the influential powers are now seen by some as liabilities. Consequently, the quest for new values and systems of international relations has become inevitable.
In such transformative periods, competing visions and ambitions inevitably collide. It is precisely in these decisive moments that clear, forward-looking strategies become essential. Nations and leaders must ask themselves honestly “what have we been, and where do we wish to go?” The slightest misstep today could trigger a cascade of long-term deviations, setting nations on trajectories far removed from their desired futures.
Thus, the outcomes we will eventually face are nothing more than consequences of the actions we take today. Clear visions and strategic foresight are essential; without them, nations risk becoming mere pawns in the agendas of others, or worse, expendable sacrifices.
The uncertainty we are witnessing globally today in the shape of economic upheavals, shifting alliances, technological disruptions, and climate crises is more than just transient turbulence and instead signals a profound and lasting transformation. The decline of confidence in global institutions, coupled with increasing nationalism and regionalism, has already started redefining international politics.
Amidst this global realignment, the very idea of universal values is being questioned. This scepticism is prompting nations and communities worldwide to revisit their histories, traditions, and religious roots to find solid ground on shifting sands.
For leaders across the Arab and Islamic worlds, this represents a critical juncture. It is a moment demanding courage, creativity, and historical consciousness and a moment to craft legacies that future generations will admire and remember.
The Arab and Islamic nations, historically central to significant global transformations, have the opportunity to assert themselves anew, drawing upon their rich heritage and historical wisdom to contribute constructively to global discourse. Embracing innovative governance models, investing in education and technology, fostering unity among nations, and advocating equitable international relationships can position these countries as leaders rather than followers in the new global order.
In short, the call is clear and urgent: it is time for leaders to seize the moment, shaping history proactively rather than becoming passive participants in narratives written by others. The legacy they choose to build today will echo throughout history, defining how their societies thrive or falter in the emerging global order.
This moment calls for decisive action, strategic unity, and visionary leadership. The stakes have never been higher, nor has the opportunity ever been greater to create a world reflecting a harmonious balance between progress, identity, and the fundamental values that have sustained civilisations throughout history.
The writer is a senior adviser to the Grand Mufti of Egypt.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 17 April, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
Short link: