How Can the Islamic World Become the Third Power?

 

How Can the Islamic World Become the Third Power?

Image of a glowing crescent uniting Muslim cities with digital bridges, showing how the Islamic world could emerge as a third global power between East and West


Introduction: Reading the Global Power Map

When we talk about world order, we often hear about two major poles: the West represented by the United States and its allies, and the East now symbolized by the rise of China and Russia. However, amid this rivalry, an old question remains relevant: where does the Islamic World stand? Could it rise as an independent third power? This question is far from simple. As a neutral writer, I see that answering it requires examining history, economy, culture, and geopolitics. (Source: Samuel P. Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations, 1996)

Brief History: From Center to Periphery

It is undeniable that Muslims once stood at the center of civilization. From Baghdad to Andalusia, Muslims led science, trade, and intellectual life. But colonialism and internal fragmentation pushed the Islamic World to the periphery from the 19th century onwards. Since then, the Islamic World has often been positioned as a geopolitical “object” rather than a “subject.” (Source: Bernard Lewis, What Went Wrong?, 2002)

From my neutral perspective, I believe this nostalgic narrative must be balanced with realistic understanding. Past glory should inspire, but it must be adapted to modern challenges.

Third Power: What Does It Mean?

In geopolitics, a “third power” means an alternative bloc not fully tied to either the West or the East. During the Cold War, for example, the Non-Aligned Movement tried to act as a middle force. Unfortunately, the Islamic World failed to maximize this momentum. Now, in an increasingly multipolar world, this opportunity actually re-emerges. (Source: Richard Falk, Islam and Geopolitics, 2005)

Main Requirement: Collective Awareness

First, the Islamic World must have a shared vision. The problem is, the Muslim world is fragmented by internal political rivalries. Sunni-Shia conflicts, regional power struggles among Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, and Egypt become major obstacles. I see this as the fundamental challenge: how to build solidarity amid clashing national interests? (Source: Olivier Roy, The Failure of Political Islam, 1994)

Economy: A Scattered Asset

As a region, the Islamic World is rich in natural resources. The Middle East holds the largest oil reserves, Southeast Asia has a demographic bonus, and North Africa has strategic trade routes. Yet this potential is often scattered due to weak economic integration among Muslim countries. They trade more with the West or China than with each other. (Source: Timur Kuran, The Long Divergence, 2011)

In my view, revitalizing intra-Islamic economic cooperation can be the first foundation towards becoming a third power. Organizations like the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) must transform from mere diplomatic forums into real economic blocs.

Technology: An Untapped Space

The Islamic World also lags in technology. Not a single Muslim country ranks among the global top 10 in innovation. Yet Islamic history once led the world in science. Weak research, dependence on imported technology, and brain drain are major barriers. (Source: UNESCO Science Report, 2021)

As a writer, I believe the digital revolution could be a new momentum. Muslim countries must seriously invest in research, tech startups, and cross-border digital ecosystems.

Cultural Identity: A Strong Soft Power

One of the Islamic World’s strengths actually lies in its soft power: culture and religion. Islam has a spiritual bond that transcends borders, rarely matched by other civilizations. The phenomenon of the Muslim diaspora in the West also creates a global community network. (Source: Jocelyne Cesari, When Islam and Democracy Meet, 2004)

The challenge is how to manage this identity so it becomes not just symbolic, but a source of social and political energy. In many cases, Islam’s cultural capital is divided through narratives of extremism or Islamophobia. (Source: Edward Said, Covering Islam, 1981)

Foreign Policy: Finding an Independent Path

The Islamic World must be smart in reading the geopolitical map. Strategic alliances with the Eastern or Western blocs are sometimes necessary, but not at the expense of independence. For example, Erdogan’s Turkey tries to play both sides: NATO on one hand, relations with Russia on the other. Yet this approach must be accompanied by solid negotiation skills. (Source: Soner Cagaptay, The New Sultan, 2017)

In my view, the Islamic World can only be strong with collective leadership not one dominant state, but a coalition willing to share interests.

Internal Obstacles: Corruption and Injustice

Let’s be honest: the Islamic World’s internal issues are serious. Chronic corruption, authoritarianism, and weak law enforcement are structural problems. Without governance reform, the dream of becoming a third power will always be hampered. (Source: Transparency International, Corruption Perceptions Index 2022)

As a writer, I believe bureaucratic reform, transparency, and civil liberties are fundamental to building public trust.

Conclusion: The Opportunity Remains Open

So, can the Islamic World become a third power? I believe the answer is yes but only through cross-border collective effort. The Islamic World has historical legacy, natural resources, and strong cultural identity. But without a common vision, independent technology, and clean governance this potential remains nostalgic rhetoric.

Amid the West-East tensions, the Islamic World has the chance to position itself as a mediator: a promoter of global justice, peace, and prosperity. The question is: will Muslims seize this opportunity or remain content on the sidelines of history?

Lokasi: GWF8+WF Blodgett Mills, NY, Amerika Serikat

Komentar

Posting Komentar

Postingan populer dari blog ini

What If Technology Revives Muslim Unity?

Gambar
  What If Technology Revives Muslim Unity? Introduction As a writer who often explores Islamic civilization , I sometimes ask myself: could technology be the way for Muslims to rediscover the unity that has long been lost? This question may sound utopian amid the reality of a fragmented Muslim world divided by national borders , sects , and geopolitical interests (Esposito, What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam , 2002). But in this digital era, I see a glimmer of hope. Technology which once divided can now be a tool to mend old cracks. Didn’t the Islamic world once shine as a beacon of science and technology? (Hodgson, The Venture of Islam , 1974). A Brief History: From Trade Routes to the Digital World In the past, the Islamic world was connected through the Silk Road , caravans, and madrasas. Baghdad , Cairo , and Timbuktu were linked by networks of scholars and merchants. Communication was slow, but the spirit of unity lived through the transfer of knowledge (Lapidus, ...
Baca selengkapnya

How Did Islam Become the Target of Global Propaganda?

Gambar
  How Did Islam Become the Target of Global Propaganda? Introduction Personally, every time I read international news, I wonder why Islam almost always appears in the context of conflict, extremism, or terrorism. It’s as if this religion has no other face but violence. Yet, if we honestly look at history, Islam was once a civilization of tolerance, science, and cosmopolitan culture. ( Edward Said , Covering Islam , 1981 ) My question is simple: why is this grand narrative kept negative? Is it just coincidence or part of a larger propaganda machine? Islam and the Media: An Unbalanced Narrative Since 9/11, Islam’s image in Western media has largely been trapped in the frame of terrorism. For me, this is a peak example of how modern propaganda works: shaping public perception through constant repetition. ( Said, Covering Islam , 1981 ) Take the word ‘ jihad ’ it’s often narrowly translated as ‘holy war’. But many Muslims know it means much more, including moral and spiritual s...
Baca selengkapnya

Will the Caliphate Return at the End of Times? Exploring the Islamic Perspective

Gambar
  Will the Caliphate Return at the End of Times? Exploring the Islamic Perspective Throughout Islamic history, the Caliphate (Khilafah) has been more than a political system — it has symbolized unity, justice, and leadership for the Muslim Ummah. After its formal abolition in 1924, Muslims across the world have continued to ask: Will the Caliphate ever return? And more intriguingly: Is there a prophecy about its return at the end of times? Let’s explore the historical, theological, and contemporary views surrounding the return of the Caliphate in the Last Days . 1. The Caliphate: A Brief Historical Overview The Rashidun Caliphate began after the death of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in 632 CE, followed by the Umayyads, Abbasids, and finally the Ottoman Caliphate. For over 1,300 years , the Khilafah functioned as a symbol of political unity and religious authority in the Muslim world. But with colonialism, internal decay, and the rise of secular nationalism, the last Caliphate wa...
Baca selengkapnya