Since the end of the Cold War, the United States emerged as the sole hegemon of the world. This unipolar world order resulted in the supremacy and prosperity of the global north. On the other hand, the global south suffered extreme turmoil and chaos under the US-led world order. The United States had been responsible for almost 81 percent of the wars after World War 2. Furthermore, the United States has a history of betraying its allies after achieving its goals. This ruptured the image of the US around the globe. Even Henry Kissinger, former US Secretary of State, once stated that it might be dangerous to a US enemy, but it is fatal to be its ally. This demonstrates how the United States exploits and betrays its allies.
The global south, especially the resource-rich Middle Eastern states, has seen a worst nightmare under the US-led world order. Military interventions by the United States in Syria, Afghanistan, and other developing or underdeveloped countries have also tarnished its image. The United States killed more than 3,15,000 people in the Iraq war under the false premise of possession of chemical weapons by the latter. Moreover, the United States has been involved in multiple war crimes since the end of World War 2. International monetary institutions have also been under the US influence. The latter had used them multiple times to achieve its political and strategic objectives. Many analysts have blamed the United States for influencing the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Such forums, including the FATF, have been used by the United States to coerce and dictate the rising and developing economies since their creation. Furthermore, the United States and Western allies are also seen as hostile nations by the people in the Muslim world due to their policies and rising Islamophobia in the West. The Western support for Israel’s war crimes and genocide in Gaza has further widened the gulf between the West and the Muslim world.
Among all this, Russia and China have emerged as a hope for a better world. Both countries are now pursuing a new and inclusive world order. Unlike the US, China has a policy of peaceful rise. Instead of intervening in the domestic issues of its allies, China focuses on their development. Moreover, China has attempted to resolve regional and international disputes rather than being involved in any military conflicts. China’s mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran has further increased its soft power. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has expanded the Chinese influence and political clout to three continents, including Asia, Europe, and Africa. Russia, on its hand, is also pursuing regional stability in the Middle East. It is also changing its foreign policy outlook and is welcoming new allies. Russia’s burgeoning ties with Pakistan are one of the substantiations of its changing foreign policy orientation. Similarly, Russian policy on Israeli atrocities in Gaza has improved its image among Muslim countries. President Putin’s remarks against blasphemy and Islamophobia in the West have further enhanced its soft image among the Islamic world.
In addition, the rising significance of BRICS and the pursuit of a multipolar world by Russia and China has also helped them to increase their influence in the developing world. Both countries are staunch advocates of multipolarity and have supported the expansion of BRICS. More than 40 countries have shown interest in the membership of BRICS at its recent summit. This demonstrates the expanding influence of Russia and China in the world. By expanding BRICS, both countries want to empower the developing countries to have their say in global affairs. BRICS has also formed the New Development Bank, which will assist the member countries to pursue their economic and financial ambitions. This will also empower the global south to make independent foreign policy decisions. Furthermore, it indicates the emergence of an inclusive world order led by Russia and China. Recently, President Putin had already said that the formation of a multipolar world order is irreversible. Similarly, Chinese President Xi Jinping has also stated at the 15th BRICS summit that China has no hegemonic designs.
Furthermore, the idea of de-dollarization of trade among member states was also proposed at this summit. Adopting a common currency for trade among the member states was also proposed at this summit. This move is intended to decrease dependence on the dollar for mutual trade among the member states. This will help the BRICS members to elevate their economy and reduce the US influence on international trade. Russia and China-led world order is predicted to form an equality-based international order. Most likely, the global south will have its say in international affairs under this emerging world order. Moreover, the policy of peaceful rise by China and Russia’s pursuit of equality and justice around the world will lead to an inclusive and egalitarian world order.
Abbas Hashemite – is a political observer and research analyst for regional and global geopolitical issues. He is currently working as an independent researcher and journalist, exclusively for “New Eastern Outlook”.