The article analyzes the recent geopolitical activities surrounding the SCO and BRICS summits held in late 2024, focusing on Pakistan’s role and interactions among key global players. It explores how these events illustrate the ongoing Great Power Competition, particularly in relation to US strategies towards Russia and China. Furthermore, it presents the implications of Indian and Chinese relations amid shifting diplomatic dynamics and underscores the need for a reevaluation of US foreign alliances in a changing world.
The geopolitical landscape has experienced significant developments since the Biden Administration’s National Security Strategy was released in October 2022. Notable events included the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit hosted in Islamabad on October 15-16, 2024, and the 16th BRICS summit held in Kazan from October 22-24, 2024. During this period, Pakistan stood out as a focal point for simultaneous geopolitical engagements. The historical meeting between India and Pakistan’s foreign ministers marked a noteworthy moment in regional diplomacy, while Italy’s naval presence in Karachi during the SCO summit underscored an evolving defense collaboration.
Although the Western narrative expressed skepticism regarding Pakistan’s role and the significance of hosting the SCO, the event did offer Pakistan an opportunity to elevate its diplomatic stature. In contrast, the US-led economic sanctions against Russia and China suggest a strategy aimed at maintaining a Rules-Based Order, which appears increasingly challenged amidst shifting global allegiances. Moreover, India’s strategic maneuvers, including affirmations of cooperation with Russia and its engagements with European leaders, reflect India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy amid US expectations to counter China.
Within this nexus, Indian and Chinese trade relations continued to expand, surpassing India’s trade with the US, while recent agreements on border disputes marked a potential thaw in Sino-Indian relations, creating uncertainty regarding future US Indo-Pacific strategies. The Kazan summit, gathering a substantial representation of the global population and economy, showcased Russia’s resilience against international isolation, positioning itself as a critical player on the world stage. The importance of these developments cannot be overstated as they represent a deliberate shift in the geopolitical balance, compelling a reassessment of US partnerships in an era defined by competing global orders.
In this context, the concluding remarks between President Biden and President Xi during their last meeting highlighted a shared acknowledgment of the threats posed by advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to global security. This recognition poses an imperative for further discourse in emerging domains, such as space weaponization and climate change—a step that is essential for fostering sustainable peace in an increasingly volatile world.
The article discusses the contemporary shifting geopolitical dynamics brought about by the Great Power Competition (GPC) in which countries are navigating their foreign relations in the context of rising powers such as China and Russia. The intersection of events like the SCO and BRICS summits in late 2024 provides a backdrop to examine how nations, specifically Pakistan and India, are strengthening their diplomatic ties while dealing with pressures from Western powers. Critical economic policies and strategic partnerships are highlighted to showcase the complexities of global diplomacy today.
These recent geopolitical developments underline the dynamic nature of international relations where traditional partnerships are being reconsidered amid the Great Power Competition. Pakistan’s positioning at key summits illustrates its potential role as a diplomatic bridge, while India’s strategic maneuvers signify its evolving status amid US alliances. Consequently, a critical reassessment of Western strategies is warranted to adapt to this shifting landscape, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in addressing global challenges.
Original Source: moderndiplomacy.eu
