Muslim World Report

Geopolitical Shifts in the Imperial Core: A Muslim World Perspective

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Apr 9, 2025 9:56 AM | 6 min read | 1258 words

The Emergence of New Geopolitical Realities: A Call to Action for the Muslim World

TL;DR: The geopolitical landscape is shifting dramatically, posing challenges and opportunities for the Muslim world in a multipolar future. Key strategies include building alliances, promoting grassroots activism, diversifying economies, and redefining international norms.

The Situation

The geopolitical landscape is undergoing a seismic shift that threatens to redefine power dynamics between the ‘Imperial Core’—comprising the US, EU, and their allies—and the Global South. Approaching 2035, we see:

  • Rising far-right movements in Europe and the US
  • A potential erosion of democratic institutions
  • Emergence of parties like Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) and France’s National Rally

These parties embrace neoliberal economic policies, focusing on capital accumulation over social welfare, deepening social inequalities and creating a precarious social contract (Wade, 2011).

Economic instability is on the rise due to:

  • Soaring military expenditures
  • The urgent need for green subsidies
  • An impending fiscal crisis

This suggests that far-right regimes may soon encounter significant domestic discontent, as citizens realize their conditions are worsening. The political landscape is characterized by:

  • Fragmentation
  • Ineffective coalition governments
  • An increasingly polarized electorate

In the US, a resurgence of far-right leadership could exacerbate issues of governance and representation, resulting in radical cuts to social spending and civil rights (Doyle & Chaturvedi, 2010).

Amidst this turmoil, the BRICS+ nations are emerging as a formidable counterforce to Western dominance. The ongoing process of de-dollarization threatens the economic certainty underpinning the Imperial Core (Karaganov, 2018). This shift presents opportunities for the Muslim world to actively participate in shaping an equitable, multipolar world (Stephen, 2014).

Structured Analysis: ‘What If’ Scenarios

What if Far-Right Governments Continue to Rise in the Imperial Core?

The continued rise of far-right politics could lead to significant socio-economic fallout, including:

  • Increased unrest from citizens demanding better living conditions amid rising inflation and unemployment.
  • A fraying social contract, resulting in widespread protests.
  • Confrontations with authoritarian regimes responding with increased repression (Jacoby & Korkut, 2015).

Potential outcomes include:

  • Mobilization of the working class and marginalized communities, creating coalitions that challenge authority.
  • Mass uprisings leading to power vacuums that invite radical left- and right-wing movements.
  • Escalation of foreign policies that might exacerbate tensions with Global South nations, leading to a new, exploitative form of imperialism (Preuss & Barkemeyer, 2011).

This scenario raises critical questions for the Muslim world. As far-right leaders promote anti-immigrant sentiments, communities within these nations may become more vulnerable to discrimination.

What if BRICS+ Solidifies Its Economic Power?

If BRICS+ successfully consolidates its economic strength, the implications could include:

  • A unified Global South advocating for a more equitable global trade system, diminishing unilateralist policies imposed by Western powers (Hopewell, 2017).
  • Possible defensive reactions from the US and EU, including sanctions, trade wars, or military engagement.

This could lead to:

  • A fragmented world order with emerging economies gaining support for challenging Western imperialism.
  • New initiatives for mutual defense pacts or economic alliances bypassing traditional financial systems (Stephen, 2014).

For the Muslim world, this means:

  • Aligning with BRICS+ to reassert agency and challenge Western hegemony (Cadier, 2014).
  • Exploring new avenues for economic development, technology transfer, and cultural exchange, while avoiding entanglement in geopolitical rivalries.

What if Economic Crisis Leads to a Shift in Public Sentiment?

As economic crises deepen, public sentiment may shift dramatically, leading to:

  • The emergence of new political movements focused on social welfare and equity over profit.
  • Potential risks of reactionary forces exploiting economic fears to scapegoat marginalized groups (Schlosberg & Collins, 2014).

The outcome will depend on:

  • The ability of progressive forces—including labor movements and civil society organizations—to unite around a coherent narrative (Cadier, 2014).
  • A resurgence of democratic ideals emphasizing social justice, inclusivity, and international solidarity.

For the Muslim world, this evolution of public sentiment could create:

  • Greater willingness among Western societies to engage with Muslim-majority countries on shared concerns.
  • Yet, the risk of reactionary forces creating divisions and hostility that hinder cooperation remains.

Strategic Maneuvers for the Muslim World

In light of these scenarios, stakeholders within the Muslim world must adopt strategic maneuvers to reinforce their agency in this rapidly changing landscape.

Building Robust Alliances

  • Strengthening ties with emerging economies, especially within BRICS+, to create a unified front advocating for equitable trade and diplomatic engagement (Doyle & Chaturvedi, 2010).
  • Engaging in joint ventures, cultural exchanges, and mutual defense agreements will enhance the socio-economic resilience of Muslim-majority countries.

This strategy should also include:

  • Fostering cultural understanding and shared values among member nations.
  • Programs for youth exchange, educational partnerships, and technology sharing to strengthen bonds.

Promoting Grassroots Movements

Promoting grassroots movements focused on social justice and human rights is crucial. This involves:

  • Encouraging civic engagement among youth and marginalized communities to cultivate new leadership.
  • Forming coalitions with like-minded global groups to amplify voices advocating for human dignity and self-determination (Adler-Nissen & Pouliot, 2014).

Grassroots movements can counterbalance authoritarianism and far-right politics in the Imperial Core, mobilizing resources to address local issues and rebuild trust in democratic institutions.

Strategic Economic Diversification

  • Investing in sustainable development and reducing reliance on singular commodities.
  • By emphasizing innovation, green technologies, and education, the Muslim world can position itself as a leader in the emerging global economy (Cadier, 2014).

Diversification into technology, renewable energies, and sustainable agriculture provides vital tools for economic resilience, while focusing on education ensures populations are prepared for a knowledge-based economy.

Redefining International Norms

Advocating for a redefinition of international norms is critical. This includes:

  • Engaging with the United Nations to push for reforms that address historical injustices and equitable resource distribution.
  • Asserting the right to self-determination and equitable participation in international discourse (Wiktor-Mach, 2019).

This advocacy should aim to foster a more inclusive global governance structure that reflects the voices and concerns of the Global South. Active participation in international negotiations can help Muslim-majority countries reclaim their narrative.

Conclusion

As we move deeper into 2025 and beyond, the Muslim world stands at a critical juncture. Shifting geopolitical dynamics present both formidable challenges and unprecedented opportunities.

By harnessing the potential of emerging alliances, promoting grassroots activism, diversifying economies, and redefining international norms, the Muslim world can effectively navigate these turbulent waters.

The time for proactive strategies is now, ensuring that Muslim-majority countries play a pivotal role in shaping a multipolar world order that prioritizes justice, equality, and sustainability.

References

  • Adler-Nissen, R., & Pouliot, V. (2014). Power in Practice: Negotiating the International Relations of the European Union. Routledge.
  • Cadier, D. (2014). The Future of the BRICS: A Club of Non-Status. The International Spectator, 49(4).
  • Cohen, J. N. (1991). The Irony of Democracy: An Uncommon Introduction to American Politics. Wadsworth Publishing Company.
  • Doyle, M. W., & Chaturvedi, S. (2010). The Uncertain Future of the Global Order. World Politics, 62(1).
  • Hopewell, K. (2017). The BRICS and the Global Economy: Analyzing the Implications for World Trade. Review of International Political Economy, 24(6).
  • Jacoby, W., & Korkut, U. (2015). Populism and the Political Economy of the New Right. Comparative Political Studies, 48(6).
  • Karaganov, S. (2018). A New World Order? Russia in Global Affairs, 16(2).
  • Preuss, L., & Barkemeyer, R. (2011). The Tensions Between Nationalism and Globalization: A Framework for Future Research. Journal of International Business Studies, 42(5).
  • Schlosberg, D., & Collins, L. B. (2014). From Environmental to Climate Justice: Social Movements and the Politics of Adaptation. Environmental Politics, 23(6).
  • Stephen, M. D. (2014). The Emerging World Order: New Directions for International Relations. Geopolitics.
  • Wade, R. H. (2011). Emerging World Orders: A New Perspective on the Global Economy. Journal of Globalization and Development, 2(1).
  • Wiktor-Mach, D. (2019). The Muslim World in the Age of Globalization: New Challenges and Opportunities. Middle Eastern Studies, 55(5).
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