Theory of Cooperation within Confrontation in Global Politics and International Relations

 THEORY OF COOPERATION WITHIN CONFRONTATION IN GLOBAL POLITICS.

Theory of Confrontation within Cooperation captures the essence of today’s complicated world politics. A world with delicate balance of power, where differences persist simultaneously managed through cooperation to avoid existential threats. Serious confrontation will continue to define relationships among countries or powers; it is unlikely to lead to a Third World War as long as global institutions, economic interdependence, and public resistance to conflict hold sway. The theory emphasizes that in this interconnected era, survival depends not on defeating adversaries but on finding ways to coexist sustainably. Theory of Confrontation within Cooperation offers a valuable mechanism to understand the evolving dynamics of International Relations, especially in the context of rising multipolarity and economic interdependence. Let us explore its origin, compulsions and implications regarding the potential for averting Third World War. How international institutions are operating under this theory human survival.

The cooperation between the United States, its allies, and Russia, China and other emerging powers of world despite ongoing confrontations has been analyzed through various past theories of international relations and strategic doctrines. These theories explored how these states navigated tensions and cooperated among each other. These theories applied from time to time and circumstance. These theories were not universally applied on all times and could not help manage conflicts in the various parts of world caused destruction during world wars and cold war era.

The prevalent global system shows that various theories of International Relations mentioned or proposed after the emergence of state system, before World War 1 and 11 and after the end of cold war between two major ideologies of world has become outdated, lost relevance and utility in the present world. The European Countries during last centuries trampled the tenets of all theories whenever their national and global interests were threatened. They occupied, fought with each other and after killing millions innocent people left North America. They occupied Asia and Africa plundered their wealth ignoring the principle of morality in the name of development. The European Countries destroyed each other in World War 1 and 11. They never followed any theory but only their interest. The European Nations since twelfth century perpetrated innumerable cruelties upon the innocent people of Asia, Africa, and America irrespective of Race, Creed Colour and Religion. They committed acts of cruelty unparallel in the annals of human History. The European nations tried to spread and imposed their ideological and political sphere through war and execution. Following the end of WW1 Europe lost its potential and WW11 proved last nail in their coffin. If we see the new political structure following these wars, there were only 51 recognized states now world has more than 200 countries. The new countries emerged from womb of these European colonial powers, which they have forcibly occupied against the will of subjugated people. The waves of nationalism immersed them in Asia, Africa and South America. The desire and struggle for political and economic freedom compels the people to find new avenues that alter the future social structures in the world. Their valiant struggle and unparallel sacrifice bore the fruits of freedom from cruel European Nations. The study of international Relations and history showed that no any European country or power followed theory of International Relations propounded by their Philosophers. They acted against these policies only to hold what they have grabbed.  Truman Doctrine saved European Nations and Marshal Plan otherwise new ideology of Communism would have engulfed entire Europe and world.  The European Nations as usual did not follow any theory again foster nefarious action against the interest of newly liberated Nations and states around the world. Europeans and USA inflicted crime against humanity to curb Communism in Africa, South America and South East Asia. They used Muslims against Communism to save their ideology of Capitalism. Eventually Capitalism subdued both Communism and Islamic Ideology. The European victors with the support of USA conquered the Europe but within a decade started a brutal war to defeat communism in South East Asian countries, Arab countries and South American countries, which resulted in the death of Millions of innocent people and material loss.

In my opinion, past theories of International Relations propounded prior to both world Wars and after end of world war between two opposing ideologies that are Capitalism and Communism has become obsolete. The third ideology Islamic ideology played its significant role in the downfall of European Empires and defeating communism in Afghanistan and by attacking USA with the help of its adversaries.  After that, a new theory has emerged in my view that is "Theory of Confrontation within Cooperation". Global system shows that despite severe differences over various issue no power or group of countries are in a position to dominate or attack each other. This Theory of Confrontation within Cooperation" provides a rational perspective on the current global system. This theory advocates and forces for the coexistence of opposing nations, ideologies, or power blocs. The countries of the world are engaged in strategic confrontation while simultaneously cooperating on issues of mutual interest.  The post-2000 period marks a transformative phase in global politics, characterized by multipolarity, economic interdependence, recognition of voice of passive powers and complex power dynamics. Theory of Confrontation within Cooperation reveals perspective on the complexities of international relations in the present century and in future time provided no third world war break out. The relevance of global and regional institutions such as the UN, Non-Aligned Movement, Warsaw, NATO, OIC, SAARC, ECO, ASEAN, and SCO deterred major powers from active confrontation. Their global pressure forced cooperation amidst confrontation among countries. The “Theory of Confrontation within Cooperation," realizes the complications of today's world.

The question agitate the mind that why cooperation between the United States, its allies, and other global powers, despite serious strategic and economic tensions persist. What are main factors that compel them to cooperate? Even with ideological and strategic disagreements, countries recognize the importance of collaboration to address global security challenges.  The cooperation between the U.S., its allies, Russia, China, and other global powers exists because of the need to manage global challenges and maintain a stable international order. While strategic and economic tensions are irrefutable, the benefits of cooperation in areas such as trade, security, climate change, and socio-economic issues often outweigh the costs of complete disengagement. They have to follow the theory of cooperation within confrontation because of indispensable factors, pressures and circumstances. In places like the Middle East, North Korea, or Afghanistan, the U.S. and its allies have at times found it necessary to engage with Russia, China, or other powers in order to manage or resolve conflicts. Diplomacy, cooperation and dialogue are seen as tools to prevent escalation and maintain peace and stability. Global threats in socio-economic areas are important factors, which are forcing them to cooperate. They recognize the necessity of global cooperation for a sustainable future, even as they compete in other arenas.

There are ongoing confrontation and cooperation among major powers of world, such as the USA, China, Russia, Germany, England, North Korea, Israel, Arabs, Iran, India and Pakistan. Despite war like situation, trade wars, technological superiority, and burning territorial disputes these countries are avoiding their utmost to start full-scale war. These Countries are members of United Nations and its allied agencies and collectively collaborating under its charter for humanity.  Despite significant differences in political systems and ideologies, these forums provide a platform for dialogue and cooperation on strategic, socio-economic and peace issues. The importance of these global institutions also plays important role in bringing these powers on one table to sole issues through diplomacy. The world’s major powers also work together in forums like the G20, G7, APEC and other regional forums. These diplomatic engagements contribute for the coordination of economic policies, addressing global crises and fostering discussions on global governance. While the US China and Russia may compete for influence in different regions, they also have a shared interest in preventing conflict from escalating into a full-scale war. In some cases, strategic competition is managed through diplomacy, dialogue, and negotiations, rather than confrontation. Countries also cooperate on managing threats like terrorism, cyber-attacks, or arms proliferation.

These countries have to maintain a degree of stability in their relations. The increasing interdependence and interconnectedness in the world has created a complex situation where these countries are refraining from waging a war to settle burning issues. The fear of enormous economic losses and its adverse spiral effects in the world are deterring them from taking any ultimate action. They are forced to cooperate on strategic and economic issues, despite their differences in ideology, global politics, and interests.

The theory of confrontation within cooperation compelled the United States, its allies, China and Russia to conduct and manage their complicated relations and avoid direct full-scale war through a complex mix of diplomacy, strategic deterrence, and adherence to mutual interests in avoiding catastrophic conflict. Major Powers of the world possesses deadly nuclear weapons hence maintain nuclear weapons under the principle of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD). This theory ensures that any direct military conflict could lead to catastrophic consequences for the entire world. No doubt, they are supporting their allies to confront rivals like in Ukraine, Middle East countries South Asia and Africa. The major powers maintain active military-to-military communication to avoid misunderstandings during high-stakes situations. Despite geopolitical tensions, countries work together on humanitarian issues. The U.S., Russia, China, and others have collaborated on providing humanitarian aid during natural disasters, addressing refugee crises, and fighting pandemics. This cooperation helps mitigate the effects of global crises that affect all countries of world. The heads of states of major powers interact with each other during summits of global and regional forums to address contentious issues and foster dialogue to avert conflict-like situations. The annual meeting of global leaders during the United Nations session helps sort out differences. The major powers understand and realize the future of entire world that helps them to shape their future strategy under the principle of cooperation. Despite tensions and desire to protect their vital global interest, major powers are cooperating on arms control agreements under the auspices of the United Nations.  Arms control remains a crucial mechanism for reducing the risk of escalation among major powers. Under the approach of Cooperation within Confrontation, major powers of the world recognize the global economic consequences of direct conflict. While the United States and its allies impose sanctions on Russia, China and Iran, it stops short of actions that could lead to complete economic collapse, as this could destabilize global economies.  Instead of direct confrontation, the major powers often engage in proxy conflicts by supporting opposing sides. This allows them to advance their geopolitical interests without direct military engagement.

Major Powers understand that a direct war would leave them weakened, benefiting other rising powers. This strategic consideration acts as a deterring factor in their global interactions. They engage in multilateral forums like the UN Security Council to resolve disputes or assert their positions without escalating tensions into open warfare. The major powers of the world navigate their relationship by balancing confrontation within cooperation. Their historical experience of the world wars and Cold War taught them the value of avoiding direct conflict while competing for global influence. Although tensions persist, shared interests in global stability, arms control, and avoiding mutual destruction have thus far prevented major war. The major powers are compelled to maintain a balance of cooperation within confrontation due to a combination of mutual vulnerabilities, shared global responsibilities, and external pressures from other international and regional pressures.

After the end of Cold War, the ideological struggle between Capitalism, Communism and Islamic ideology ended, paving the way for multipolar dynamics. Islamic ideology played a pivotal role in the geopolitical reshaping of international Relations and global System especially following the occupation of Afghanistan by USSR. The both superpower lost their resources in a landlocked country Afghanistan that became their graveyard. The USSR lost its status of superpower and disintegrated and new countries emerged in the Central Asia. USA lost its trillions of dollar for noting and left the Afghanistan with empty handed. The post-9/11 world demonstrated how non-state actors and ideology-driven groups could directly challenge the global superpower, leading to prolonged conflicts and reshaping international relations.

These non-state actors were created by these powers to damage the interest of opponent. The actions of non-state actors, which are clandestinely, supported by opposing countries. The non-state actors have assumed a powerful position that they can cause huge damage to the global and national interest of entire world. These non-state actors has created instability and threatened global trade and peace. The threat to global and national interest of major countries and their allies forced them to cooperate in confrontation for their survival. Major Powers and blocs maintain differences in ideology, economic competition, military positioning, and territorial disputes. China claims Taiwan its part while USA and its allies opposing its stance and resisting. USA has vast difference with China over trade yet maintains relations and refrains from ultimate action against China. It is due to cooperation within confrontation.

Economic necessity and Application of the Theory

Economic Interdependence has forced entire world to cooperate with each other even countries like the USA and China are cooperating despite differences on many global issues. It is a fact that their economies are deeply intertwined, making full-scale confrontation unwanted. Despite confrontations, countries work collectively on common interests and sincerely working to fight against Pandemics, health, poverty, climate crises and other social issues without any discrimination under the charter of United Nations. Countries are supplying aid to poor countries on socio-economic issues facing humanity. They execute Collective action plans through economic diplomacy and collective dialogue of major powers. Countries are Interdependent upon each other on global trade. The world is witnessing emergence of Multipolarity due to economic interdependence. Smaller powers like Japan, France, Germany, Turkey, India, Saudi Arabia, and Iran are increasingly asserting their influence through cooperation with all countries of world.

In the current global dynamics, total war is increasingly untenable due to globalization, fear of mutual destruction, and interconnected interests. The "Theory of Confrontation within Cooperation" may guide future frameworks for understanding complex alliances, rivalries, and shared challenges in an era dominated by pragmatism over ideology. Confrontation and cooperation are not mutually exclusive but rather simultaneous phenomena shaping the global order. The current global system has become complex and powerful where cooperation and confrontation is enforced by the global norms and international law. New concept of interaction among stronger and weaker states has emerged in global System.

It is fact that domestic politics and world public opinion exert enormous influence on state's actions. The theory pushes world towards Sustainable Coexistence essential for human progress and development. The theory is highly relevant today, as survival hinges on balancing confrontation with cooperation in an era marked by unprecedented global challenges. The theory emphasizes that in this interconnected era, survival depends not on defeating adversaries but on finding ways to coexist sustainably. The "Theory of Confrontation within Cooperation" provided future frameworks for understanding complex alliances, rivalries, and shared challenges in an era dominated by pragmatism over ideology. Total war is increasingly untenable due to globalization, mutual destruction risks, and interconnected interests and shaping the global order. This perspective acknowledges that confrontation within cooperation are not mutually exclusive but rather simultaneous phenomena shaping the global order.  The relationships between major global powers like the USA and Russia, USA and China, and China and India can be effectively managed through the Theory of Cooperation within Confrontation. This theory aptly reflects the reality that they are compelled to cooperate in specific areas due to mutual dependencies and shared global challenges.

In present era, mutual dependence has compelled entire world to be within the boundaries of cooperative fields. One mistake would engulf the world into uncontrollable anarchy. None of these nations is in a position to dominate the others, creating a dynamic of relative restraint. Active global powers USA, Russia and China are unable to resist the passive powers in the global affairs. The voice of passive powers is enormous and even active powers cannot resist them in international forums.

The Theory of Cooperation within Confrontation transcends older theories like realism or liberalism, which often emphasize one dimension either conflict or cooperation. In today’s multipolar and interconnected world, major powers have taken adaptive strategies in navigating complex relationships without resorting to extremes. In a world defined by interdependence, states are managing their conflicting and competing interests without descending into complete conflict. Whether, it is USA - Russia, USA - China, China-India, Arab and Israel, Iran and West and EU - World.  States always try to gain ultimate share but do not cross the line and reach an agreeable agreement. States have become economically and strategically interdependent due to complexities of modern technology and application international Law. Complicated interconnected International politics has realized and forced the major powers the necessity and indispensability of peaceful Coexistence as seen in post World War II Franco-German reconciliation despite historical conflict, détente between USA and Russia after the end of cold war, Arabs and Israel pacts despite wars, Pakistan and India despite war like situation, and India and China. 

Global Trade has superseded global confrontations. The global institution has assumed unprecedented strength with the active support of passive powers. Their capacity to cope international socio-economic issues has enhanced tremendously. They are achieving success never seen in the past. They are encouraging cooperation and discouraging confrontation, and working for entire world without discrimination. In their work there is no room for race, class, caste, ethnicity and religion, which were seen in the past as divisive between human beings. There is growing respect for cultural, racial, and religious differences, based not on coercive balances of power, but on mutual understanding and acknowledged interdependence.

Archenemies Arafat and Rabin realized the futility of confrontation cooperated for making peace in the Middle East. The Abram pact between Arabs and Israel validate the success of theory of Cooperation and Cooperation. The normalization of relations between USA, Russia, China, EU and India despite trade and tariff war started by US is product of this theory. The thaw in North Korean relations with both the US and South Korea following North Korea's voluntary freeze on nuclear weapons development and South Korea's lifting of the ban on trade with the North. Global strategies for securing strategic interests have shifted from coercive to cooperative tendencies because of transnational economic, financial, and other forms of cooperation essential for peace and development. This contributed to stabilizing international relations and resolving conflicts through diplomatic channels.  The unprecedented modern technological revolution and communications revolutions have created a profound shift in international relations. Mass communication and advancement in technology is giving way to mutual understanding among peoples,

This theory would save the world from a third World War, provided its tenets are followed by the countries of the world and global institutions play its role effectively.  

Prof Dr Qayum Mangi, Principal, College of Superior Services, Sukkur, Sindh.