Why Muslim-majority countries, despite having significant natural and human resources are lacking behind in global Politics?

 Why Muslim-majority countries, despite having significant natural and human resources are lacking behind in global Politics?

The situation is complicated and rooted in a combination of historical, political, economic, and social factors. Despite vast resources, many Muslim-majority countries have struggled to achieve lasting stability and prosperity due to a combination of poor governance, external interference, internal divisions, and reliance on foreign powers. This dependence on Western countries for military support, economic aid, political backing has often come at the cost of their sovereignty and independent development.

1. Historical Factors: Colonialism and the Legacy of Western Powers.

Many Muslim-majority countries were once under colonial rule by European powers (British, French, Dutch,). This colonial experience left deep scars on these countries, as their political, economic, and social structures were heavily shaped by foreign powers with little regard for local customs or needs. Post-Colonial Struggles for achieving political and economic independence were hindered by the past ruler in the name of combating Communism. After gaining independence, many of these countries faced struggles to establish stable governance, with weak institutions and fragile economies. The colonial powers often drew artificial borders that grouped together different ethnic, religious, and cultural groups, causing internal divisions that still exist today.

2. Political Instability and Governance Issues.

Many Muslim-majority countries have faced political instability due to military coups, authoritarian regimes, or weak democratic institutions. Corruption is a huge problem in many of these states, where leaders often prioritize personal or group wealth over the welfare of the population. This has led to inefficient governance and a lack of progress in economic and social development. There is often a lack of political unity within these countries, especially when it comes to leadership and political agendas. For example, ideological divisions (such as between Sunni and Shia Muslims) can be exploited by political elites, undermining national unity and making it easier for outside powers to influence internal affairs.

3. Dependency on External Powers.

Many Muslim-majority countries, especially in the Middle East, rely heavily on trade with Western countries, particularly in oil and gas exports. This economic dependence has often led them to align with the political and military interests of Western powers. For instance, the U.S. has long supported some regimes in the Middle East in exchange for stable oil prices and access to energy resources. Some Muslim countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt, are heavily dependent on military assistance and aid from the U.S. and its allies. In exchange, these countries often align with Western policies, even if they don’t necessarily reflect the interests of the broader population. The presence of foreign military bases or influence also compromises their sovereignty and makes it harder for them to pursue independent policies.

4. Geopolitical Rivalries.

Many Muslim countries are caught in regional conflicts and rivalries that make it hard to achieve internal stability. For example, the rivalry between Saudi Arabia (a Sunni-majority country) and Iran (a Shia-majority country) has led to proxy wars in places like Yemen and Syria, destabilizing the region further. Muslim countries are under the Western Influence in all fields. Western powers often play a role in these rivalries. the US has supported certain Middle Eastern countries (like Saudi Arabia) in order to counterbalance the influence of others (like Iran). These external interventions sometimes exacerbate conflicts rather than resolving them, and they can keep countries divided and weak.

5. Social and Economic Challenges.

Unemployment and Poverty: Despite having vast natural resources, many Muslim-majority countries still face significant economic challenges. High unemployment, poverty, and a lack of investment in education and healthcare hinder their growth and development. In some cases, the wealth from resources like oil hasn’t been effectively reinvested in the country to improve infrastructure or diversify the economy. Many countries have not invested enough in education, innovation, or research to develop a knowledge-based economy. As a result, many of these countries remain dependent on exporting raw materials rather than developing more sophisticated industries or technologies.

6. Cultural and Religious Divides.

The political landscape in many Muslim-majority countries is shaped by sectarian divisions, particularly between Sunni and Shia Muslims, or between different ethnic groups. These divisions are often manipulated by political leaders to maintain control or by external actors seeking to exploit weaknesses. Extremist ideologies have also plagued some parts of the Muslim world, leading to violence and instability. Groups like ISIS or al-Qaeda have exploited the lack of political stability, economic despair, and religious tensions to recruit followers. The rulers are always supporting extremist groups against each other. These groups often take advantage of local grievances and help spread extremist interpretations of Islam, which can lead to even more instability.

7. Western Policies and Influence.

Many Muslim countries have been subjected to military intervention, regime change, or foreign-backed coups by Western countries. The U.S., in particular, has been involved in numerous interventions in the Middle East and North Africa, such as the Iraq War in 2003 and the ongoing involvement in Afghanistan. These interventions often destabilize the region further and create long-lasting consequences that make it harder for these countries to regain control over their own destinies. While some Western nations provide aid to Muslim-majority countries, this often comes with strings attached. Loans and aid packages can deepen a country’s debt and lead to policies that benefit foreign corporations and governments rather than the local population. In some cases, aid is tied to the implementation of specific economic or political reforms that align with Western interests.

8. Internal Divisions and Lack of Reform

In many cases, the governments in Muslim-majority countries resist meaningful reform. Some are afraid of losing power or face pressure from religious or political elites to maintain the status quo. This resistance to reform has kept many of these countries from addressing core issues like human rights, gender equality, or democratic governance. These countries are lacking political will to implement reforms due to internal and external pressures. There is also often a lack of a strong civil society in many Muslim-majority countries. In places where civil rights are restricted or where freedom of speech is limited, it's difficult for citizens to advocate for change or hold their governments accountable. The ruling elite is not allowing human development on the contrary suppressing human rights and human development. However, it's also important to note that not all Muslim-majority countries are in the same position. Countries like Turkey, Malaysia, and Indonesia, for example, have managed to achieve a certain level of political stability and economic development. Ultimately, the path to overcoming these challenges will require meaningful reform, stronger governance, and greater unity among the countries of the Muslim world.

Prof Dr Qayum Mangi

Principal

College of Superior Services

Sukkur Sindh