KARACHI:
We are living in the age of narratives. Crafting and executing narratives allow countries to win over friends in the international community and gain their support at global forums. A country’s economic prowess also determines its global standing. The growth of electronic media has also contributed to how countries are perceived globally.
India is a case in point which has shown remarkable success on all three indicators. It is ranked as the world’s top performing economies. The conducive environment offered by the country has attracted massive investment. India has become a relevant global actor that cannot be ignored. India’s defence and economic potential have compelled the US to become close allies with it. India has also managed a delicate balance in its foreign relations by maintaining close ties with Russia as well. Consequently, the country derives huge diplomatic support because of its economic clout which serves its national interests well.
India’s extensive outreach efforts to maintain close cooperation with its diaspora have further allowed the country to advance interests in global power corridors. India also leads in fifth-generation warfare by mounting aggressive social media campaigns. This is evident from remarkably successful Indian campaigns to malign Pakistan by linking the latter with terrorism despite an altogether different ground reality. These examples carry lessons for Pakistan to set its house in order to secure its rightful place internationally. It needs to mount intense diplomatic campaigns to apprise the world of the heroic efforts of law enforcement agencies to root out terrorism by rendering invaluable sacrifices. Moreover, all stakeholders should commit to strengthening the country economically to gain leverage in the global power centres.
Asad Aziz
Khushab
Published in The Express Tribune, May 2nd, 2023.
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