By Zabih Ullah Khattak (Pakistan)

Shifting of Power is part of this evolving world and every subject is tending to be changed whether after a year, decade or a century. Conjoining the series of events, the world was not looking as today but could portray a dissimilar picture having dominance of those who shattered the world by their orders.

Digging into history one can reach the conclusion that today’s rulers are tomorrow’s ruled. In 4th and 5th century Roman empire, Gupta empire, Sasanian empire were sheer power holders and molded world structure as they wanted and consequently enlarged their dominance. Following these gigantic powers, Islam emerged as a socio-political giant and changed the world upside down by its determined followers.

Moreover, the candid and diligent leadership of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing upon Him) stacked them united and showed their utmost allegiance to the protection of their faith and exercising the tenet of brotherhood as well as culminating their energies. Nevertheless, the following centuries altered the dominance of the Muslim and the basket of the power was changing towards Europe. Likewise, Europe was relegated with several social fluctuations but in 11th and 12th centuries their fate was changing and the power dynamic was getting fixation into their system. On one hand Muslims were engaged in the dismantling of one another on the other hand the Europeans were magnetizing their energies to take the driving seats.

Although, the power changing does not happen in an hour, day or year but it may take centuries. Similarly, the Muslims were not thrown out in a few decades but it took centuries. Despite the fact that Europe was mobilizing and getting the upward trajectory the Muslims were not dethroned for centuries. Following the Muslims power struggle, the Europeans were instilling their energies into policy making.

Furthermore, their intellectual and cognitive lenses strengthen their belief that power can be acquired not only with a sword but also through policy making. Long story short, the steering of power was handed over to them and they began their ruling. As they intended to this time an age of renaissance, Europe reached to the panicle of development and every aspect of social, political and economic development took its upward trajectory. Adding to that, Europe emerged as a single economy which held its dominance and shored its profit by maximizing its area.

Lastly, time came when the feeble structure of the Muslim ruling was diminished. Europe, especially the United Kingdom was reluctant to boast up their power and accomplish the ultimate power of the world into their hands. Adding to that, the pace to all these drastic changes into Europe was not smooth but faced several discrepancies.  During this time period, UK and France followed by the Hungarian empire, Ottoman empires were engaged in bloody wars like hundred years of war between France and UK, war of Austerlitz, battle of Pelosi etc are battles which relinquished the world with despair.

Fast forward to 19th and 20th century where power dynamics took a next level of advancement by providing technological advancement pushing their industries to manufacture maximum items. Moreover, the industrial revolution embarked on a new race for economic dominance. The commencement of World War II was an initial thaw for the power transferring from Europe to another silent giant_ the USA_. Following the destructive war, America came to the realm of power and started its work to control the world. In the middle of WWI and WWII, America devised plans to fortify its political, social and economic system. As these developments were taking, the world once again faced-off with another bloody war which caused millions of civilian casualties and slashed top economies to their knees. Dropping of the nuclear bombs closed the chapter and America took the leading role by calling itself a perfect system. On the other hand, the USSR emerged a threatening power to the USA which embarked on another musical chair game with the incursion of both the power into cold war. This cold war froze the power struggle and remained without result as they both were busied in proxy wars. Although the war had not ended in 45 years both the powers were not only focused on war but also continued explorations and innovations resulted in technological advancement.

As the USSR invaded Afghanistan and remained there for 10 years, it reduced its power and weakened its system to give a pace to the USA to take an overtake. Furthermore, the American capitalist writers declared this triumph an end of history. Following these developments, Americans believed that our system is a perfect system forgetting about the historical successes which could not remain forever.

In conclusion, one can say that power is not static but changes with passage of time as currently we can see that America’s power has been facing threat from another lying giant China, which is fast forwarding taking center stage in development.