The West is Sinking! Is BRICS Building a New Economic Order?

“The West is collapsing in on itself! Meanwhile, the rest of the world is rapidly developing in ways most people in the West are totally unaware of!” These are the dire warnings of Hussein Askary, prominent geopolitical analyst and Vice President of the Belt and Road Institute in Sweden.

In a recent interview, Askary sat down with Professor Hasan Ünal to discuss the changing face of global power. From the collapse of Western economies to the terrifying reality of outdated military strategies, Askary paints a picture of a world on the brink. But it’s not all doom and gloom! According to Askary, there are solutions — if only Western leaders would open their eyes!

A World on the Precipice: The NATO Summit and a Deafening Silence

Askary didn’t mince words when it came to the recent NATO summit. The declaration, he argues, was a dangerous flight forward; an escalation towards military solutions in a world where such strategies are not only ineffective but downright dangerous.

Even more concerning was what the summit didn’t address:

• A Shocking Lack of Diplomacy: The complete absence of any mention of diplomacy with Russia or China, preferring instead to demonize and blame.
• The Deafening Silence on Gaza: The most egregious omission, according to Askary, was the complete failure to address the horrific crimes occurring in Gaza, proving just how detached Western leaders are from global realities.

Beyond the Headlines: Understanding the Shift in Global Power

To understand the current geopolitical landscape, Askary urges us to look beyond the daily headlines and examine the bigger picture:

• The Global Power Shift to the East: The rise of China, along with the development of Southeast Asia and India, is reshaping global economics.
• The Fall of the West: It’s not some external force causing the decline of the West; rather, Askary posits that the West is crumbling under the weight of its own internal economic and social failings.

A 1995 Prediction and the Crumbling Foundation of Western Economies

Way back in 1995, economist Lyndon LaRouche warned of the dangers facing Western economic systems. Using a simple chart, he illustrated the unsustainable shift away from investment in the real economy (infrastructure, technology, education) in favor of the financial markets. As Askary points out, LaRouche predicted the 2008 financial crash — and his analysis of the continued overreliance on a “casino” financial system remains strikingly relevant.

Beyond Zero-Sum Games: A New Paradigm for Global Progress

So, where do we go from here? Askary points to several key solutions:

• Ditching Zero-Sum Thinking: The antiquated belief that one nation’s gain is another’s loss is not only false but dangerous.
• Embracing Economic Development as a Path to Peace: Investing in real-world solutions like infrastructure, water resources, and industrialization (like China’s Belt and Road Initiative) offers a collaborative model for a more prosperous and peaceful future.

Hope on the Horizon? The Rise of BRICS and a New World Order

Is there a light at the end of this rather dark tunnel? Askary finds a glimmer of hope in organizations like BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa). BRICS, he argues, isn’t anti-West; rather, it offers an alternative model of collaboration and economic development — a model proving incredibly attractive to developing nations. The establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB), as an alternative to the Western-dominated financial system, is a pivotal step towards this new order.

Beyond BRICS: Turkey’s Pivotal Role and the Shifting Tides of Power

Askary also highlights Turkey’s unique position in this new landscape. Though a NATO member, Turkey’s burgeoning relationships with Russia, China, and the Arab world, alongside its interest in BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), mark it as a key bridge between East and West.

Can We Avert Disaster? The Need for New Thinking (and New Leaders!)

The million-dollar question remains: can we avert disaster? Askary stresses the urgency of the situation — the metaphorical “sword of Damocles” hanging over humanity, thanks to the US’s position as a nuclear superpower.

He remains cautiously optimistic, however, finding hope in:

• The Rise of New Leadership — Askary highlights the potential for new leaders to emerge, both in the US (perhaps with a Trump return?) and in Europe, where anti-establishment sentiment is on the rise.
• Grassroots Movements for Change — It’s not just about elections; the growing discontent among young people over issues like the situation in Gaza offers hope that change may yet come from the ground up.

The Future is Not Yet Written: A Call to Action

The future, as they say, is not yet written. But one thing is clear: clinging to an outdated worldview of zero-sum games and military might will only lead to destruction. As Askary poignantly concludes, the rest of the world isn’t going to wait for the West to wake up. It’s time to abandon the old ways and embrace a new paradigm — one built on collaboration, economic justice, and true global partnership.

FAQs

1. What is BRICS and why is it important?

BRICS is an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. It represents a powerful bloc of emerging economies challenging the existing world order. BRICS is significant because it champions an alternative model of development based on cooperation, South-South collaboration, and the establishment of new financial institutions like the NDB.

2. Why is the Belt and Road Initiative significant?

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a massive infrastructure development project that spans across continents. It’s important because it embodies the concept of win-win cooperation and fosters economic growth by connecting nations through improved transportation, energy grids, and telecommunications.

3. What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)?

The SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance. It plays a critical role in maintaining regional stability, combating terrorism, and promoting economic cooperation among its member states.

4. What is the significance of Lyndon LaRouche’s 1995 prediction?

Lyndon LaRouche’s 1995 warning highlighted the dangers of the West’s overreliance on financial markets at the expense of investing in the real economy. This prediction, which accurately foreshadowed the 2008 financial crisis, remains relevant as it exposes the fundamental flaws of Western economic systems.

5. What role can individuals play in shaping a new world order?

While it may seem daunting, individuals can drive change by:

• Educating Themselves: Understanding the issues and looking beyond mainstream narratives is key.
• Supporting Leaders and Organizations Aligned with Change: Voting, campaigning, and raising awareness all contribute to a better future.
• Embracing Global Citizenship: Engaging in cross-cultural dialogue and building bridges with people from different backgrounds fosters a more interconnected and empathetic world.

Video Source https://youtu.be/ywu0b8c5Ls8?si=vijphlMHYO70TPBZ