By Yasir Masood
As the 20th century drew to a close, Samuel Huntington’s 1996 book, The Clash of Civilizations, predicted that humanity’s future would be shaped by cultural and religious realpolitik, reinforcing a Western-dominated world order.
In contrast, by the dawn of the 21st century in 2006, Chinese philosophy introduced the concept of a “Community of Shared Future” for all, aimed at fostering a clasp of civilizations rather than a clash, promoting a global order grounded in peaceful coexistence. Building on this vision, Chinese President Xi Jinping launched the Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI) in March 2023, following the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, collectively termed “Xiplomacy.”
The GCI is gaining global traction, providing a framework for strengthening cultural identity, promoting sustainable development, and fostering regional cooperation. Indonesia, for example, blends GCI principles with its economy, with its handicraft export industry contributing $1.35 billion in 2021 while preserving cultural heritage. African nations like Kenya, which saw 7.5% GDP growth in 2021, along with Ethiopia and South Africa, use the GCI to pursue sustainable development and protect cultural legacies. Russia employs the GCI to counter Western narratives, emphasizing cross-cultural dialogue and sustainable urban growth, as Moscow’s population is expected to grow by 10% by 2035. Kazakhstan and Tajikistan use the GCI to revive Silk Road ties and enhance regional connectivity, with Kazakhstan’s economy growing by 3.3% in 2022 and Tajikistan’s by 7.2%. These examples highlight how the GCI serves as a compelling alternative to the Western “Clash of Civilisations” narrative.
Internally, the GCI places strong emphasis on sustainability, environmental stewardship, robust institutions, and effective governance as keys to long-term prosperity. China’s success in lifting over 850 million people out of poverty, according to the World Bank, illustrates the power of a strategic, unified national vision. This transformation, often attributed to Confucian principles like societal harmony and merit-based governance, offers lessons for other nations, including Pakistan.
Unfortunately, Pakistan’s deep alignment with Western influences has significantly reshaped its geopolitical, economic, and cultural structures. While this westernization brought some benefits, it also eroded the country’s cultural values and altered its core identity. One result of this shift is the decline in indigenous languages, with only 8% of the population speaking Urdu as their first language, while 44% speak Punjabi. This decline has weakened national unity and disconnected many from their cultural heritage. Restoring Pakistan’s cultural independence is crucial for fostering social cohesion, inclusive progress, and a strong national identity.
Economically, Pakistan’s volatile growth history, ranging from 1.1% growth in 2019 to 6% in 2022, highlights instability caused by inconsistent policies and external dependencies. One way to stabilize the economy while preserving its heritage is by following China’s approach of integrating traditional crafts into the modern economy. This strategy could bring economic benefits, reduce poverty, and preserve cultural legacies. However, achieving long-term stability requires a comprehensive national strategy that addresses internal conflicts, promotes societal cohesion, and aligns political, social, and economic objectives. Establishing such alignment is vital to tackling national challenges and securing a sustainable future.
The GCI’s emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship is particularly relevant to Pakistan’s needs. According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2021, Pakistan ranks as the 8th most vulnerable country to climate change, making it essential to incorporate sustainable practices into national policies. To mitigate climate change’s impact, Pakistan must prioritize sustainable agriculture, reduce carbon emissions, and invest in renewable energy. These initiatives are crucial for ensuring a prosperous and resilient future.
In terms of development models, China’s success is often credited to its state-driven approach, rooted in Confucian values such as family respect, societal harmony, and meritocracy. Rather than merely reacting to global trends, Pakistan should leverage its civilisational strengths to drive technological progress. Pakistan can foster future discoveries by capitalizing on historical achievements in science, architecture, and art. Embracing a culture of learning that nurtures creativity and critical thinking—values embedded in Pakistan’s history but neglected in recent years—can rejuvenate these fields and propel the country forward.
Before Pakistan can engage effectively with China’s GCI, it must first reconnect with its own rich cultural heritage. By adopting GCI principles such as accountability, transparency, and optimized public services, Pakistan can lay the foundation for long-term stability and prosperity. The key question, however, is whether Pakistan is ready to redefine its place in the evolving world.
Despite these challenges, Pakistan has ample opportunities to realign its identity with the GCI’s Eastern orientation. This framework allows Pakistan to revive its language, culture, and civilisation while tailoring the initiative’s principles to fit its unique characteristics. By preserving a distinct Pakistani identity, the nation can redefine its global connections through Pakistaniat—the essence of its way of life—and strengthen its position both regionally and globally.
Author: Yasir Masood – Beijing-based Political and Security Analyst. He is also a Broadcast Journalist and a Strategic Communication Expert. He is a Senior Research Fellow at the Global Governance Institute in Beijing, as well as a Political and Security Analyst, Broadcast Journalist, and Strategic Communication Expert. His expertise spans geopolitical dynamics, security issues, Chinese affairs, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He provides in-depth analysis and commentary on international relations across global media platforms and policy think tanks.
(The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of World Geostrategic Insights).