TWO significant global developments are influencing Pakistan’s foreign policy, allowing it to pursue national interests more independently, especially in areas like the economy, job creation and public services. These developments are Latin America’s independent stance on the Venezuelan elections and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s advocacy for a return to the nation-state model in Europe.
In Latin America, the region’s leftist leaders have taken a non-aligned approach to the Venezuelan crisis, choosing not to align with Western powers. This stance represents a shift from the past practice of supporting Western-led sanctions and interventions which often exacerbated crises and undermined democratic institutions. By adopting a more independent foreign policy, Latin American countries are demonstrating a commitment to resolving regional issues on their terms, without external interference.
Orban’s vision for Europe, centred on the restoration of the nation-state model, also aligns with the growing trend towards regional independence. He advocates for Europe to pivot towards Asia, recognizing countries like China, India, Pakistan and Indonesia as future global powers. Orban argues that Europe should develop independent foreign policies that serve national interests rather than following the dictates of globalization or post-national ideologies.
As the rotating EU Council President, Orban introduced a three-step EU foreign policy aimed at restoring Europe’s greatness. First, he recommends ceasing support for the Ukraine war, suggesting that Ukraine should return to its status as a buffer state and remain outside NATO and the EU. According to Orban, the current EU policy on Ukraine is leading to diplomatic isolation, as the rest of the world seeks peace. Second, Orban urges the EU to pivot towards Asia, recognizing the region’s growing influence in the global order. He argues that Europe is currently following an outdated foreign policy that is detrimental to its interests and that a shift towards Asia could secure Europe’s future in a multipolar world. Third, Orban calls for internal EU reforms, including decentralizing power from Brussels to individual nation-states and shifting to the right on social issues like immigration.
Orban’s efforts, including a Ukraine peace mission to Moscow, Beijing and Washington, highlight the need for Europe to adopt a more independent and pragmatic approach to foreign policy. However, his vision faces resistance within the EU, as seen in the partial boycott of Hungary’s EU Council presidency and the call for an alternative foreign affairs summit. Despite these challenges, Orban’s advocacy for nation-state policies is gaining traction in Europe.
For Pakistan, these global shifts present an opportunity to align with like-minded countries and secure its national interests in a multipolar world. By strengthening relations with Hungary and other friendly EU member states, Pakistan can pursue initiatives such as restoring direct PIA flights, reindustrializing the economy, renationalizing public services and creating jobs. Additionally, Pakistan can focus on worker training to meet the demands of local and foreign economies, particularly in countries facing labour shortages in STEM fields.
To safeguard its sovereignty and strengthen democracy, Pakistan must resist external pressures that enforce foreign policies detrimental to its national interests. By aligning with the global trend towards nation-state policies and pursuing an independent foreign policy, Pakistan can ensure that its actions directly benefit its people and contribute to a more stable and prosperous future in a rapidly changing world.
—The writer is senior political analyst based in Islamabad.
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