Muslim countries need flexible strategic framework to enhance collective security
A book, ‘Muslim NATO’ written by Brig. (retd) Abdul Rahman Bilal (SJ) was unveiled at Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) here on Tuesday.
The timely compilation calls for developing a flexible and multi-layered strategic framework among Muslim-majority countries to enhance collective security, interoperability and regional stability, saying the changing global order has created strategic space for middle powers to play a greater role.
Speaking at the launch of his book, Brig. (retd) Abdul Rahman Bilal (SJ) said the international system was moving from a unipolar order towards multipolarity, while the rise of middle powers was creating new strategic opportunities.
He said Muslim countries had so far not been able to optimally mobilize their collective potential, warranting a comprehensive assessment of the global strategic environment, geography, strategic chokepoints and socio-economic factors.
The author said the book examined the global and regional environment, various forms of strategic alignment and the concept of a possible Islamic alliance.
He noted that strategic partnerships were no longer limited to a binary choice between formal alliances and non-alignment, as states could adopt multiple forms of cooperation depending on their strategic requirements and the level of commitment involved.
Brigadier (R) Bilal cited NATO as an example of a formal defence alliance, highlighting Article 5 as its core principle, along with extensive standardization and interoperability mechanisms.
He proposed that Muslim countries explore different forms of strategic cooperation, ranging from formal defence arrangements and supportive interventions to economic and diplomatic instruments and de-escalation mechanisms such as ceasefire arrangements and crisis-management channels.
The author stressed that any proposed Islamic alliance should avoid rigid or exclusionary thinking and instead adopt a flexible framework with multiple avenues for participation based on varying degrees of operational cooperation.
He also proposed establishing hotlines with other countries and international organizations to help prevent crises and facilitate timely communication during periods of tension.
Brigadier Bilal identified five pathways for translating the concept of a strategic alliance into practical reality: development of alliances, human resource development, infrastructure and connectivity development, joint military-industrial complex development, and enhanced interoperability through intelligence sharing and logistics cooperation.
He said human resource development could create a common talent pool, while infrastructure development should focus on interconnected defence and military universities, border infrastructure and regional connectivity.
He stressed that a joint military-industrial complex should encompass complete manufacturing chains, including trade diplomacy, technical cooperation, mining, acquisition, strategic reserves, research and development and production. Such cooperation, he said, could generate strategic synergy by mobilizing all elements of national power and linking political direction with operational preparedness, rapid mobilization, deterrence, standardization and long-term development.
