A close examination of the contemporary political realities of the Arab world reveals a troubling pattern of institutional dependence. It appears that state policies are no longer grounded in genuine self-reliance. Rather, politics, economics, defence, and security all seem to operate within an invisible framework of control exercised by powerful foreign states.
In exchange for this dependence, Arab states appear to be quietly surrendering a substantial part of their sovereign identity and decision-making autonomy in an effort to ensure the continuity of their regimes. Compounding this problem is a lifestyle of luxury, extravagance, and self-indulgence that seems to shield them from confronting the harsh realities of their circumstances.
Against this backdrop, major powers appear to be using Arab states as strategic pawns on a geopolitical chessboard—sometimes treating them as allies, at other times as instruments for advancing their own interests, but rarely as equal partners. Consequently, the scope for independent policymaking is gradually shrinking, while a silent culture of dependence, subordination, and unquestioning compliance is taking root.
At the same time, the rise of regional powers is making these vulnerabilities even more apparent. Iran and other regional actors are seeking to expand their influence by capitalizing on this situation—a familiar feature of international politics. Where the balance of power is weak, the expansion of influence by stronger actors becomes increasingly likely.
Yet this reality is not confined to any single ideology or religious community. History has repeatedly demonstrated that when power becomes concentrated in the hands of a few, it often translates into a tendency to dominate others, regardless of whether the actors identify as Shia, Sunni, or belong to any other group. Conflicts in different regions and historical periods bear witness to this reality.
For example, the brutal treatment of Kurdish populations in Iraq and the recent tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan illustrate that shared identity alone cannot guarantee freedom from conflict. Rather, imbalances of power and competing political interests often become the principal drivers of confrontation, even when the parties involved share a common religious or communal identity.
Yet, in terms of their potential, the Arab world is by no means weak. Its abundant natural resources, substantial economic foundations, and strategically significant geographical position could enable it to emerge as an independent and influential pole in global politics.
Coordinated military cooperation and strategic collaboration are not mere fantasies; they represent realistic and attainable possibilities.
Nevertheless, the prevailing circumstances give the impression that the Arab states are unlikely to pursue this path. Instead of moving towards greater strategic autonomy, their decisions often appear to be influenced by the attractions of political security, regime preservation, and a life of luxury. As a result, the difficult but sustainable path towards self-reliance and genuine independence is gradually fading from view.
The most troubling aspect of this situation is the apparent tendency to shift blame onto others rather than engage in serious self-criticism. Sometimes regional rivals are blamed; at other times, global powers are held responsible. This endless cycle of accusations may provide temporary psychological relief, but it does little to open up an effective path towards meaningful change. Instead, divisive narratives and mutual distrust make the situation even more complicated and unstable.
Regrettably, this mindset is also evident among their supporters. They, too, remain trapped in the same cycle, sometimes invoking the Sunni–Shia divide and sometimes fuelling it, thereby intensifying tensions. Consequently, the very problems that require resolution become even more complex.
Yet history offers a clear lesson: a society that cannot honestly acknowledge its own limitations and weaknesses will never be able to build its future on a firm foundation.
Therefore, the most urgent task facing the Arab world is to recognize its internal weaknesses and limitations before identifying external adversaries. Breaking free from the chains of dependence, establishing a foundation of self-reliance, and constructing an effective and coordinated security framework could provide a viable path towards sustainable progress.
Otherwise, the superficial security concealed beneath a veneer of luxury will eventually prove fragile. Dependence on regional and global powers may then gradually turn into unconditional submission. Ultimately, the harsh reality of prolonged subordination may replace the independence they ought to have secured.