Seminar

Sargodha, October 09, 2024, Department of Politics and International Relations UoS organized a seminar titled "Major Power Rivalries", focusing on the current global political landscape and its implications. The seminar was attended by a large number of students, faculty members, and experts in the field of international relations, creating a vibrant atmosphere for critical discussion.

The seminar was graced by Prof. Dr. Mian Ghulam Yaseen, Pro Vice Chancellor, University of Sargodha, Dr. Muhammad Saeed U Zaman, Assistant Professor Department of International Relations, National University of Modern Languages, Dr. Muhammad Usman, Assistant Professor Department of Management Sciences, and National University of modern languages, Prof. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed, Chairperson Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Sargodha.

Prof. Dr. Mian Ghulam Yaseen highlighted the historical and contemporary context of major power rivalries. He emphasized how competition between global powers has shaped international relations, often leading to wars, economic sanctions, and proxy conflicts. He warned about the dangers of unchecked power competition, particularly in an age where nuclear weapons and economic interdependence make conflict more catastrophic.

Dr. Saeed U Zaman emphasized that we are no longer in a world of clear-cut alliances and cold war binaries. Instead, we face a complex, interconnected world where military, economic, technological, and ideological competitions overlap in ways that defy easy solutions. He stressed that for the policymakers of tomorrow, the challenge will be to understand these complexities and to craft strategies that preserve peace, promote stability, and protect the interests of their nations. He said that it is a time for thoughtful diplomacy, for alliances based on common values, and for institutions that can adapt to the new realities of global power politics.

Dr. Muhammad Usman shed light on the economic consequences of global power rivalries. He explained how the US-China trade war has disrupted global supply chains and affected economies worldwide. "The economic power struggle between the US and China is not just limited to trade tariffs. It has far-reaching implications for technological advancements, with both countries striving to outdo each other in areas like artificial intelligence, 5G technology, and quantum computing," he concluded.

Prof. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed synthesized the key points raised by the speakers. He emphasized the importance of understanding the underlying causes of major power rivalries and the need for academic discourse to address these complex issues. "The students of today are the policymakers of tomorrow. It is imperative that we equip them with the knowledge and analytical skills to navigate the global power dynamics," Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed said.