ISLAMABAD, Aug 11 (APP):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 …
Muslim countries need flexible strategic framework to enhance collective security: Brig. (R) Abdul Rahman
ISLAMABAD, Aug 11 (APP):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.
The author also proposed establishing institutions of excellence, including a dedicated defence university and a modern, futuristic headquarters that could go beyond conventional tri-service structures.
He said these institutions should engage internationally, generate productive research outputs and develop practical applications to meet emerging security and technological challenges.
Discussing the fourth chapter which deals with defence clusters, Brigadier Bilal noted that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) comprises 57 member states, 48 of which have Muslim-majority populations.
He suggested that Muslim countries could develop regionally coordinated defence clusters to promote preparedness, deterrence and stability.
Beginning with the western region, he highlighted Morocco as an emerging power with strategic significance and said regional clusters could provide Muslim countries with greater strategic access and enhance their collective capacity.
He said the proposed framework should evolve gradually through clusters and interconnected institutions, building upon initiatives such as the Makkah Declaration.
Brigadier Bilal emphasized that the objective of such cooperation should not be directed against any particular country but should focus on peace, stability, deterrence, collective resilience and protection of the legitimate interests of Muslim countries.
The book launch was attended by former senior military officials, diplomats, policymakers, researchers and members of the academic community. Speakers at the event included former Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Ehsan ul Haq (Retd), former Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman (Retd), and former President Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan.
President IPRI Lt. Gen (Retd) Majid Ehsan also spoke on the occasion, and stressed the need for furthering a comprehensive research on the theme of collective Muslim unity for attaining stability and prosperity.
