Peiman Salehi – Political Analyst & Writer

By Peiman Salehi

Photo By:Sabatariq

Introduction

The world is currently undergoing a transitional phase—from the absolute dominance of liberalism to a multipolar global order. Since the Enlightenment, liberalism has formed the theoretical backbone of Western political systems. However, it now faces profound crises. The principles laid down by thinkers such as John Locke, Jeremy Bentham, and John Stuart Mill are being violated today by the very states that claim adherence to them. These contradictions in Western policies have not only undermined liberalism from within but have also triggered global distrust in this ideological system. In this context, emerging powers and nations that have resisted Western hegemony have secured a unique position in the new international equations. But the key question remains: how can these countries seize this historic opportunity to consolidate their status in the new world order?

The Liberal Crisis: From Philosophical Foundations to Practical Contradictions

Liberalism has claimed, since its inception, to guarantee the natural rights of individuals and to establish a political system based on freedom and justice. John Locke, one of the founders of classical liberalism, argued that governments must protect citizens’ “natural rights,” including life, liberty, and property.

However, the actual performance of liberal democratic systems in the 21st century shows that these principles often serve merely as tools for advancing Western interests. Among the most glaring contradictions:
1. Violation of Natural Rights in Western Foreign Policy
If the “right to life” that Locke considered sacred is indeed inviolable, then how does the United States and its allies justify the killing of civilians in Gaza and the fueling of proxy wars in the Middle East? Such policies fundamentally undermine liberalism’s own philosophical foundations.
2. Deviation from Bentham and Mill’s Utilitarianism
Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill emphasized “the greatest good for the greatest number.” Yet Western economic and social policies have failed to deliver public welfare, instead leading to economic crises, inflation, and dangerous class inequality. As a result, liberalism has lost its legitimacy even within Western societies.
3. The Crisis of Democracy and Disregard for Popular Will
One of modern liberalism’s core claims is rule by democracy. In practice, however, those countries that profess to lead the democratic world engage in media manipulation, public opinion engineering, and support for authoritarian regimes aligned with their interests. This proves that democracy is often just a political tool in the hands of the West.

These contradictions reflect a deep internal crisis in liberalism and the erosion of its legitimacy on the international stage.

Independent Powers and the Challenges of the New Global Order

With liberalism in decline, nations striving to break free from Western hegemony face a historic opportunity. However, this requires a comprehensive strategy across three key areas:
1. Adopting “Resistance Diplomacy” as a Strategic Alternative
Independent nations must go beyond reactive policies and offer a new model of foreign policy based on mutual cooperation, global justice, and opposition to Western authoritarianism.
2. Strengthening Soft Power and Redefining the Global Narrative
One of the biggest challenges facing independent powers is their weakness in the global battle of narratives. While the West justifies its policies through the language of human rights and democracy, anti-hegemonic nations have yet to construct a powerful global discourse that clearly presents their alternative vision for the world order.
3. Strategic Cooperation with Emerging Powers to Reshape Global Equations
Countries aiming to build a new international system—such as Iran, Russia, China, and the BRICS—must enhance long-term strategic collaboration to develop a practical alternative to the current liberal order.

Conclusion

Liberalism has long sought to adapt to crises and evolve over time, but today it faces an unprecedented existential crisis. The deep contradictions in Western policies have led to the collapse of its philosophical foundations, stripping it of its ability to self-correct.

In this shifting global landscape, independent powers must not merely resist Western pressure—they must propose a credible and more just alternative to international politics. Achieving this requires intelligent foreign policy, effective use of media tools in the narrative struggle, and expanded strategic cooperation with rising powers. Only then can independent nations move from the periphery of the global system to influential actors shaping the new world order.

Author: Iranian political analyst and writer

🔗 Original article in Arabic on Rai al-Youm