On Multipolarity: A Return to Balance
Nazem Alkudsi, United Arab Emirates
|
Ex-CEO of Sovereign Wealth Fund | Strategic Advisor | Historian
“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” — Lord Acton
Lord Acton’s warning is not merely political commentary — it is an observation about human nature itself. Power, when unchecked, distorts judgment. It insulates the powerful from consequence, erodes empathy, and replaces accountability with entitlement. History offers no exceptions: every empire that achieved dominance eventually overreached, blinded by the very supremacy it had attained. The logic is inescapable — without countervailing forces, without the friction of competing interests and perspectives, even the well-intentioned drift toward excess. This is not cynicism; it is realism rooted in centuries of human experience.
What is remarkable is how consistently the world’s wisdom traditions have recognized this truth — long before Acton articulated it.
In the Mahabharata, we encounter the concept of dharma — the cosmic order that sustains the universe. When this balance is disturbed, when adharma rises unchecked, divine intervention restores equilibrium. As Krishna declares in the Bhagavad Gita: “Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, I manifest myself.”
The Quran echoes this principle of divine balance: “And the heaven He raised and imposed the balance. That you not transgress within the balance.” (55:7-8) Creation itself is built upon equilibrium — and humanity is entrusted not to disturb it.
The Bible, too, warns against the hubris of unchecked dominion. In Daniel, mighty empires rise only to be humbled: “He changes times and seasons; He deposes kings and raises up others.” (Daniel 2:21) No earthly power is permanent; all are subject to a higher order.
The Kabbalistic tradition speaks of tikkun — the restoration and repair of the world. When forces become imbalanced, the universe moves toward correction. The Tree of Life embodies this: no single sphere dominates; each exists in dynamic relationship with others.
We are witnessing such a correction today. The brief moment of unipolarity that followed the Cold War is giving way to a more natural state of distributed power. This is not chaos — it is restoration.
We are witnessing such a correction today. The brief moment of unipolarity that followed the Cold War is giving way to a more natural state of distributed power. This is not chaos — it is restoration.
Why Multipolarity Matters
A multipolar world allows civilizations to develop according to their own genius, their own values, their own understanding of the good life. It preserves the diversity of cultures and ways of being that make humanity rich.
This is why Sapience Network matters. In a multipolar world, dialogue between thought traditions becomes essential — spaces where Eastern and Western philosophy meet, where ancient wisdom informs modern governance, where diverse thinkers contribute without one perspective claiming supremacy.
The scales are tipping. The question is not whether multipolarity will emerge — it already is. The question is whether we will navigate this transition with wisdom.
I choose wisdom. I invite you to join this conversation.