Reflection – Inevitability of Civilisational and Geopolitical Turbulence

Introduction

Looking back in time it is clearer that the year 2000 started a growing unravelling of default (unjust) ways of going things within countries and between countries. At the same time, the spatial distribution of apparent geopolitical winners and losers seem relatively evident. Different kinds of variables uncritically pointed to a radical accumulation of advantages to a single power and dominant civilisation. In a sense certain ways of perceiving reality (visible and invisible) took precedence and for its curators deserves to be canonised for global consumption. Our argument in this article is that despite the ascendancy/descent of global powers, the requirements for relevant political spirituality is impervious to change albeit radical transformations which are standard processes since the dawn of humankind. 

Insight into the Spirit

The emergence and evolution of the universe including humankind are products of complex and complicated processes of the Spirit. Every element, molecule, life form and life are part of a rich web of being and existence verified by both consistent clues and wealthy uncertainties/mysteries. So mere observations may deceive and encourage rushed conclusions that reduce the observed to empirical records. The veracity of empirical accounts have serious weight but relevant scientists always acknowledge gaps that accompany every tested determination of scientific facts and empirical investigations. Hence scientific laws are not water-tight to produce the same result from replication. Astronomy offers a unique framework that pushes investigation of phenomena beyond the scope of replication. On the other hand complementing scientific endeavour are subjective correlates of objectivity that legitimately discern forces, patterns, movements and knowledge. Simply put, rational knowledge finds resonance with revealed/intuitive/infused knowledge.

Robust Unknowns

Good analysts and insightful strategists have peculiar qualities over time. They never draw final conclusions on any project rather insert implications from gaps in knowledge, contradictions of data partiality and unknowns in provisional information. It is not just the case of complex problems which analysts’ possessed skills may successfully unravel in the future, it is clarity of unknowns beyond their knowledge and ability to discern. In this gap seers, mystics and rich seekers come armed with deep knowledge and reams of legacy information of certainties on different dimensions of creation, life and knowledge. Their tools of consciousness include the empirical and non-empirical tools of discernment, insight, mediated/unmediated cognition, revelations, reflections and infusions. The products and deliverables are never stand-alone rather seamlessly complement and validate empirical determinations. Synergies between mysticism and quantum physics is a rich example. Constitution of energy is another one yawning for reconciliation between wave and particle. The king of the deal is in the question – What energises energy? The focus of knowledge is total inter-creaturely healing and planetary wellbeing. In this space subjectivity correlate with objectivity without antagonisms and grievances. This is the holy grail missing in geopolitics.

The Spirit in Geopolitics

Turbulence result from many factors internal and external to primary actors.  Resistance and friction are inherent in political configurations. On the global plane, great power plays unfold based on various assumptions, contradictions, limits and costs. A single world power is impossible while hegemonic emergence with limited dominance for a time is plausible. Full-spectrum dominance is a mirage. Nevertheless the values undergirding hegemonic rise initially settles internal issues with full-spectrum domestic stability in its primary geography. Irrespective of civilisation and ruling system, an inclusive and coherent set of values accounts for the substance of strategic calculations geared toward healthy geopolitical investment. Critical application of attention, experience, judgement and decision in bureaucracy and statecraft present raw materials for strategic evaluation and visionary decision-making focused on win-win scenarios that prioritise integrated and holistic benefit. Great power play anathemises equality hence rivalry and retinue of vassals/remoras.

Where statecraft and geostrategic initiatives are guided by authenticity locked in the sign of the times; cost-reduction in the face of multi-layer challenges incentivise non-military solutions, scenarios favouring long-term stability, strategic patience, strategic security of resources and consolidation of trade. Purpose, history and geography are crucial keys in geostrategic determination while decisive statecraft and economics form the superstructure of geostrategic realisation. The Spirit always show clear sign whenever it is sought. However, irrational military implementations based on elite-oriented strategies and devoid of historical precedence bring weak short-term outcomes. Elite material accumulation linked to waste and malfeasance only deepen the grave of great powers. (The elite primarily see power as a meal ticket). Military investment is costly, impacts immediately and this is historical. Massive defence spending is a cancer in great power game because by the time cost-reduction attempts are signed-off, the play is done.  

Empirical determination alone (particularly superiority of organised violence and appropriation of an economic reality) offer limited options for geostrategic contestation. Gaps in information and intelligence are natural inserts that thrive where inauthenticity, irrationality and pride are ascendant. Non-empirical spiritual, wisdom and religious data under authentic lens enrich assumptions, enhance possibilities and refine opportunities. Furthermore, it accentuates the place and spread of costs in the primary population in line with project priorities. Exclusion of spiritual, religious and wisdom contributions to geopolitical calculations have inelegant testimonies unravelled by 20^th century follies.

Summary

Instability on every geographical scale carries a set of possibilities and opportunities. Players in each face priorities which are potentially soluble based on available data, time, history, geography and resources. Succinct geopolitical configuration and geostrategic initiatives demand astute vision and reliable statecraft undergirded by dynamism in the authentic use of combined empirical and non-empirical knowledge heritage. Supported by historical consciousness, civilisational awareness, authenticity and strategic patience; the potential for cost-reduction and cost-avoidance favours strategic benefits across scale, interests and even time. Stability and certainty are true jewels of authentic geopolitical determination.