In a thought-provoking piece on DAWN.com, Nadeem F. Paracha critiques the concept of 'collapsology,' a term coined in 2015 by Pablo Servigne and Raphaël Stevens, which has gained traction over the past decade as Western authors have predicted the imminent collapse of various countries, including Pakistan, China, Saudi Arabia, and Russia. Despite these dire forecasts, none have materialized, raising questions about the validity of such predictions [dc98daf7].
Paracha highlights that historical predictions of collapse, such as Paul Ehrlich's warnings in 1970 about global collapse due to food shortages and Peter Gwynne's 1975 alarm about a 'new ice age,' have often proven to be misguided. He argues that Western scholars frequently misinterpret non-Western societies, leading to flawed conclusions about their stability and resilience [dc98daf7].
The analysis also emphasizes the role of Pakistan's military in maintaining regional stability, a point underscored by Tim Willasey-Wilsey. He argues that despite internal challenges, the military's influence is crucial for the country's governance and security, which counters the narrative of imminent collapse [dc98daf7].
Furthermore, Paracha notes that there is a consensus among Pakistan's communities that supports the nation-state, indicating a strong sense of identity and resilience among the populace. This collective sentiment challenges the pessimistic outlook often propagated by external commentators and underscores the complexities of Pakistan's socio-political landscape [dc98daf7].
As the world grapples with various crises, the critique of collapsology serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding local contexts and the resilience of nations in the face of adversity. The narrative surrounding Pakistan, shaped by both internal dynamics and external perceptions, reflects a broader trend in geopolitical discourse that often overlooks the nuanced realities of non-Western societies [dc98daf7].