Islamabad:Dr Munawar Hussain from QAU has emphasised that values cannot be separated from global politics.
Prof Munawar was addressing the launch of “The third dimension policy prism” authored by GR Baluch hosted here by Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI). Prof Munawar observed that the author examines international politics not only through the lens of power politics and economic competition but also through ethical, subjective and value-based dimensions that shape international society. He further noted that the book critically engages with questions of narrative-making and theory construction and remarked that while material realities seek causes, human societies are ultimately driven by purpose, making ideology an enduring source of power in international relations.
Dr Shazia Khalid Cheema from QAU noted that the book moves beyond conventional geopolitical analysis by exploring the symbolic, moral, psychological and cultural dimensions of politics that influence how societies perceive themselves and others. She remarked that the book highlights how political identities are constructed through stories, media discourse, historical memories and ideological frameworks, making geopolitics itself a battle over perception and meaning-making.
Former diplomat Masood Khalid described the book as a valuable and accessible collection of essays addressing key issues in Pakistan’s foreign policy discourse. He noted that it revisits longstanding geopolitical challenges while also engaging with contemporary global and national concerns. He highlighted its analysis of South Asia including India’s posture during Operation Sindoor and its strategic implications, as well as the Gaza conflict’s humanitarian and geopolitical dimensions.
Mr Baluch observed that the contemporary world is witnessing a “battle of narratives” where influence and dominance are increasingly shaped through ideas, discourse and the ability to give voice to perspectives. Describing the book as “more of a conversation than a conventional text,” he remarked that ideas quietly travel from pages to minds and eventually shape policies and global debates.
