By: Qamar Bashir

Macomb, Detroit, Michigan

Intoxicated by a landslide victory in the presidential elections and securing a majority in the U.S. Congress and Senate, flanked by business magnates and entrepreneurial billionaires, the U.S. President-elect, who is just a week away from taking the oath of office to become one of the most powerful individuals in the modern world, has wasted no time in signaling a dramatic shift in policy. Contrary to his campaign rhetoric of non-interventionism, he has begun to outline bold expansionist policies that, if implemented even partially, could alter the geography and history of the world for generations to come.

While he had promised to withdraw the U.S. from foreign wars and conflicts, it now appears his vision was not about reducing global entanglements but rather reshaping them. His policies suggest a pivot from participating in the wars of other nations to initiating conflicts of his own—starting with the immediate neighbors of the U.S. and potentially extending to other parts of the world. This ambition for a “new America” includes a significant expansion of the U.S. defense forces to facilitate territorial acquisitions, the enlargement of federal bureaucracies to manage newly acquired territories, and the bolstering of homeland security forces to address the inevitable backlash of terrorism and unrest resulting from these policies.

He is particularly serious about annexation of Canada. In his latest press conference, he said “We have a massive trade deficit with Canada, reaching up to $250 billion. We don’t need their milk, cars, lumbers, or energy and other products, yet we provide them with subsidies. Moreover, the USA is responsible for Canada security, Canada has little or no military. They donot pay to NATO as much as they should. I asked Prime Minister Trudeau what would happen if the U.S. withdrew its economic and military support, and he admitted that Canada would face severe challenges and will be obliterated. I told him that we would continue our support, if Canada were a U.S. state, not as a separate country.” He further added that the people of Canada loved the idea.

His second hot target is Greenland while addressing the preinaugural Press Conference,  the President-elect was hawkish. He said acquiring Greenland is an “absolute necessity” for U.S. national and economic security. He emphasized Greenland’s strategic importance for global freedom and stated that if Denmark resisted, the U.S. could impose “very high” tariffs or consider other actions, including military measures”.

According to him, Greenland holds immense strategic importance for the United States. Its location between North America and Europe makes it critical for Arctic defense, monitoring Russian and Chinese activities, and securing emerging Arctic shipping routes as ice melts. The U.S. operates Thule Air Base in Greenland, a vital part of its missile early warning and space surveillance systems, contributing to NATO and NORAD operations. Economically, Greenland is rich in rare earth minerals, oil, gas, and fishing resources, which are essential for reducing reliance on adversaries like China and boosting U.S. energy independence.

In his press conference, he vowed to regain control of the Panama Canal, citing its strategic and economic importance. Historically, the U.S. built and controlled the canal from its opening in 1914 until its transfer to Panama in 1999 under the Panama Canal Treaties signed by President Carter. The canal was a vital asset for U.S. trade and military mobility, particularly during World War II.

President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” stating, “We’re going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which has a beautiful ring… And it’s appropriate.” This proposal aligns with Trump’s agenda to assert U.S. sovereignty and dominance, particularly in relation to Mexico, citing concerns over immigration and trade imbalances.

Implementing President-elect Trump’s expansionist policies—annexing Canada, acquiring Greenland, and controlling the Panama Canal—would require a substantial increase in military spending. Securing Canada, the second-largest country in the world by landmass, would involve deploying at least 300,000 additional troops for occupation and policing, costing approximately $100 billion annually. Establishing military infrastructure in Greenland, such as Arctic bases and radar systems, would add $50 billion annually. Taking control of the Panama Canal, a region with strategic and economic significance, would involve initial operations costing $20-30 billion and ongoing expenses of $10 billion annually. Overall, modernizing and expanding the military for such global ambitions could raise the defense budget by $500 billion annually.

Countering domestic and regional blowback from these expansionist policies would necessitate a dramatic expansion of U.S. homeland security capabilities. The annexation of Canada, Greenland, and Panama would likely provoke resistance movements, terrorism, and unrest, requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to double its workforce by adding 300,000 personnel. This expansion, along with enhanced counter-terrorism and surveillance programs, would cost an estimated $50-75 billion annually. Additional measures to manage increased immigration control and internal dissent could further raise these costs, creating an immense strain on domestic security resources.

To fund this expansionist vision, the U.S. would need to nearly double its current defense and security budget, increasing total spending to $1.7-1.8 trillion annually. This would impose immense pressure on the U.S. economy, potentially leading to higher taxes or deficits.

These expansionist policies would sharply contradict Trump’s earlier promises of non-interventionism. While the rhetoric suggests retracting the U.S. from foreign wars, these actions would signify a shift toward starting new conflicts and territorial expansions. Far from avoiding global entanglements, these moves would provoke international resistance, destabilize alliances, and damage relationships with NATO and other partners. Countries like China, Russia, and the EU would likely respond with retaliatory measures, economic sanctions, and military build-ups, leading to heightened tensions and potentially triggering a new era of global conflict.

By: Qamar Bashir

Press Secretary to the President (Rtd)

Former Press Minister at Embassy of Pakistan to France

Former MD, SRBC

Dr. Muhammad Akram Zaheer

Democratic erosion has emerged as a significant phenomenon in the global political landscape, marked by a steady departure from democratic norms and practices. Unlike abrupt breakdowns such as coups or revolutions, this process unfolds gradually through actions often initiated by legally elected officials. These individuals, referred to as agents of erosion, exploit legal frameworks to systematically dismantle democratic institutions. Their actions are frequently cloaked in justifications that appeal to public interest, creating the illusion of democratic legitimacy.The author highlights key conceptual challenges in understanding democratic erosion, particularly distinguishing it from related phenomena such as loss of democratic quality and autocratization. While the former refers to a decline in the effectiveness of democratic systems, the latter represents a more profound shift toward authoritarianism. A nuanced understanding of these distinctions is crucial for analyzing the pathways through which democracies regress.Democratic erosion is characterized by its incremental nature. This gradualism distinguishes it from more overt forms of democratic collapse. Each step in the process may appear minor and legally defensible, making it difficult to detect the cumulative impact. Over time, however, the erosion transforms the political landscape, often leaving behind only the facade of democracy.The study identifies two critical elements in the process of erosion: agency and sequencing. Agency refers to the role of political actors who deliberately initiate and sustain the erosion of democratic norms. Sequencing, on the other hand, examines the chronological and causal progression of events that lead to the deterioration of democracy. These elements are interdependent, as the intentions and strategies of agents shape the sequence of erosion.Agents of democratic erosion, typically incumbents, leverage their positions of power to alter democratic rules. They often use legal mechanisms such as constitutional reforms or new legislation to consolidate authority. These agents justify their actions as necessary for addressing economic, social, or political challenges, thus gaining public support. The legitimacy derived from elections enables them to claim a mandate for their transformative agendas.A distinctive feature of these agents is their lack of normative commitment to democratic principles. While some leaders openly advocate for alternative models of governance, others maintain a rhetorical commitment to democracy while systematically undermining its foundations. Their actions often include curtailing the independence of the judiciary, weakening opposition parties, and restricting civil liberties.

The process of democratic erosion typically begins with the election of an agent committed to altering the political system. Even before assuming office, these individuals often articulate ambitious reform agendas designed to mobilize public support. Upon gaining power, they initiate structural changes to weaken institutional checks and balances, concentrating authority in the executive branch.The subsequent stages involve reconfiguring the political system to entrench their power. This may include extending term limits, manipulating electoral laws, and reshaping the media landscape. These measures not only secure the incumbent’s position but also create systemic barriers to future democratic restoration. The erosion process is often marked by the subtle and legalistic implementation of changes, minimizing public resistance.The final stage of erosion is characterized by the suppression of political rights and freedoms. Media outlets, civil society organizations, and opposition groups become targets of control and repression. Governments may employ a combination of legal measures, such as anti-disinformation laws, and extralegal tactics to silence dissent. While these actions might appear sporadic, they collectively undermine the democratic fabric of the state.A significant challenge in addressing democratic erosion lies in identifying its early stages. The gradual nature of the process makes it difficult to distinguish between legitimate policy changes and deliberate attempts to subvert democracy. Moreover, the interplay between domestic and international factors adds complexity to the analysis. For instance, the rise of autocratic powers globally has emboldened erosion agents, creating a permissive environment for their actions.The implications of democratic erosion extend beyond national borders. As more countries experience erosion, the global balance between democracies and autocracies shifts. This trend poses challenges to the liberal international order, as eroding democracies often adopt counter-hegemonic strategies. Furthermore, the weakening of democratic institutions in influential states can have cascading effects, inspiring similar processes in other regions.  Additionally, the role of international actors in countering democratic erosion warrants attention. While global organizations and alliances have historically promoted democratic values, their effectiveness in addressing erosion remains inconsistent. A coordinated approach involving both domestic and international stakeholders is essential for preserving democratic systems.

by Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal

Mining stands among the most grueling and perilous professions worldwide. Driven by the need to earn a livelihood, miners often face extreme risks, enduring conditions that challenge both their physical strength and mental resilience. These workers labor deep beneath the earth to extract coal and minerals, facing life-threatening dangers daily. In Pakistan, regions such as Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Punjab are hubs of mining activity, yet the grim realities faced by the workers in this sector remain deeply troubling.

The very nature of mining work is fraught with danger. Miners must navigate narrow shafts, endure exposure to toxic fumes, and operate heavy machinery in dimly lit, poorly ventilated conditions. The threat of mine collapses looms constantly, claiming lives when tunnels cave in and bury workers under massive layers of rock and earth. Those who survive such incidents often sustain debilitating injuries that leave them unable to work. Despite these hardships, miners receive low wages and are offered minimal safety protections. Their contributions to industries that generate substantial profits for mine owners are rarely acknowledged.

The root causes of mining accidents are manifold. Poor infrastructure, inadequate ventilation systems, lack of safety equipment, and insufficient training are persistent issues. Methane gas buildup, improper handling of explosives, and negligent maintenance further exacerbate the dangers. In many cases, the indifference of mine owners and contractors plays a critical role, as safety protocols are often disregarded in favor of profit.

Ensuring the safety of miners requires a robust and enforceable framework. Governments must establish and implement strict safety regulations, complemented by regular inspections of mining sites. Miners should be equipped with modern protective gear, including helmets, respirators, and reinforced clothing, to safeguard them from toxic gases and potential accidents. Comprehensive training programs are essential to familiarize workers with safety measures and emergency response procedures. Additionally, setting up medical facilities near mining sites and devising effective evacuation plans can significantly reduce fatalities during accidents.

The compensation framework for miners who lose their lives remains inadequate across Pakistan. In Balochistan, where much of the mining activity is concentrated, compensation laws exist but are poorly enforced. Families of deceased miners typically receive payments ranging from PKR 500,000 to 1,000,000—an amount that barely addresses the financial strain of losing a primary breadwinner. Similar challenges exist in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab, where families are often left to negotiate with mine owners for support. These compensation packages need to be reassessed to provide more substantial and long-term financial stability for the affected families.

Mining activities in Pakistan are particularly intensive in Balochistan, which is rich in coal, gold, copper, and other minerals, attracting both local and international investors. However, safety standards in the province’s mines remain alarmingly low. Methane gas explosions and tunnel collapses occur frequently, and the lack of medical infrastructure near mining sites aggravates the situation. In Sindh’s coal mines and Punjab’s salt mines, workers face similar perils, including long hours and insufficient protective equipment. Meanwhile, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, miners extracting marble and gemstones contend with hazardous dust and unstable working conditions in rugged terrains.

Islamic teachings add profound significance to the struggles of miners. Islam values earning a livelihood through honest, hard work. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated, “No one eats better food than that which he eats out of the work of his hand” (Bukhari). Despite the dangerous conditions, miners embody this ideal as they labor tirelessly to support their families and communities. Employers, too, bear a moral responsibility in Islam to ensure the well-being of their workers. The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized this, saying, “Pay the worker his wages before his sweat dries” (Ibn Majah), highlighting the importance of fair and timely compensation.

The economic disparity between mine owners and workers is stark. While owners and contractors accumulate substantial wealth from mining activities, the laborers who bear the brunt of the risks often lack access to basic necessities like clean drinking water, healthcare, and education for their children. This inequity perpetuates cycles of poverty and exploitation, leaving workers and their families trapped in a cycle of hardship.

Addressing the challenges faced by miners demands a multifaceted approach. Governments must strictly enforce safety standards, ensuring that miners are provided with protective gear and access to emergency medical care. Compensation packages for injured or deceased miners must be restructured to adequately reflect the sacrifices of workers and support their families. Mine owners and contractors must also be held accountable for providing humane working conditions and equitable profit-sharing with their laborers.

In addition to structural reforms, societal recognition of miners’ contributions is vital. These individuals form the backbone of industries that drive national development, yet their efforts often go unnoticed. Their struggles spotlight broader labor rights and economic inequality issues, underscoring the need for collective action to foster a more equitable society. The Quran affirms the dignity of labor, declaring, “And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives” (Surah An-Najm, 53:39). Miners exemplify this verse through their tireless endeavors to provide for their families, despite the dangers they face.

The resilience and dedication of miners in Pakistan serve as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure adversity. Their sacrifices compel us to address their challenges and uphold principles of fairness, safety, and dignity, as advocated by both Islamic teachings and universal principles of justice. By taking these steps, we can build a future where miners’ contributions are respected, their lives are safeguarded, and their sacrifices are truly valued.