Toward a Unified Muslim Economic and Security Bloc; A Roadmap for the 21st Century.

Toward a Unified Muslim Economic and Security Bloc; A Roadmap for the 21st Century

For decades, the idea of a “Muslim bloc” has captured the imagination of scholars, leaders, and citizens across the Islamic world. With more than 50 Muslim-majority countries spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, the potential for collective power is enormous. Yet despite the presence of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Developing-8 (D-8), Muslim countries remain economically fragmented and strategically divided.

This article outlines why a coherent bloc matters, what models exist, and what practical steps can transform aspiration into reality.

The Strategic Rationale

1. Demographics and Geography

Muslim countries collectively represent nearly two billion people, commanding key shipping lanes, energy reserves, and trade routes.

2. Economic Scale

Combined GDP of OIC states is already larger than many regional unions. A coordinated trade and investment strategy would magnify this power.

3. Security Imperative

From Palestine to Afghanistan, fragmentation has weakened the collective ability to defend legitimate interests or negotiate effectively with global powers.

Lessons from Other Regions

• European Union (EU): Gradual integration, beginning with coal and steel (1951), expanding to a single market and then a single currency.

• African Union: Step-by-step economic and political coordination, with free trade agreements first, then security partnerships.

• GCC’s “Khaleeji” Currency Attempt: Ambitious but stalled due to governance and trust issues — an important cautionary tale.

A Practical Roadmap for Muslim Countries

1. Start with Trade Liberalization

Increase intra-OIC trade from the current ~20% of total trade to at least 40% within a decade. This can be achieved by:

• Removing non-tariff barriers.

• Creating a digital customs platform for member states.

• Offering preferential tariffs on key goods.

2. Build Shared Infrastructure and Institutions

• Establish a “Muslim Development Bank” capitalized by energy-rich states but accessible to all for infrastructure, technology, and SME support.

• Set up a joint research and innovation network for food security, renewable energy, and defense technology.

3. Create a Phased Security Cooperation Mechanism

• Begin with joint disaster relief and peacekeeping exercises.

• Move toward a “Collective Defense Council” under OIC or D-8 auspices.

• Standardize training and interoperability of armed forces gradually.

4. Develop a Currency Convergence Program

• Instead of a sudden single currency, adopt a “currency basket” for trade settlement (like the IMF’s SDR).

• Introduce an Islamic digital currency for cross-border transactions among OIC states, bypassing expensive intermediaries.

• Only after fiscal convergence and policy coordination should a single physical currency be considered.

5. Establish a Coordinating Secretariat for Economic and Security Policy

• Permanent headquarters with binding decision-making rules.

• Rotating leadership among major regions (Middle East, Africa, Asia).

6. Forge a Unified Position on Global Issues

• Palestine, Islamophobia, and climate change are natural rallying points.

• Coordinate boycotts and sanctions only when collective consensus and capacity exist — sporadic unilateral moves undermine credibility.

Overcoming Obstacles

• Political Will: Leaders must move beyond zero-sum rivalries and invest in long-term trust.

• Economic Disparities: Wealthier states should provide transitional funding to weaker members, similar to EU cohesion funds.

• Institutional Design: Create dispute resolution mechanisms and enforceable agreements to avoid paralysis.

• External Pressure: Expect resistance from major powers; build partnerships with non-aligned nations to reduce vulnerability.

Conclusion

A unified Muslim bloc is not a utopian dream but a complex, staged process. Success will depend on starting small, institutionalizing trust, and gradually widening cooperation — not on overnight declarations. By following a realistic roadmap — from trade integration to currency coordination and joint security — Muslim countries can evolve into a global economic and strategic force capable of shaping a more just international order, including fairer treatment for Palestine and other shared causes.

Syed Ali Raza Naqvi Bukhari

Unity of Peace, Economic Reform, and Global Unity

Founder & Chairman of Tehreek Istehkam Pakistan, and the author of “Law of God” and “Social Democratic System.” Advocates for truth, social justice, and reform in all sectors of society.