For two weeks we summed up the debate conducted by the Institute for Strategic Studies, Research and Analysis (ISSRA) at the National Defence University (NDU) Islamabad under the annual 'International Programme for Development and Stability' regarding the 'Emerging Global Order (EGO)', strategic autonomy and stability, AI and technology, warfare and conflict prevention, and global competition.

In the last plenary, Saudi and Turkish academics addressed the conference online. The Saudi scholar emphasised that security in the ME will be regionally decided only, when regional states acquire greater [hard power] capability. His formulation of Middle Power (MP) was a state able to generate influence beyond its borders, with bargaining leverage. He endorsed Pakistan's MP status through strategic flexibility, diplomatic balancing, techno-military proficiency and independence, regional partnerships, Islamabad's reach and position, etc – aspects he considered MP prerequisites. That Makkah Agreement combines unique MP capabilities of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye for greater regional influence.

Prof Hussain of Türkiye described Ankara a changed MP, having lost an empire. That Türkiye, enjoying the luxury of its strategic location, uniquely belonged to Middle East, Europe, Central Asia and South Asia simultaneously, through geographic proximity and relationships, like with Pakistan, and alliances like Makkah Agreement, NATO membership and EU aspirations. He underscored the importance of Makkah Agreement in promoting collective security and strategic stability under an environment where the old order was dying, and EGO was yet to be fully........

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