Anwar Warns Against Growing Use of Economic Power as a Geopolitical Weapon
TOKYO: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned that the increasing tendency of major powers to weaponise economic relationships poses a serious threat to global trade stability and international economic growth.
Speaking at the 31st Nikkei Forum on the Future of Asia in Tokyo, Anwar said the multilateral trading system that has long underpinned global economic integration is facing mounting pressure from intensifying geopolitical rivalries.
According to him, tools that once facilitated international cooperation are increasingly being used as instruments of strategic competition and political influence.
“Supply chains, market access, critical minerals, technology and financial systems are increasingly being viewed through the lens of geopolitical rivalry rather than mutual benefit.
“For major powers, these may serve as tools of statecraft. For many other nations, however, they represent growing vulnerabilities and sources of uncertainty,” he said.
Anwar noted that export controls, industrial policies and trade restrictions are increasingly being shaped by geopolitical considerations, creating new challenges for countries that depend heavily on open and predictable global markets.
He stressed that developing nations are particularly vulnerable to such shifts because of their greater exposure to external economic shocks and disruptions in global supply chains.
The Prime Minister also highlighted several ongoing international conflicts that continue to undermine global stability and economic confidence.
He pointed to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, tensions across the Middle East, the prolonged war in Ukraine and strategic rivalries in Asia as examples of challenges that are reshaping the global order.
According to Anwar, the international community remains trapped in a zero-sum mindset where stronger nations often seek advantage at the expense of weaker countries.
“This approach does not provide a sustainable foundation for peace, stability or shared prosperity,” he said.
He argued that the continuing crises around the world demonstrate both the fragility of global peace and the limitations of international consensus when confronted with complex geopolitical disputes.
Anwar also expressed concern over developments in the South China Sea, describing maritime tensions as a persistent challenge to regional security and stability.
In addition, he cited North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and growing cyber and conventional military capabilities as ongoing security concerns for the broader Asia-Pacific region.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister called for stronger global leadership that is willing to uphold justice, promote dialogue and resist the growing dominance of power politics in international affairs.
He said developing countries, including members of Association of Southeast Asian Nations, have an important role to play in bridging divides, fostering cooperation and helping build consensus at a time when geopolitical fragmentation is becoming increasingly pronounced.
