The article argues that many Muslim-majority countries remain constrained by fragmentation and external dependence. It recommends coordinated political and economic strategies: use energy policy as a collective tool while avoiding self-harm, diversify trade and investment partners, renegotiate foreign military footprints through diplomacy, and strengthen governance and public accountability. The emphasis is on collective, calibrated actions that build long-term resilience amid a changing global energy landscape.
The problem: fragmentation and dependency
Decades of regional conflict and external intervention show a persistent truth: lack of unity and overreliance on outside powers limit options for many Muslim-majority countries. International organizations have issued statements and resolutions, but without coordinated political and economic action those words have little bite.
Reclaim leverage through coordinated policy
Economic tools remain one of the most direct levers available. Energy exports, sovereign investments, trade policy and access to ports and airspace give countries real negotiating strength when used collectively and strategically.
That said, the global energy landscape is changing. Demand patterns are shifting with the growth of renewables and energy efficiency, which reduces - but does not erase - the influence of fossil-fuel exporters. Any strategy should be calibrated to avoid self-harm: abrupt unilateral cuts in exports can reduce revenue and hurt local populations. Coordinated, transparent measures preserve credibility and limit unintended consequences.
Practical steps for a modern strategy
Build political unity and institutional capacity
Strengthen regional coordination through existing bodies (and by reforming them where needed) so that agreements are credible and enforceable. Invest in independent institutions that can negotiate, monitor and implement collective economic decisions.
Use energy policy strategically and responsibly
Negotiate production and export policies as a bloc when interests align. Pair any temporary export adjustments with clear timelines and safeguards for domestic revenue. Simultaneously accelerate economic diversification to reduce long-term vulnerability as global energy markets evolve.
Diversify trade and investment partners
Reduce single-market dependency by expanding trade and investment ties across Asia, Africa and within the region. Leverage sovereign wealth funds and public investment to support industrialization, infrastructure, and technology transfer at home instead of concentrating assets abroad.
Limit military footprints through diplomacy
Negotiate host-nation terms for foreign military facilities, prioritize transparency, and insist on reciprocal arrangements. Where bases or privileges undermine sovereignty or security, pursue phased adjustments through diplomatic channels.
Strengthen governance and public accountability
Domestic legitimacy matters. Policies will stick only if populations see benefits. Improve transparency in energy revenues, hold leaders accountable, and involve civil society in planning economic transitions.
Final note
Economic leverage can be effective - but only when countries act together, with clear rules and attention to long-term resilience. The goal should not be confrontation for its own sake but strategic independence: the capacity to pursue national and regional interests without chronic dependence on external patrons.
Would reducing oil and gas exports force Western countries to change policy?
Targeted, coordinated export measures can influence partners, but they carry economic risk. Such steps work best when multilateral, calibrated, and time-limited, paired with domestic protections and contingency planning.
Can existing organizations like the OIC deliver this coordination?
Existing organizations provide forums for coordination, but effectiveness requires reforms, stronger mandates, and credible enforcement mechanisms backed by willing member states.
Won't withdrawing investments or closing bases hurt the local economy?
Abrupt moves can cause disruption. The recommended approach is phased, negotiated adjustments that protect revenue, jobs, and essential services while advancing strategic goals.
How should countries prepare for a declining role of fossil fuels?
Invest in economic diversification, renewables, human capital, and industrial policy now. That reduces vulnerability as global demand changes and creates new sources of export and employment.
What role can citizens play?
Citizens can demand transparency, support reforms that diversify the economy, and hold leaders accountable for collective strategies that protect long-term national interests.