By Anthony Ada Abraham
For years, they may have believed that Russia or China would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them if conflict ever broke out with the United States, Israel, or Saudi Arabia. But global politics has never worked on emotion or loyalty, it works on interest.
Every major power acts in its own national interest. Just as America did not directly enter war against Russia over Ukraine but instead positioned itself strategically while calling for resolutions, the same way Russia and China would carefully calculate their moves and ultimately protect their own priorities first.
No superpower sacrifices itself for another nation’s pride.
The painful truth is this: when smaller or isolated powers confront global heavyweights head-on, they often bear the heaviest consequences. War rarely punishes the strongest the most, it devastates the vulnerable.
History teaches us this lesson repeatedly. I have read extensively about sovereignty and imperialism, and one reality stands out: confronting global powers without strategic leverage is rarely victorious.
Whether directly or indirectly, the major powers always shape outcomes.
That is the structure of today’s international order.
Consider why the United Nations was created in 1945 after World War II. It was meant to prevent another global catastrophe. Yet the very powers that shaped the post-war system remain the most influential within it.
That geopolitical reality cannot be ignored.
If a country like Nigeria were to aggressively attack a neighbour, the consequences would be swift and severe.
The international system responds differently depending on who holds the greatest leverage. That imbalance is not always fair, but it is real.
This situation could have been avoided through careful diplomacy and negotiation. Leadership requires knowing when to stand firm and when to protect your nation through strategic compromise. The world today is unpredictable, and strong personalities in global politics do not always respond to provocation with restraint.
The question now is simple: is there still a way forward?
Yes through negotiation.
No country will permanently risk its own stability for another’s confrontation. Survival and prosperity demand pragmatism.
Beyond geopolitics, there is also the voice of the people.
Citizens everywhere desire opportunity, connection, stability, and a better quality of life. Nations like United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and even Saudi Arabia have increasingly focused on economic growth and global engagement.
Their progress underscores a powerful lesson: peace and openness often create more strength than isolation and confrontation.
No nation can sustainably fight the entire world. Even America, Russia , China all have allies.
Who is aligning with Iran? The demonstrators in Nigeria?
Strength is not only shown on battlefields, it is also demonstrated in wisdom, negotiation, and the courage to choose stability over pride.
History rewards leaders who protect their people, not those who gamble with their future.
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