Prominent Parliamenterian Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani has long been recognized as most influential and thoughtful voice in Pakistan’s intellectual and political landscape—an advocate of interfaith harmony, a firm believer in good governance, and a courgious writer who blends history with modern-day reasoning. In his recent Urdu-language op-ed titled “The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend” published in Daily Jang, he once again proves his intellectual wisdom by arguing conventional wisdom with nuanced analysis.
In a world rapidly shaped by shifting alliances and real-time diplomacy, the views, expressed by Dr. Vankwani, on the strategic proverb “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” reflect not only a deep understanding of historical alliances but also a bold commitment to ethical foreign policy, long-term vision, and moral clarity in global diplomacy. In an era where opportunistic alignments often overshadow principles, his balanced and wise perspective stands out as a much-needed voice of conscience and reason.
Rather than treating the phrase as a timeless truth or discarding it as outdated, Dr. Vankwani explores the moral ambiguity, historical relevance, and strategic caution it demands. His views not just timely—it is necessary in today’s global environment where reactive alliances can create deeper long-term instability.
Revisiting an Ancient Strategy with Modern Prudence
Dr. Vankwani, who is also Patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Hindu Council, begins his argument by tracing the origins of the phrase “enemy of my enemy is my friend,” citing its place in ancient Mandala theory by Chanakya, one of South Asia’s earliest ancient socio-political philospher. Dr. Ramesh Vankwani, on several occasions, has openly praised the ancient philospher of Gandhara era. By doing so, he reminds readers that the logic of temporary alignments is as old as diplomacy itself.
Dr. Ramesh doesn’t stop at ancient philosophy. Instead, he draws a clear line through history, from the alliances of Tipu Sultan with the French, to the Ottoman-French cooperation, to the anti-Nazi coalitions of World War II.
In doing this, he demonstrates that while the principle may appear strategic, history also reveals its long-term risks, including betrayals, wars, and unintended consequences.
Embracing Complexity Over Simplification
One of the most commendable aspects of Dr. Vankwani’s column is his refusal to simplify. He treats the proverb not as an absolute rule, but as a conditional framework, with the potential for both benefit and harm.
He writes with clarity that short-term alliances must be judged through long-term ethical and strategic lenses. For example:
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Supporting a group today because it weakens a mutual enemy may lead to future instability or moral compromise.
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An ally of convenience can later become an adversary of consequence.
This balance between realism and moral responsibility is what sets his analysis apart.
Dr. Vankwani ‘s Emphasis on Learning from History
The article is enriched by real historical examples:
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Tipu Sultan’s alliance with France: While meant to resist British imperialism, it did not yield the desired results and brought further complications to the region.
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Ottoman-France partnership: Though strategic, it involved cross-cultural contradictions that had deep implications in the Muslim world.
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Post-WWII alliances: The West’s alignment with the USSR to defeat Hitler soon transformed into the Cold War—a reminder that the friend of necessity can become tomorrow’s threat.
By showcasing these alliances, Dr. Vankwani proves that the proverb’s value depends entirely on how and why it is applied—not just who the enemy is.
Applying the Principle to Modern Geopolitics
Dr. Vankwani brings the conversation into the 21st century. He indirectly touches on the changing dynamics of:
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The Middle East, where rivalries and cooperation shift frequently.
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South Asia, where Pakistan, India, Iran, and others navigate diplomatic tensions.
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Great power competition, especially in light of China-US relations.
He warns that applying this old logic blindly can cause new crises, especially in a world where public perception, media narratives, and ideological identities play a much larger role.
An Ethical Lens Need of Time
Another strength of the article lies in its moral clarity. Dr. Vankwani doesn’t deny the strategic utility of temporary alliances. However, he insists that nations, especially those with ideological foundations, cannot afford to ignore the ethical implications of their partnerships.
He calls on policymakers to ask:
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Does this alliance serve the long-term interests of justice?
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Is this partner violating human rights, religious freedom, or sovereignty?
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What message does this send to future generations?
In a world full of tactical deals and double standards, his appeal to values and conscience is refreshing and bold.
Encouraging a More Responsible Foreign Policy
One of the most useful outcomes of this write-up is its constructive spirit. Dr. Vankwani does not advocate for isolationism or idealism. Instead, he promotes a more mature, cautious, and principle-based foreign policy, suggesting:
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Strategic cooperation should come with boundaries and safeguards.
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Alliances should not contradict a nation’s foundational values.
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Diplomacy should be proactive, not reactive.
He is essentially advocating for what modern diplomats call “strategic autonomy with moral responsibility.”
Relevance to Pakistan’s Regional Role
For Pakistani readers, the message carries particular importance. Pakistan’s diplomatic relationships—with China, the US, Gulf countries, and even neighboring India or Iran—are deeply influenced by who is perceived as the enemy and who can be a temporary friend.
Dr. Vankwani subtly encourages Pakistan’s decision-makers to avoid falling into short-term traps, and instead build:
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Partnerships based on shared goals, not just mutual enemies.
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Policies that enhance sovereignty, not transactional dependencies.
This vision is both pragmatic and patriotic.
Language, Accessibility, and Editorial Strength
Dr. Vankwani’s writing style deserves praise. He writes in Urdu that is accessible to a general audience, but his analysis is strong enough to engage academics and policymakers.
His structure is clear, his arguments are sequential, and he offers a tone of balanced critique rather than sensationalism—a rare quality in current affairs columns.
A Call for Reflection, Not Reaction
Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani’s writeup is more than a newspaper article—it’s a strategic thought piece that challenges readers and decision-makers to pause and reflect before they align.
- He does not reject diplomacy; he urges it to be wise.
- He does not oppose alliances; he asks that they be grounded in foresight.
- He does not dismiss realpolitik; he recommends it be fused with principles.
In a world where slogans often replace substance, Dr. Ramesh Vankwani reminds us that history’s most enduring wisdom comes from those who see beyond the immediate battle and prepare for the long-term peace. Far from endorsing the proverb blindly, he emphasizes on the ethical dilemmas and strategic consequences associated with the ancient philosophy.
Dr. H. Zafar is a distinguished writer and analyst associated with Press Network of Pakistan as Associate Editor. With a strong academic background and years of research experience, she brings depth, clarity, and analytical rigor to her writings.