Geopolitics has played a massive role in the rise of 'Master States'

The success of states has so far been driven largely by their ability to leverage geopolitical upheavals

- DIVA JAIN

Nothing describes the evolution of the Westphalian system of 'nation states' that humanity has adopted better than Thucydides' pithy observation in his Melian Dialogue. This system is governed not by rules or by any manner of a 'global rules-based order,' but by an oligarchy of 'Master States' that, by dint of their dominance of military and economic affairs, create and impose rules as they deem fit in their own interests.

While military strength is important, the entry ticket to this elite club of 'Master Nations' is governed by economic influence. This means that less developed countries face an unequal global economic system where the rules are stacked against them and in favour of a few powerful states that shape it to their own advantage.

But every once in a while, geopolitical chaos roils this oligarchy and offers other countries a ladder to climb out of their pit of economic weakness and join the top ranks.