Dr. Hamad Kasasbeh

The recent debate about reviving the idea of an "Islamic NATO" in military terms—especially after the Saudi-Pakistani strategic security agreement—opens the door for another proposal: an Islamic Economic NATO. What if Islamic countries could form a unified economic bloc? Could such a project reshape the global economy and give the Muslim world a stronger voice?

The Islamic world has significant demographic and economic weight. It represents more than 1.9 billion people, nearly a quarter of the global population, and covers over 30 million square kilometers. In terms of resources, Muslim countries hold about 55–60% of proven global oil reserves and around 40% of global natural gas reserves, placing them at the heart of global energy markets. Yet, their collective share of global GDP is only about 10%, showing how much potential is still untapped due to weak coordination and limited integration.

The starting point is not to build everything from scratch, but to activate what already exists. Institutions such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Islamic Development Bank, and the Gulf Cooperation Council provide platforms that could be expanded. With stronger coordination, these frameworks could evolve into a powerful economic alliance through boosting intra-trade, easing the flow of capital, and promoting joint industries.

In practice, the roadmap could follow gradual steps: first, establishing a free trade zone among Islamic countries; second, expanding joint investments in infrastructure and renewable energy; and finally, moving toward a common market and possibly a shared currency in the long run. These stages would maximize resources and unlock collective strength.

However, an Islamic Economic NATO cannot exist in isolation. Its success will depend on shaping balanced relations with global powers. With the United States and Europe, the approach must focus on equal partnership, while ties with China, India, and Russia could be built around projects like the Belt and Road Initiative. The Muslim world, stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, sits at a unique crossroads that allows it to act as a strategic connector between East and West.

Beyond external relations, the project must also focus on strengthening internal development. That means investing in research, innovation, and technology—particularly artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and advanced healthcare industries. It also means diversifying economies to reduce dependence on oil and gas. Stronger cooperation in education, health, and infrastructure would create a more solid social foundation for integration.

Global experiences such as the European Union and ASEAN show that economic unity is not built overnight. It requires political will, clear implementation plans, and mechanisms for resolving disputes. The Islamic world has the resources and population; what it lacks is a shared strategic vision and the determination to act on it.

In conclusion, the idea of an Islamic Economic NATO is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity in light of global shifts. It would move Muslim countries from being reactive players to proactive shapers of the global order. If pursued with commitment and vision, this project could become more than an economic alliance. It could be a strategic step that strengthens the position of the Muslim world, enhances its resilience, and contributes to building a more balanced and just global economy.