Middle classes must regain influence to avoid struggle

When a nation loses its sense of direction, it places itself on the brink of collapse, with dangers on all sides.

It is well known that the key driving force behind any dynamic movement is the human element, which represents the most influential and effective force in the history of a nation.

It is also known that history is made by people who are charismatic and influential, and have special qualities that enable them to bring about great changes in their people's lives.

History is full of people who have left their imprints on the political, social, ideological, medical, artistic, literary and scientific arenas.

From the first great political revolution in Sparta to revolutions in the Arabian Peninsula, and the industrial revolution in Europe, to successive revolutions in the Third World, history has repeated itself.

Such changes through revolutions helped bring radical changes to society. For example, the industrial revolution created a new world of economic and social relations, ending the ages of slavery and feudalism.

One of the most important human achievements was the invention of writing, which marked the dawn of the information revolution. This great technological advance allowed news and ideas to be carried to distant places without having to rely on a messenger's memory. Like all inventions, writing emerged because there was a need for it. And here, history reminds us of great achievements by the Sumerians of Mesopotamia and the ancient Egyptians as well the people of Central America and South East Asia.

History will never forget Japan, the country that was defeated in the Second World War, only to later emerge as an economic superpower leading the world in the industrial and technological fields.

Nowadays, we see the emergence of China as an Asian giant, placing itself in a leading position in the world.

In the shadows

Unlike other nations, the Arab nation has remained in the shadow of advanced countries for a long time, lagging behind others and not making its mark on the world stage. However, the Arabs' contribution to Islamic civilisation cannot be denied.

Throughout history, humans were the core of any civilisation and here we cannot forget Ibn Khaldoun — the founder of sociology, who realised the relation between environment and man and its impact on humankind. Khaldoun, who is also considered by many to be the father of several social scientific disciplines, was a man looking for the truth, whether from its material or spiritual aspect.

Yet, any civilisation must be safeguarded by the supremacy of the law, and hence many civilisations collapsed because of the weakness of the legal system and manipulation of laws to the advantage of certain groups of people.

This brings us to the fall of the Roman Empire, which remains one of the greatest historical questions. The fall of Rome is attributed to the gradual social disintegration and poor ethics that resulted when people in power abused their authority and placed themselves above the law to serve their own interests.

Indeed, history will never spare those who worked for their own interests and disappointed their people, and will not either forget those who stood against the historical and legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

However, the latest developments in the 21st century, which has seen the sidelining of the middle class and elimination of its effective role, indicate that this is the start of a new struggle in a world that does not have mercy or compassion for anyone.

The middle classes have always served as a safety valve that prevents a struggle between the rich and the poor, and between different sects and races.

In the absence of the middle classes, a potential struggle is expected to take place, if this class does not regain its influential role. This would re-establish the balance between social classes and prevent bloody violence and oppression.

Indeed, the new deal between Russia and the United States — the two biggest powers — to reduce their nuclear arsenals is a mere attempt to create a new world between the former Cold War rivals, with no place for the poor and developing countries. This will lead to imbalances in the international system that may bring the world back to the class struggle.

Dr Mohammad Abdullah Al Mutawa is a professor of sociology.