Srinagar, April 3 --  History has repeatedly shown that nations rarely act out of emotion, religion, or cultural affinity. Instead, they act primarily in their own self-interest. Alliances between countries are not built on shared faith or cultural similarity, but on security concerns, economic benefits, and strategic advantage. While public discourse often frames global politics in terms of ideology, religion, or civilisation, the reality is far more pragmatic: nations align first to protect their interests and only then consider common values.

If religion and culture were the main drivers of alliances, the world would look very different. Countries sharing the same religion or cultural background would naturally form unified polit...