A GAME WE NEVER CHOSE TO JOIN
By Vincent Lyn
In an increasingly interconnected world, humanity finds itself entangled in a complex web of geopolitical struggles, often with little choice or agency. The collapse of stability in nations such as South Korea, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Libya, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Yemen, Ukraine, Georgia, Myanmar, South Sudan, and many others underscores a grim reality: the conflicts, power struggles, and economic disasters of today have far-reaching consequences that drag ordinary people into a global game of survival — a game they never chose to play.
This “game” is orchestrated by forces often beyond the control of the majority: political ideologies, historical grievances, and the relentless pursuit of power by ruling elites and foreign actors. While leaders make moves on a geopolitical chessboard, it is the citizens — the pawns — who bear the brunt of war, displacement, poverty, and despair. The domino effect of one nation’s collapse ripples outward, destabilizing neighbors, economies, and societies worldwide.
Take, for example, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. What began as a territorial dispute about the security of one state at the cost of another has evolved into a proxy war with global repercussions. Energy markets are disrupted, food supply chains are fractured, and millions are displaced. Similarly, in Myanmar, the military coup and subsequent civil strife have not only devastated its population but also created ripple effects across Southeast Asia, destabilizing trade and spurring regional insecurity. The patterns repeat elsewhere, from the Middle East’s enduring wars to South Asia’s climate-driven migrations and political instability.
The heart of this crisis lies in the lack of choice for those caught in its wake. The citizens of Syria did not choose civil war; the Rohingya in Myanmar did not choose ethnic cleansing. In Pakistan and Bangladesh, worsening climate disasters are not a result of local choices but the consequence of global inaction on climate change. Even South Korea, a nation often seen as a bastion of stability, faces existential threats from its precarious position on the Korean Peninsula, with its fate largely tied to the whims of superpowers.
The international community, though equipped with institutions like the United Nations, often fails to address these crises effectively. Geopolitical rivalries among major powers like the United States, China, and Russia prevent meaningful cooperation, leaving smaller nations and their citizens vulnerable. The idea of sovereignty — a core principle of modern geopolitics — has been weaponized, leaving individuals powerless against the tide of decisions made by distant governments or corporate interests.
What makes this game even more insidious is that it perpetuates itself. Instability breeds instability. A collapsing state sends waves of refugees into neighboring regions, overwhelming their capacities and creating fertile ground for further conflict. Economic downturns caused by war ripple through global markets, exacerbating inequality and fostering resentment. Each crisis becomes a catalyst for the next, dragging more nations and more people into the fray.
Despite this bleak reality, there remains hope in the resilience of humanity. Movements for peace, justice, and equity persist, often led by those directly affected. Civil society organizations, grassroots campaigns, and individuals striving to rebuild their communities represent a counterforce to the chaos. These efforts remind us that even in a game we never chose to join, we can challenge its rules and seek to redefine its outcomes.
Ultimately, the path forward requires recognizing that the world’s crises are interconnected and that no nation or individual is truly isolated from the consequences. Collective action — rooted in empathy, shared responsibility, and accountability — is the only way to dismantle the game itself. Until then, humanity will remain trapped, unwilling players in a contest of power and survival.
Vincent Lyn
CEO & Founder of We Can Save Children
Ambassador of International Human Rights Commission (IHRC)
Director of Creative Development at African Views Organization
Economic & Social Council at United Nations (ECOSOC)
Rescue & Recovery Specialist at International Confederation of Police & Security Experts