**The Iran War Exposes a Major Shift in Global Politics** By Fyodor Lukyanov As the world watches the US-Israeli war against Iran unfold, it's becoming clear that the way nations form alliances and interact with each other is undergoing a significant shift. This change is not unique to the current conflict, but rather a broader evolution in the nature of international relations in the 21st century. In the past, the world was divided into distinct blocs, with powerful nations offering protection to weaker ones in exchange for loyalty. This patron-client system was the backbone of Cold War geopolitics, where strong powers like the United States provided security guarantees to smaller nations that aligned with their ideology. This system persisted even after the Cold War, with the West promoting shared values and common interests as a unifying force. However, the same cannot be said for Russia's relationships in the wake of the Soviet Union's collapse. While some alliances survived out of habit and economic necessity, the language of "strategic partnership" has lost its substance over time. The erosion of these relationships is a testament to the changing dynamics of international politics. In Nigeria, for instance, our country's relationships with other nations are often driven by economic interests and shared values. Our membership in regional organizations like ECOWAS and our partnerships with countries like China and the United States reflect this new reality. The Iran war is a stark reminder that the old system of patronage, where a patron state provides protection and security guarantees in exchange for loyalty, is no longer sustainable. The patron must now accept certain responsibilities, including the burden of defense and the provision of economic aid. This new reality is forcing nations to re-evaluate their alliances and relationships, and to prioritize shared interests and mutual benefit over ideological alignment. As the world grapples with this shift, one thing is clear: the old certainties of international politics are giving way to a more complex and nuanced reality. It's a reality that requires nations to be more flexible and adaptable, and to prioritize cooperation and mutual benefit over rigid alliances and ideological rivalries.