Egyptian author Sylvia Al-Naqadi recently wrote about the state of "unraveling" that surrounds us, describing a reality that is beyond control. This phenomenon is not unique to Egypt, but rather a global issue that requires a new approach to dealing with uncertainty. Al-Naqadi's article, published in Al-Masry Al-Youm on October 3, 2026, highlights the need to rethink our relationship with the world and adapt to the changing landscape.
Al-Naqadi's reflections were sparked by a book titled "Surviving Chaos: Geopolitics When the Rules Fail" by Mark Leonard, published in 2026. The book introduces the concept of "Un-Order," a world where traditional rules and institutions are no longer effective in providing stability. According to Leonard, the world is not transitioning to a new, organized system, but rather experiencing a period of confusion, overlap, and uncertainty.
The current state of affairs is characterized by the decline of traditional institutions' ability to control events, leading to an increase in crises, conflicts, and rapid changes. Al-Naqadi argues that we need to find new ways to cope with chaos and manage it, rather than waiting for the old system to return or a new global system to emerge. This requires a shift in mindset from seeking control to embracing flexibility.
For centuries, humans have believed that they can subject everything to calculations, plans, and predictions. However, life has proven to be more complex, and the future is not a project that can be engineered with precision. Al-Naqadi notes that life is a living, breathing entity that changes constantly, and our attempts to grasp it too tightly only lead to it slipping through our fingers.
The real danger lies not in the chaos itself, but in our insistence on resisting its reality. Al-Naqadi emphasizes that this does not mean surrendering or accepting errors, but rather transitioning from a mentality of control to one of flexibility. This involves moving away from seeking complete certainty and building the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
The past few years have taught us that institutions can be shaken, professions can change, and artificial intelligence can disrupt entire equations in a matter of months. What we consider fixed can suddenly become part of the past. Al-Naqadi argues that humans possess a unique ability that chaos cannot take away: the capacity to reinvent themselves.
Ultimately, the solution lies not in rearranging the entire world, which is beyond the power of any individual or nation. Rather, it involves reordering our relationship with the world, letting go of the illusion of absolute control, and finding meaning in the small things. By holding onto beauty, culture, knowledge, and human connections, we can find a way to navigate the uncertain world and emerge more resilient.
Key points
- The concept of "Un-Order" describes a world where traditional rules and institutions are no longer effective in providing stability.
- Adapting to chaos and uncertainty requires a shift in mindset from seeking control to embracing flexibility.
- Humans possess the unique ability to reinvent themselves in the face of uncertainty.
