Kuala Lampur, June 28 -- In a world marked by sanctions, suspicion, and soundbites, the idea that Xi Jinping, Donald Trump, Ayatollah Khamenei, and Anwar Ibrahim could ever get along may seem far-fetched. But it is not impossible. The world has long misunderstood the difference between ideological differences and strategic necessity. In an era of multipolar competition and post-normal crises, the ability to disagree without destabilizing the global order is no longer a luxury-it is a prerequisite.

The answer to whether these four leaders can find common ground is "yes"-but only if the world learns to value strategic civility over ideological conformity. And only if we recognize the role of strategic convenor powers-like Malaysia under An...