Another interesting demographic factor:

1950:

Soviet Union: 280 million inhabitants
Pakistan: 35 million


2000:

Russia: 150 million
Pakistan 150 million


2050 estimate:

Russia: 130 million
Pakistan 300 million


It appears that within decades, demography will have completely altered the power balance between Pakistan and Russia.

In 1950, it would've been inconcievable, a science-fiction scenario, that Pakistan could challenge the Soviet Union in the foresable future. Yet, this is exactly what has happened over the span of just a century.

It is not at all inconcievable that the demographic disparity between Europe and it's neighbours will have the far-reaching consequences that some people say it will have...