Pakistan is situated in an area that has historically experienced political unrest. Pakistan has to wriggle through hard territory because of its western border with Iran and Afghanistan, both of which are largely cut off from the world system, and its complex relationship with India to the east. This is accompanied by the US and China, Pakistan’s northern neighbor, becoming more competitive. Achieving the nation’s development objectives and navigating the turbulence will depend on maintaining stability within the nation, bolstering its economy, and promoting peace in the region.
One prominent article, “Pakistan’s Geo-Political and Strategic Compulsions” volume 14 (published in 2019 by Noor ullah Khan), delves into the historical context that shapes Pakistan’s current strategic compulsions. The article makes an argument that a combination of internal and foreign forces leads to Pakistan’s strategic imperatives that exist. Pakistan’s distinct topography—it shares borders with China, India, Iran, and Afghanistan—is highlighted. The authors contend that this position calls for a careful balancing act between various regional forces. The essay highlights several internal variables that have shaped Pakistan’s strategic vision, including elite power conflicts, political institutions, and historical narratives.
It also provides a predominantly Pakistani viewpoint. The significance of international relations is acknowledged, but it would be helpful to include a few sentences explaining how Pakistan’s strategic imperatives are viewed by the US and its neighbors.
The article’s emphasis on realism is one of its strong points. It recognizes the hard facts of the power dynamics in South Asia, especially the supposed “enemy designs” of India. This realist viewpoint provides a useful prism that allows us to view Pakistan’s historical alliances and emphasis on security. Pakistan possesses significant potential to serve as a regional hub for connectivity among Central Asian nations, given its seaport location and capacity to develop into a hub for trade within the region. Pakistan’s goal is to become a hub for Chinese trade in the region and improve connections to Central Asia and the Middle East, but as China’s neighbor, it will have to manage various hurdles and maintain a careful balance. Participants hope that increased regional connectedness will lead to a decrease in violence and an increase in peace in the area.
Due to its reliance on China for economic links and desire to avoid upsetting the US, Pakistan will need to manage and balance the relationship between the US and China. Pakistan needs to keep up the conversation and broaden its sphere of influence with both nations to strike a balance in the relationship.
The writer is a student of “BS PS” at “International Islamic University Islamabad” and a member of PYDIR.