The landmark peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia brokered by China has ended years of hostil... more The landmark peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia brokered by China has ended years of hostility between the two regional arch-rivals. The peace agreement is expected to ease the regional tension and bring peace and stability. The warming up of relations may also lead to the end of proxy wars in Yemen, Syria and Iraq. China's emergence as a nonhegemonic and reliable extra-regional actor/guarantor would stabilise the regional security environment. This development directly impacts Pakistan as it has good relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia, and China. The peace agreement holds great prospects for Pakistan through investment, trade, joint production, corridor connectivity and joint consortium. However, while the prospects are bright, there are many challenges to harness these opportunities fully.
The fast-changing geostrategic dynamics are reverberating the exiting global security environment... more The fast-changing geostrategic dynamics are reverberating the exiting global security environment, necessitating readjustments and realignments. China has been perceived as a revisionist power challenging the US global hegemony in all spheres. The US desire to maintain its dominance has given birth to the oceanic configuration and building new partnerships in the shape of Indo-Pacific Strategy. This strategy is studded with the formation of QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 and IPEF, where India is being given the leading role to checkmate China. The US Strategy has far-reaching implications for Pakistan in exacerbating Indo-Pakistan rivalry, pressurizing Sino-Pak strategic cooperation, putting strains on US-Pakistan relations and jeopardizing Pakistan's energy security from the Middle East and its oceanic resources.
The fast-changing geostrategic dynamics are reverberating the exiting global security environment... more The fast-changing geostrategic dynamics are reverberating the exiting global security environment, necessitating readjustments and realignments. China has been perceived as a revisionist power challenging the US global hegemony in all spheres. The US desire to maintain its dominance has given birth to the oceanic configuration and building new partnerships in the shape of Indo-Pacific Strategy. This strategy is studded with the formation of QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 and IPEF, where India is being given the leading role to checkmate China. The US Strategy has far-reaching implications for Pakistan in exacerbating Indo-Pakistan rivalry, pressurizing Sino-Pak strategic cooperation, putting strains on US-Pakistan relations and jeopardizing Pakistan's energy security from the Middle East and its oceanic resources.
Water and oceans have tremendous value for inhabitation and carry great potential for trade and e... more Water and oceans have tremendous value for inhabitation and carry great potential for trade and economic connectivity. The sea-trade has been an ancient activity to build economic power of the state. Pakistan has a coastline of over 1000 km, along with 290,000 sq.km extended Exclusive Economic Zone with abundance of marine, fisheries, mineral, and energy resources that can generate additional revenues. Moreover, Pakistan's geo-oceanic position provides tremendous opportunities of the sea-based activities such as transportation, tourism, shipbuilding, port facilities, and renewable energy. Based on these factors, 2020 was declared as the 'Year of Blue Economy of Pakistan.' Also, there are new strategies being conceived by the great powers to harness the potential of sea-based economy. However, along with opportunities, there are problems too; therefore, this paper endeavors to highlight the challenges and prospects of Blue Economy for Pakistan and gives policy recommendations as a way forward.
Karachi represents a multi-dimensional intra-state conflict that has claimed thousands of innocen... more Karachi represents a multi-dimensional intra-state conflict that has claimed thousands of innocent lives due to rampant ethnic, political, sectarian and criminal violence. Gauging the origins and development of the ethnic conflict in Karachi, it seems that the city has seen different patterns of ethnic conflict and violence during the last 70 years of Pakistan‟s independence. This study is dedicated to evaluate and assess different stages of ethnic conflicts in Karachi by applying Conflict Life Cycle Model. The model entails seven stages of conflict formation and management and finally resolution. Though unique, Karachi has passed through almost all stages of the conflict formation but missed the most mature stage of conflict ripeness i.e. Mutually Hurting Stalemate stage, which often encourages conflict actors to seek a way out through negotiation or peace process. This paper suggests a sustainable conflict management and resolution mechanism to the ethnic conflict in Karachi.
Since the establishment of International Relations as an academic discipline in 1918, it has unde... more Since the establishment of International Relations as an academic discipline in 1918, it has undergone great transformations. The end of World War-II with devastated nuclear technology brought forth national security perspectives impacting the study of IR and giving birth to strategic and security studies as specialized sub-disciplines. Presently the discipline of IR has very distinct and specialized sub-disciplines such as Strategic Studies, Security Studies, Peace and Conflict Resolution and Area Studies. In Pakistan, the first institute dealing with international affairs was established in 1947 and the first teaching department at Karachi University was formed in 1958. However, it suffered due to general apathy by the governments and public alike. In 1970s, Pakistan’s security matrix compelled to create Area Study Centers and Strategic Studies departments. Later, in early 2000s, electronic media played an important role in popularizing these disciplines. Lately, the HEC has estab...
The US-Iran relations are structurally conflictual since the Islamic Revolution in 19791. The ani... more The US-Iran relations are structurally conflictual since the Islamic Revolution in 19791. The animosity is imbedded in the US-hostage crisis, freezing of Iranian assets and differing views on the security architecture of the Middle East. Despite overtures to normalize the bilateral relations from both sides, many issues impede these positive developments. Although there is convergence of interests on many areas, a few events from the past decade like regional peace process, terrorism, and most importantly, Iranian nuclear controversy continue to impact and cast shadows on the bilateral relations. The domestic politics in both countries and the US regional allies, especially, Israel and Saudi Arabia are other major challenges to their unfettered relations. However, lately the geopolitical position of Iran in the changing regional security environment, the phenomenon of ‘Islamic State’ and the agreed framework for a comprehensive nuclear deal raise the likelihood for a detente between...
AbstractPak-Russian relations have been marred by historical legacies, over-emphasized western de... more AbstractPak-Russian relations have been marred by historical legacies, over-emphasized western dependence and Pakistan's Indo-centric approach. There have been many ups and downs in the history of their relations but most of the times they have perceived each other in negative mindset; Pakistan through the prism of western perception and the Soviets/Russia through the Indian eyes. Both countries have strong potential to improve their relations in the fast changing regional and global security environment but it depends how both countries utilize the new opportunities knocking their doors. Russian Federation is reasserting its role in its immediate sphere of influence and beyond, and Pakistan is looking for new avenues of opportunities in the face of US/western standoff. Therefore, both have geopolitical and strategic compulsions to improve their relations.Key Words: Pakistan, Russia, United States, policy, powerGoing back to the roots and analyzing theoretically, the history of Pak-Russia relations is a tale of misperceptions and lost opportunities. International political history is a western discourse; it is not intended here to go through the delicate discussion of post-modernism, especially of Michael Foucault, and demonstrate that knowledge is a function of the present power. In fact, here, it is just to highlight the obvious lack of rationality in the pursuit of Pakistan's foreign policy towards Russia. Rationality can simply be defined as a state understands its 'real' interests and a 'sincere' conduct of its foreign policy in realization of them.Pak-Russian relations have often been under-rated, despite strong potentials, mainly due to misperceived notions and mindsets. There have been many opportunities to improve their relations but were lost due to different approaches to regional and global security perceptions. It is interesting to note that there is not a single bilateral issue between the two countries that divides them. Russian Federation is the inheritor of Soviet mantle; studded with strong nationalism, historical strength, geopolitical outreach and great power status. On the other hand, Pakistan's proximity to Afghanistan and Central Asia, nuclear power status and growing anti-Americanism, have great potential for renewed Russian interest in Pakistan. However, both the policy practices and academic approaches in Pakistan were/are instrumental in neglecting this vital area of country's foreign policy. Therefore, this paper is an attempt to highlight the importance of Pak-Russia relations through historical analysis and lost opportunities. The study also emphasizes the future options for Pakistan in the light of 'revisiting' and 'revamping' of Pakistan's foreign policy.Critical AssumptionsWhile analyzing the Pak-Russia relations, it is important to understand some underlying assumptions in Pakistan's strategic thinking shaping its foreign policy.The Colonial Legacy: Pakistan's foreign policy is mainly shaped by its colonial legacy of being a part of the British Empire. The over-riding emphasis of Pakistani elite, feudality, bureaucracy and military, led to the pro-western approach in its foreign policy dealings. Therefore, Pakistan preferred a distant ally over an immediate neighbor; making a choice between the US and former USSR. Many observed that rationally speaking, it would have been more in the interest of Pakistan to rely on the tangible help of Russia that was just a border away than over the US that was continent apart. But, it is a history that Pakistan delayed the acceptance of the Soviet invitation and 'managed' to get a similar offer from the US and accepted it in no time (Sattar, 2007, April 12).Cause for this choice is interestingly in the colonial past of this country. It is a matter of fact that Britain was once the greatest imperial power of the world. After the World War II, it lost its power and could not hold on to its possessions. Thenceforth, the US replaced Britain as the protector of the free liberal world, but in its own fashion. …
Page 1. The Role of Media in National Security: A Case Study of 1998 Nuclear Explosions by Pakist... more Page 1. The Role of Media in National Security: A Case Study of 1998 Nuclear Explosions by Pakistan By Dr. Nazir Hussain - Series Editor: Maria Sultan www.sassu.org.uk - www.sassi.uk. com RESEARCH REPORT 20 JUNE 2008 South Asian Strategic Stability Institute London ...
Iranian nuclear controversy is the dynamics of capability versus intentions. Despite Iranian clai... more Iranian nuclear controversy is the dynamics of capability versus intentions. Despite Iranian claims, its pursuit of nuclear technology is viewed as threat to regional peace and security. For the last one decade, IAEA inspectors, policy makers, diplomatic and technical experts have been trying to halt Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. In this regard, several stakeholders pressurized the Obama Administration about the impending dangers seeking rapprochement with Iran. Both Israel and Saudi Arabia consider Iran 'not trust-worthy' partner to enter into any bilateral or multilateral agreement, based on the mutual mistrust and baggage of past conflicts. Despite political pressures from its Middle Eastern allies, President Barak Obama with President Hassan Rouhani, showing political maturity kept faith in the negotiation process to find solution to the world's most serious nuclear crises. Tehran's crippling economy and dearth of resources with high inflation rate compell...
Russia has carefully employed its military and diplomatic tools of statecraft in the Syrian confl... more Russia has carefully employed its military and diplomatic tools of statecraft in the Syrian conflict. The Syrian war has been a quagmire with the diversity of actors involved having national, regional, and global interests. Russia's decisive role and direct involvement in the conflict has brought it to the forefront of Middle Eastern politics. Russia after taking control of the Syrian airbase can carry out missions across the Levant and Eastern Mediterranean. Moreover, Russia has not only courted the regional states into its side particularly Turkey but has also successfully averted any direct clash with the US and Israel in Syria. Russia has been able to demonstrate its strategic will to take decisive actions and transforming the risks into opportunities. Syria has brought the Russians back to the international decision-making as an important player. Moreover; Syria has provided Russia with a geopolitical advantage in the Middle East and to uphold Russian status as a global power.
International affair has been primarily focused on the state behaviour, yet with the passage of t... more International affair has been primarily focused on the state behaviour, yet with the passage of time and new realities emerging, this has changed gradually. States from being the main actor now have to cope with the Non State Actors (NSA). These can be terrorist organizations or individuals or groups with certain political, social or economic bases, such as Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and the Islamic State. These entities have posed direct threat to the state sovereignty and regional/global order.Middle East is one of the regions where political turmoil and phenomenon of rising non state actors has put the region into global attention. One such group is the 'Islamic State' which is the most violent non state entity to ever evolve. This entity has created serious security concerns for Iraq and Syria and has also managed to put some other states in turmoil as well. More pressingly, it has proved to be a threat to international actors and indirectly the Western interests in the region...
In the aftermath of August 5, 2019, almost the entire population of Indian-held Jammu & Kashmir w... more In the aftermath of August 5, 2019, almost the entire population of Indian-held Jammu & Kashmir was placed under stark lockdown with pro-freedom and mainstream politicians arrested. This was to prevent any outbreak in response to the revocation of region’s special status. There were only two indigenous constituencies left for campaign and raising voices; ‘Pakistani-administered’ J&K and Kashmiri diaspora. The diaspora’s feeling of being backstabbed created a sense of dispossession and alienation. Kashmiri diaspora across the globe mobilised on various fronts ranging from diplomatic, social, political, academic, and media. Though they managed to highlight the Kashmir conflict internationally, but they could not make some tangible impact as India’s constitutional re-arrangements and the human rights violations in Jammu & Kashmir continued unabated.
South Asia is an important but complex region. Its manifold complexity is largely ascribed throug... more South Asia is an important but complex region. Its manifold complexity is largely ascribed through historical, economic, political and strategic manifestations. The region has witnessed instability in all the given premises and interactions. The entirety happens to be the fact that the structure of alignments is motivated by security complexes which involve cohesion of foreign powers and regional states. The US, Russia, Iran and China now make out to be contemporary stakeholders in South Asian security equation. Their involvement has been seen as a major reorientation in the regional dynamics in terms of political, economic and security characteristics. The manifold possibilities of realignments are what the future of the region will look like. The chance of full-fledged strategic alliance in the face of US-India on the basis of similar political, economic and security interests is on the horizon. As a corollary to this alliance pattern, there is China-Russia-Pakistan alliance which is similar in force but opposite in direction. These two systems are one set of opposition forces to each other, which are also natural in form. Another structure which occurs out of the regional dynamics happens to be of India-Iran-Afghanistan which is a trifecta aiming at Pakistan. On the other hand, there can also be another possibility of Russia-China-Pakistan which could turn into a politically motivated and economically driven alliance and can also cover certain aspects of security. Therefore, due to various changes in order there will stem out various patterns of relationships, which could set the order of the region as one marked by various fluctuating alignment patterns.
Kashmir Conflcit: Changing Dynamics and the Prospects for Peace, 2019
Kashmir is unfinished agenda of the partition of Subcontinent, a core issue of perennial tension ... more Kashmir is unfinished agenda of the partition of Subcontinent, a core issue of perennial tension between Pakistan and India and a constant source of instability in South Asia. Pakistan has legitimate involvement with Kashmir through historical, religious, linguistic, cultural and social bonds. Therefore, Kashmir is the cardinal factor in its domestic and foreign policies. Every successive government in Pakistan has made it the core factor of its foreign policy posture. Almost all political parties in Pakistan invariably support the Kashmiris struggle for their right to self-determination. Pakistani people feel the heat of Indian atrocities in the Occupied Jammu & Kashmir and support its rightful resolution. Pakistan has taken different policy postures in the last 70 years; from implementation of the United Nations Resolution to the support of Armed Struggle and ultimately ‘Out of Box’ solution.
Peculiar past, cultural and geographical experiences remain center for pursuance of Pakistan fore... more Peculiar past, cultural and geographical experiences remain center for pursuance of Pakistan foreign policy towards Afghanistan. Post 9/11 environment brought peculiar challenges at the world level; Pakistan has also been engaged in balancing out the impact of external and internal dynamics on policy outcomes. Indefinite US presence, Indian preferential treatment in Afghanistan and misperceived Pakistan's negative role by the Afghan government are major challenges with regards to address the external constraints. Pakistan's foreign policy structures and processes stand challenged due to persisting war like situation in Afghanistan, thus warranting security oriented priorities. Prevailing environment and likely future scenes hint at policy prescriptions which must safeguard the legitimate interests while having an effective management and control of Pak-Afghan border. Pakistan would have to learn to live with the US presence and nexus of hostile agencies in Afghanistan by exploring new vistas for policy pursuance.
The landmark peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia brokered by China has ended years of hostil... more The landmark peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia brokered by China has ended years of hostility between the two regional arch-rivals. The peace agreement is expected to ease the regional tension and bring peace and stability. The warming up of relations may also lead to the end of proxy wars in Yemen, Syria and Iraq. China's emergence as a nonhegemonic and reliable extra-regional actor/guarantor would stabilise the regional security environment. This development directly impacts Pakistan as it has good relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia, and China. The peace agreement holds great prospects for Pakistan through investment, trade, joint production, corridor connectivity and joint consortium. However, while the prospects are bright, there are many challenges to harness these opportunities fully.
The fast-changing geostrategic dynamics are reverberating the exiting global security environment... more The fast-changing geostrategic dynamics are reverberating the exiting global security environment, necessitating readjustments and realignments. China has been perceived as a revisionist power challenging the US global hegemony in all spheres. The US desire to maintain its dominance has given birth to the oceanic configuration and building new partnerships in the shape of Indo-Pacific Strategy. This strategy is studded with the formation of QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 and IPEF, where India is being given the leading role to checkmate China. The US Strategy has far-reaching implications for Pakistan in exacerbating Indo-Pakistan rivalry, pressurizing Sino-Pak strategic cooperation, putting strains on US-Pakistan relations and jeopardizing Pakistan's energy security from the Middle East and its oceanic resources.
The fast-changing geostrategic dynamics are reverberating the exiting global security environment... more The fast-changing geostrategic dynamics are reverberating the exiting global security environment, necessitating readjustments and realignments. China has been perceived as a revisionist power challenging the US global hegemony in all spheres. The US desire to maintain its dominance has given birth to the oceanic configuration and building new partnerships in the shape of Indo-Pacific Strategy. This strategy is studded with the formation of QUAD, AUKUS, I2U2 and IPEF, where India is being given the leading role to checkmate China. The US Strategy has far-reaching implications for Pakistan in exacerbating Indo-Pakistan rivalry, pressurizing Sino-Pak strategic cooperation, putting strains on US-Pakistan relations and jeopardizing Pakistan's energy security from the Middle East and its oceanic resources.
Water and oceans have tremendous value for inhabitation and carry great potential for trade and e... more Water and oceans have tremendous value for inhabitation and carry great potential for trade and economic connectivity. The sea-trade has been an ancient activity to build economic power of the state. Pakistan has a coastline of over 1000 km, along with 290,000 sq.km extended Exclusive Economic Zone with abundance of marine, fisheries, mineral, and energy resources that can generate additional revenues. Moreover, Pakistan's geo-oceanic position provides tremendous opportunities of the sea-based activities such as transportation, tourism, shipbuilding, port facilities, and renewable energy. Based on these factors, 2020 was declared as the 'Year of Blue Economy of Pakistan.' Also, there are new strategies being conceived by the great powers to harness the potential of sea-based economy. However, along with opportunities, there are problems too; therefore, this paper endeavors to highlight the challenges and prospects of Blue Economy for Pakistan and gives policy recommendations as a way forward.
Karachi represents a multi-dimensional intra-state conflict that has claimed thousands of innocen... more Karachi represents a multi-dimensional intra-state conflict that has claimed thousands of innocent lives due to rampant ethnic, political, sectarian and criminal violence. Gauging the origins and development of the ethnic conflict in Karachi, it seems that the city has seen different patterns of ethnic conflict and violence during the last 70 years of Pakistan‟s independence. This study is dedicated to evaluate and assess different stages of ethnic conflicts in Karachi by applying Conflict Life Cycle Model. The model entails seven stages of conflict formation and management and finally resolution. Though unique, Karachi has passed through almost all stages of the conflict formation but missed the most mature stage of conflict ripeness i.e. Mutually Hurting Stalemate stage, which often encourages conflict actors to seek a way out through negotiation or peace process. This paper suggests a sustainable conflict management and resolution mechanism to the ethnic conflict in Karachi.
Since the establishment of International Relations as an academic discipline in 1918, it has unde... more Since the establishment of International Relations as an academic discipline in 1918, it has undergone great transformations. The end of World War-II with devastated nuclear technology brought forth national security perspectives impacting the study of IR and giving birth to strategic and security studies as specialized sub-disciplines. Presently the discipline of IR has very distinct and specialized sub-disciplines such as Strategic Studies, Security Studies, Peace and Conflict Resolution and Area Studies. In Pakistan, the first institute dealing with international affairs was established in 1947 and the first teaching department at Karachi University was formed in 1958. However, it suffered due to general apathy by the governments and public alike. In 1970s, Pakistan’s security matrix compelled to create Area Study Centers and Strategic Studies departments. Later, in early 2000s, electronic media played an important role in popularizing these disciplines. Lately, the HEC has estab...
The US-Iran relations are structurally conflictual since the Islamic Revolution in 19791. The ani... more The US-Iran relations are structurally conflictual since the Islamic Revolution in 19791. The animosity is imbedded in the US-hostage crisis, freezing of Iranian assets and differing views on the security architecture of the Middle East. Despite overtures to normalize the bilateral relations from both sides, many issues impede these positive developments. Although there is convergence of interests on many areas, a few events from the past decade like regional peace process, terrorism, and most importantly, Iranian nuclear controversy continue to impact and cast shadows on the bilateral relations. The domestic politics in both countries and the US regional allies, especially, Israel and Saudi Arabia are other major challenges to their unfettered relations. However, lately the geopolitical position of Iran in the changing regional security environment, the phenomenon of ‘Islamic State’ and the agreed framework for a comprehensive nuclear deal raise the likelihood for a detente between...
AbstractPak-Russian relations have been marred by historical legacies, over-emphasized western de... more AbstractPak-Russian relations have been marred by historical legacies, over-emphasized western dependence and Pakistan's Indo-centric approach. There have been many ups and downs in the history of their relations but most of the times they have perceived each other in negative mindset; Pakistan through the prism of western perception and the Soviets/Russia through the Indian eyes. Both countries have strong potential to improve their relations in the fast changing regional and global security environment but it depends how both countries utilize the new opportunities knocking their doors. Russian Federation is reasserting its role in its immediate sphere of influence and beyond, and Pakistan is looking for new avenues of opportunities in the face of US/western standoff. Therefore, both have geopolitical and strategic compulsions to improve their relations.Key Words: Pakistan, Russia, United States, policy, powerGoing back to the roots and analyzing theoretically, the history of Pak-Russia relations is a tale of misperceptions and lost opportunities. International political history is a western discourse; it is not intended here to go through the delicate discussion of post-modernism, especially of Michael Foucault, and demonstrate that knowledge is a function of the present power. In fact, here, it is just to highlight the obvious lack of rationality in the pursuit of Pakistan's foreign policy towards Russia. Rationality can simply be defined as a state understands its 'real' interests and a 'sincere' conduct of its foreign policy in realization of them.Pak-Russian relations have often been under-rated, despite strong potentials, mainly due to misperceived notions and mindsets. There have been many opportunities to improve their relations but were lost due to different approaches to regional and global security perceptions. It is interesting to note that there is not a single bilateral issue between the two countries that divides them. Russian Federation is the inheritor of Soviet mantle; studded with strong nationalism, historical strength, geopolitical outreach and great power status. On the other hand, Pakistan's proximity to Afghanistan and Central Asia, nuclear power status and growing anti-Americanism, have great potential for renewed Russian interest in Pakistan. However, both the policy practices and academic approaches in Pakistan were/are instrumental in neglecting this vital area of country's foreign policy. Therefore, this paper is an attempt to highlight the importance of Pak-Russia relations through historical analysis and lost opportunities. The study also emphasizes the future options for Pakistan in the light of 'revisiting' and 'revamping' of Pakistan's foreign policy.Critical AssumptionsWhile analyzing the Pak-Russia relations, it is important to understand some underlying assumptions in Pakistan's strategic thinking shaping its foreign policy.The Colonial Legacy: Pakistan's foreign policy is mainly shaped by its colonial legacy of being a part of the British Empire. The over-riding emphasis of Pakistani elite, feudality, bureaucracy and military, led to the pro-western approach in its foreign policy dealings. Therefore, Pakistan preferred a distant ally over an immediate neighbor; making a choice between the US and former USSR. Many observed that rationally speaking, it would have been more in the interest of Pakistan to rely on the tangible help of Russia that was just a border away than over the US that was continent apart. But, it is a history that Pakistan delayed the acceptance of the Soviet invitation and 'managed' to get a similar offer from the US and accepted it in no time (Sattar, 2007, April 12).Cause for this choice is interestingly in the colonial past of this country. It is a matter of fact that Britain was once the greatest imperial power of the world. After the World War II, it lost its power and could not hold on to its possessions. Thenceforth, the US replaced Britain as the protector of the free liberal world, but in its own fashion. …
Page 1. The Role of Media in National Security: A Case Study of 1998 Nuclear Explosions by Pakist... more Page 1. The Role of Media in National Security: A Case Study of 1998 Nuclear Explosions by Pakistan By Dr. Nazir Hussain - Series Editor: Maria Sultan www.sassu.org.uk - www.sassi.uk. com RESEARCH REPORT 20 JUNE 2008 South Asian Strategic Stability Institute London ...
Iranian nuclear controversy is the dynamics of capability versus intentions. Despite Iranian clai... more Iranian nuclear controversy is the dynamics of capability versus intentions. Despite Iranian claims, its pursuit of nuclear technology is viewed as threat to regional peace and security. For the last one decade, IAEA inspectors, policy makers, diplomatic and technical experts have been trying to halt Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. In this regard, several stakeholders pressurized the Obama Administration about the impending dangers seeking rapprochement with Iran. Both Israel and Saudi Arabia consider Iran 'not trust-worthy' partner to enter into any bilateral or multilateral agreement, based on the mutual mistrust and baggage of past conflicts. Despite political pressures from its Middle Eastern allies, President Barak Obama with President Hassan Rouhani, showing political maturity kept faith in the negotiation process to find solution to the world's most serious nuclear crises. Tehran's crippling economy and dearth of resources with high inflation rate compell...
Russia has carefully employed its military and diplomatic tools of statecraft in the Syrian confl... more Russia has carefully employed its military and diplomatic tools of statecraft in the Syrian conflict. The Syrian war has been a quagmire with the diversity of actors involved having national, regional, and global interests. Russia's decisive role and direct involvement in the conflict has brought it to the forefront of Middle Eastern politics. Russia after taking control of the Syrian airbase can carry out missions across the Levant and Eastern Mediterranean. Moreover, Russia has not only courted the regional states into its side particularly Turkey but has also successfully averted any direct clash with the US and Israel in Syria. Russia has been able to demonstrate its strategic will to take decisive actions and transforming the risks into opportunities. Syria has brought the Russians back to the international decision-making as an important player. Moreover; Syria has provided Russia with a geopolitical advantage in the Middle East and to uphold Russian status as a global power.
International affair has been primarily focused on the state behaviour, yet with the passage of t... more International affair has been primarily focused on the state behaviour, yet with the passage of time and new realities emerging, this has changed gradually. States from being the main actor now have to cope with the Non State Actors (NSA). These can be terrorist organizations or individuals or groups with certain political, social or economic bases, such as Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and the Islamic State. These entities have posed direct threat to the state sovereignty and regional/global order.Middle East is one of the regions where political turmoil and phenomenon of rising non state actors has put the region into global attention. One such group is the 'Islamic State' which is the most violent non state entity to ever evolve. This entity has created serious security concerns for Iraq and Syria and has also managed to put some other states in turmoil as well. More pressingly, it has proved to be a threat to international actors and indirectly the Western interests in the region...
In the aftermath of August 5, 2019, almost the entire population of Indian-held Jammu & Kashmir w... more In the aftermath of August 5, 2019, almost the entire population of Indian-held Jammu & Kashmir was placed under stark lockdown with pro-freedom and mainstream politicians arrested. This was to prevent any outbreak in response to the revocation of region’s special status. There were only two indigenous constituencies left for campaign and raising voices; ‘Pakistani-administered’ J&K and Kashmiri diaspora. The diaspora’s feeling of being backstabbed created a sense of dispossession and alienation. Kashmiri diaspora across the globe mobilised on various fronts ranging from diplomatic, social, political, academic, and media. Though they managed to highlight the Kashmir conflict internationally, but they could not make some tangible impact as India’s constitutional re-arrangements and the human rights violations in Jammu & Kashmir continued unabated.
South Asia is an important but complex region. Its manifold complexity is largely ascribed throug... more South Asia is an important but complex region. Its manifold complexity is largely ascribed through historical, economic, political and strategic manifestations. The region has witnessed instability in all the given premises and interactions. The entirety happens to be the fact that the structure of alignments is motivated by security complexes which involve cohesion of foreign powers and regional states. The US, Russia, Iran and China now make out to be contemporary stakeholders in South Asian security equation. Their involvement has been seen as a major reorientation in the regional dynamics in terms of political, economic and security characteristics. The manifold possibilities of realignments are what the future of the region will look like. The chance of full-fledged strategic alliance in the face of US-India on the basis of similar political, economic and security interests is on the horizon. As a corollary to this alliance pattern, there is China-Russia-Pakistan alliance which is similar in force but opposite in direction. These two systems are one set of opposition forces to each other, which are also natural in form. Another structure which occurs out of the regional dynamics happens to be of India-Iran-Afghanistan which is a trifecta aiming at Pakistan. On the other hand, there can also be another possibility of Russia-China-Pakistan which could turn into a politically motivated and economically driven alliance and can also cover certain aspects of security. Therefore, due to various changes in order there will stem out various patterns of relationships, which could set the order of the region as one marked by various fluctuating alignment patterns.
Kashmir Conflcit: Changing Dynamics and the Prospects for Peace, 2019
Kashmir is unfinished agenda of the partition of Subcontinent, a core issue of perennial tension ... more Kashmir is unfinished agenda of the partition of Subcontinent, a core issue of perennial tension between Pakistan and India and a constant source of instability in South Asia. Pakistan has legitimate involvement with Kashmir through historical, religious, linguistic, cultural and social bonds. Therefore, Kashmir is the cardinal factor in its domestic and foreign policies. Every successive government in Pakistan has made it the core factor of its foreign policy posture. Almost all political parties in Pakistan invariably support the Kashmiris struggle for their right to self-determination. Pakistani people feel the heat of Indian atrocities in the Occupied Jammu & Kashmir and support its rightful resolution. Pakistan has taken different policy postures in the last 70 years; from implementation of the United Nations Resolution to the support of Armed Struggle and ultimately ‘Out of Box’ solution.
Peculiar past, cultural and geographical experiences remain center for pursuance of Pakistan fore... more Peculiar past, cultural and geographical experiences remain center for pursuance of Pakistan foreign policy towards Afghanistan. Post 9/11 environment brought peculiar challenges at the world level; Pakistan has also been engaged in balancing out the impact of external and internal dynamics on policy outcomes. Indefinite US presence, Indian preferential treatment in Afghanistan and misperceived Pakistan's negative role by the Afghan government are major challenges with regards to address the external constraints. Pakistan's foreign policy structures and processes stand challenged due to persisting war like situation in Afghanistan, thus warranting security oriented priorities. Prevailing environment and likely future scenes hint at policy prescriptions which must safeguard the legitimate interests while having an effective management and control of Pak-Afghan border. Pakistan would have to learn to live with the US presence and nexus of hostile agencies in Afghanistan by exploring new vistas for policy pursuance.
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