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PAKISTAN-INDIA BILATERAL RELATIONS AND APPLICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PEACEBUILDING
Full text linkThe recent Pulwama incident has further strained the already tense relationship between India and Pakistan. India\u27s violation of the UN resolution on Kashmir has exacerbated the situation, leaving both countries with seemingly no common ground or shared challenges to bring them to the dialogue table and build confidence and trust for a sustainable relationship. This paper proposes a peace-initiating process prioritising cooperation on common environmental challenges to improve bilateral relations between Pakistan and India. Environmental peacebuilding, which focuses on shared ecological challenges and provides a platform for dialogue and cooperation between rival states, has been explored for a couple of years. However, the cooperative dimensions of environmental peacebuilding have yet to be studied in bilateral relations between Pakistan and India. This paper provides a brief qualitative analysis of relations between two countries, highlights the potential for environmental peacebuilding to improve their relationship, and addresses challenges to successfully implementing this approach.
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Khan, Omair Farooq. 2023. "Pakistan-India Bilateral Relations and Application of Environmental Peacebuilding." Margalla Papers 27 (1): 155-165
STRATEGIC TRANSFORMATIONS: INDIA\u27S PURSUIT OF COUNTERFORCE TARGETING AND REGIONAL STABILITY
Full text linkIn the intricate web of South Asia\u27s security dynamics, India and Pakistan\u27s relationship holds the key to equilibrium. Geographical proximity demands swift responses, prompting India\u27s strategic shift towards Counterforce targeting. Official declarations and military posturing attest to India\u27s resolute commitment to recalibrate its deterrence doctrine. This study critically examines the origins of India\u27s Counterforce targeting strategy, drawing from existing literature and employing theoretical frameworks, including posture optimization, escalation ladder, superiority-brinkmanship, mathematical game theory, rational choice theory, and nuclear deterrence. These models collectively contribute to understanding the implications of India\u27s pursuit of nuclear superiority for coercive diplomacy with Pakistan. Beyond enriching the understanding of South Asia\u27s security, this research unravels the interplay between evolving nuclear strategies, the fluid dynamics of deterrence, and nuanced geopolitical ambitions. By deciphering India\u27s counterforce targeting approach, this study fosters a nuanced discourse on South Asian strategic stability, offering insight into the pivotal role of nuclear deterrence in shaping the region.
Bibliography Entry
Ashraf, Mubeen and Syed Saif ul Haq. 2023. "Strategic Transformations: India\u27s Pursuit of Counterforce Targeting and Regional Stability." Margalla Papers 27 (2): 14-26
UNRAVELING PAKISTAN-AFGHANISTAN STRATEGIC RELATIONS IN THE POST-US WITHDRAWAL ERA
Full text linkThe future and prosperity of Pakistan largely relies upon the nature of its relations with neighbouring Afghanistan. The strategic quandaries between Pakistan and Afghanistan like border issues and persistent cross-border terrorism directly affect Pakistan\u27s domestic situation and are producing reverberating influence throughout South Asia. This paper sought to examine the strategic limitations influencing their relations significantly in the wake of American withdrawal from Afghan soil. Furthermore, elucidating the profound impacts stemming from the circumstances after the American exit, it explores the political dimensions and ramifications of their relations. To that end, this research builds multi-dimensional causal relationships and employs qualitative approaches. The study’s findings depict that these strategic constraints are deep-rooted and multifaceted with implications for regional stabilization, manifesting through traditional security conundrums, disruption of trade routes, and obstacles to economic integration. The implications of this study accentuate the pressing need for coordinated measures to promote peace and stability in the region. It concludes by presenting some policy recommendations intended to lessen the existing challenges as well as encouraging a conducive environment to ameliorate relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
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Bashir, Sonia. 2023. "Unravelling Pakistan-Afghanistan Strategic Relations in the Post-US Withdrawal Era." Margalla Papers 27 (2): 102-114
BOOK REVIEW: KOREA REBORN: A MODEL FOR DEVELOPMENT
No full textKorea has had a turbulent and challenging history since 1945. The brutal dismemberment of the country quickly diminished the joy of being freed from Japan’s colonial rule. However, these difficulties did not go in vain. Despite a cloudy and hopeless future, determination and hope emerged from suffering. This book results from random observations and notes taken by the author, Park Chang Hee, an Army General and politician who led South Kora from 1961 to 1979. It traces the journey of the Korean nation from trials and tribulations to regeneration and modernization through five chapters, included as introductory section titled “On the Threshold of a New History” and the conclusion titled “Korea’s Path to Regeneration.”
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Khan, Ajab. 2023. "Korea Reborn: A Model for Development." Margalla Papers 27 (2): 125-128
RAMIFICATIONS OF INDIA’S NAVAL BUILD-UP IN NUCLEAR REALMS
Full text linkThe naval build-up of India in contemporary times reflects its major power ambitions. Owing to its development of advanced naval capabilities coupled with its long-standing desire to develop a blue-water navy is a major driver of this build up. These blue water ambitions stir instability in Indian Ocean Region (IOR) affecting Pakistan’s threat perceptions. The most important development in the region\u27s stability and security architecture is the addition of second-strike capacity to the sea, which carries serious consequences. Hence, it is pertinent to address the question of strategic stability regarding the development of India’s sea based nuclear capabilities. This paper explores Indian naval nuclear developments and their repercussions for the security environment of South Asia. It establishes that nuclearization of Indian Ocean is leading to aggressive arms build-up in South Asia and subsequent risk of nuclear accidents, sabotage and command and control vulnerabilities.
Bibliography Entry
Bibi, Gulshan and Brice Tseen Fu Lee. 2023. "Ramifications of India’s Naval Buildup in Nuclear Realms." Margalla Papers 27 (2): 1-13
SOUTH CHINA SEA: THE CHINESE APPROACH
Full text linkThe international community has shown considerable interest in China\u27s assertiveness in the South China Sea in recent times. The objective of this study is to examine the strengths and weaknesses that form the foundation of Chinese strategies, and decipher the underlying motives and strategies employed by China in its pursuits. The paper evaluates China\u27s current position in the South China Sea and its effects on regional stability and global geopolitics. The findings reveal that China follows a holistic approach with significant infrastructure, diplomatic, and regional geopolitical gains. These efforts expose risks such as regional alliance tensions, international legal framework complexity and though rare but potential armed engagements.
Bibliography Entry
Hussain Awan SI (M), Sajjad. 2023. "South China Sea: The Chinese Approach." Margalla Papers 27 (2): 44-59
UNVEILING DUALITIES: US RHETORIC AND REALITY IN GLOBAL NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION UNDER TRUMP AND BIDEN ADMINISTRATIONS
Full text linkThe image the United States has always projected of itself in the international community is that of a state that is nuclear responsible and bears the responsibility to keep nuclear proliferation in check. To this effect, it uses sanctions, international pressure, and harsh language with states it deems to be in violation of the obligations of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. On the other hand, however, there is doubt about the United States\u27 own dedication to the cause of nuclear non-proliferation. This paper is an attempt to examine the role the US has played vis-à-vis nuclear proliferation. It deals with the question: what role US has played in promoting nuclear non-proliferation and what its probable effects are on the international nuclear non-proliferation landscape. It argues that the US has not only engaged in excessive nuclear proliferation since 1945 but has also damaged the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, thereby reduced restraints, and set dangerous precedence for other states. The paper recommends that US may lead the world towards nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament by example rather than unfair coercion.
Bibliography Entry
Rashid, Asma and Aiman Saif Ullah. 2023. "Unveiling Dualities: US Rhetoric and Realty in Global Nuclear Non-Proliferation under Trump and Biden Administrations." Margalla Papers 27 (2): 60-70
BOOK REVIEW: THE SECURITY IMPERATIVE: PAKISTAN’S NUCLEAR DETERRENCE AND DIPLOMACY
No full textThe book “The Security Imperative: Pakistan’s Nuclear Deterrence and Diplomacy” is a landmark book by Pakistan’s renowned ambassador Zamir Akram who is currently an advisor to the Strategic Plans Division (SPD) Pakistan. The motive of writing the book, as the author postulates, was to fill the void of literature in the domain of nuclear diplomacy of Pakistan especially left by most of the Pakistani authors, and to exhibit the actual face of Pakistan’s Nuclear Program to the world. The author argues that the book is based on 38 years of experience of the author in the foreign service of Pakistan and deeply relies on declassified official documents, interviews with key players and on secondary and empirical data.
Bibliography Entry
Meer, Shah. 2023. "The Security Imperative: Pakistan’s Nuclear Deterrence and Diplomacy." Margalla Papers 27 (2): 132-133
US’ TAIWAN STRATEGY: AN INSTRUMENT TO CONTAIN CHINA
Full text linkThe issue of Taiwan has become a major point of contention between the US and China, with visits by US officials resulting in strong criticism from China and military escalation in the region. Experts are concerned that a conflict between these two powers in the Asia-Pacific region could endanger global peace and stability, especially given the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. China maintains its claim over Taiwan under the \u27One China Policy,’ considering it a lost province and advocating for its unification with the mainland. While recognising Taiwan as part of China under this policy, the US engages in diplomatic and military activities with Taiwan, which China considers interference in its internal affairs. In the post-Cold War era, the US adopted an ambiguous policy towards Taiwan as part of its containment strategy against China. Therefore, the US seeks to slow China\u27s perpetual growth by promising enhanced defence for Taiwan. Recent US official visits to Taiwan reflect provocative measures in line with this strategy. This paper analyses the US\u27 Taiwan policy as a containment instrument against China, recent measures adopted by the US administration to provoke China, Taiwan\u27s strategic significance, and the US\u27 long-standing commitment to Taiwan\u27s security as essential for maintaining its leadership role in international affairs.
Bibliography Entry
Farooq, Muhammad. 2023. "US’ Taiwan Strategy: An Instrument to Contain China." Margalla Papers 27 (1): 96-108
CONCEPTUALISING THE ROLE OF INDIA IN NORTH KOREA`S DENUCLEARISATION
Full text linkThe US and its allies perceive North Korea\u27s acquisition of nuclear weapons as a significant strategic challenge in the region. Diplomatic efforts have been made to persuade the Kim regime to abandon its nuclear programme, but they have failed. The DPRK considers nuclear weapons capability vital for deterrence against external threats and strategically crucial for national defence. India, a key US ally in containing China, has taken a stiffer stance towards Pyongyang\u27s nuclear programme while enhancing its role in contributing to North Korea\u27s denuclearisation. It represents itself as a staunch opponent of nuclear proliferation and the development of sophisticated weapons. This paper explores India\u27s role in North Korea\u27s perceived denuclearisation. It highlights that India has adopted a dual-standard approach to nuclear proliferation and sophisticated weapons and is also trying to create a technological nexus between Pakistan and North Korea, allegedly to achieve strategic ambitions in South Asia and assert pressure on Pakistan with the help of the US and its Western allies.
Bibliography Entry
Kakar, Sher Ali and Muhammad Adil Khan. 2023. "Conceptualising the Role of India in North Korea’s Denuclearisation." Margalla Papers 27 (1): 166-175