Cover Story
Foreign Policy and Evolving International Environment
Pakistan finds itself at a critical juncture in an era marked by rapidly shifting global power dynamics.
A nation’s foreign policy is inherently linked to its internal dynamics. Therefore, a country’s foreign policy must evolve in response to the rapidly changing international environment. Pakistan is no exception, and to navigate the complexities of the modern international order effectively, it must first craft a comprehensive foreign policy strategy.
If policy continuation is anything to go by, Pakistan’s foreign policy necessitates a long-term vision instead of merely targeting short-term goals. Be it a love-hate relationship with the Taliban, quite an ambivalent working relationship with the U.S., an indecisive approach towards Iran and Russia, or a trade-or-no-trade dilemma with New Delhi, what we cannot afford under the garb of foreign policy, a makeshift yet rapidly-changing strategy based on impulsive, knee-jerk reactions to regional and global developments.
Historically speaking, one significant distinction between Pakistan and India’s democratic trajectories lies in the formative years of both nations. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan’s founding father, did not have the same opportunity to shape the country’s political landscape as Jawaharlal Nehru did in India. This leadership vacuum led to constitutional crises from the outset, impeding democratic development and creating long-term governance challenges.
Pakistan currently finds itself at a critical juncture in an era marked by rapidly shifting global power dynamics. The intensifying U.S.-China rivalry, evolving political landscapes in the Middle East, and the strategic recalibrations of global powers have created a complex environment for Pakistan’s foreign policy. Globally, the United States, once an unparalleled superpower, began facing mounting challenges after 1992, particularly from terrorism. In its global war on terror, the U.S. spent over $3 trillion. Simultaneously, China emerged as the world’s second-largest economy. The U.S.-China rivalry has now evolved into a full-blown confrontation, characterized by competition in three critical domains: military and strategic affairs, economic and trade relations, and emerging technologies. Potential flashpoints for conflict include Taiwan and the South China Sea, both of which hold significant strategic importance.
The confrontation between the United States and China is the defining feature of contemporary international politics. As Washington pivots its strategic focus toward countering China, it has bolstered New Delhi’s strategic capabilities, positioning India as a counterweight to Beijing. Unfortunately for Pakistan, this has translated into strategic disadvantages. The United States seeks to protect India’s strategic interests, ensuring that New Delhi remains focused on its competition with China rather than becoming entangled with Pakistan. Consequently, while India enjoys a free pass to expand its strategic arsenal, Pakistan continues to face calls for restraint.
Pakistan’s relationship with the United States requires a nuanced approach. While divergences exist, particularly concerning U.S. support for India, there remain areas of mutual interest, including counterterrorism, regional stability, and economic development. Pakistan must pursue a balanced relationship, engaging with the United States, where interests converge while maintaining its strategic partnership with China.
Pakistan’s handling of Chinese projects has been marred by bureaucratic inefficiencies and administrative incompetence.
In Western Europe, the resurgence of armed conflict after World War II was once considered unimaginable. However, recent developments can be traced back to U.S. policies following the Cold War. After the Soviet Union’s collapse, when Russia was economically vulnerable, the U.S. led efforts for German reunification while providing verbal assurances that NATO would not expand eastward. Russia’s acceptance of this verbal commitment proved a strategic miscalculation as NATO continued its expansion toward Russian borders.
The U.S. also played a role in regime change efforts in Ukraine, which provoked Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Despite diplomatic efforts, NATO’s continued attempts to integrate Ukraine exacerbated tensions. With both NATO and Russia possessing nuclear arsenals, the United Nations Secretary-General has warned that the world is now closer to a nuclear conflict than at any time since the Cold War.
Internal structural deficiencies have hampered Pakistan’s ability to respond to these external challenges. For instance, economic instability is critical in shaping foreign relations and influencing diplomatic engagements and strategic partnerships. Since its inception, however, Pakistan has suffered from elite capture, where political, economic, and military elites have pursued narrow interests at the expense of national development. This entrenched system has stymied much-needed reforms in key sectors, leaving Pakistan ill-equipped to navigate complex geopolitical shifts. Without addressing these internal impediments, Pakistan’s foreign policy will remain reactive rather than strategic.
Given these realities, Pakistan’s leadership must reassess and recalibrate its foreign policy approach. Strategic adaptability is essential. Rather than expend diplomatic resources on resuming talks with India—an endeavor unlikely to yield substantial results under current conditions—Pakistan should redirect its focus towards strengthening relations with other South Asian nations. Opportunities abound in the region, from economic partnerships to collaborative security arrangements, which can contribute to Pakistan’s stability and growth.
Furthermore, Pakistan must engage more proactively with the evolving political landscape in the Middle East. The region is witnessing realignments, with Gulf states diversifying their partnerships and recalibrating their foreign policies. Pakistan can leverage its historical ties with these countries to secure economic investments and strategic partnerships that align with its national interests.
Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan require a fundamental reassessment. Afghanistan must be treated as an independent, sovereign state, not as a client state. Recognizing Afghanistan’s sovereignty is essential for regional stability and for fostering productive bilateral relations.
Moreover, Pakistan’s strategic partnership with China holds transformative potential. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) could be a game-changer, providing Pakistan with unprecedented economic opportunities. However, Pakistan must address its critical shortcomings to benefit fully from this partnership. Security concerns have deterred Chinese officials from visiting Pakistan, unlike American delegations, which currently face fewer reservations. Ensuring robust security for Chinese delegations is paramount to restoring confidence and fostering deeper cooperation.
The confrontation between the United States and China is the defining feature of contemporary international politics.
Additionally, Pakistan’s handling of Chinese projects has been marred by bureaucratic inefficiencies and administrative incompetence. Many initiatives under CPEC have stalled due to these internal challenges. The Pakistani government must prioritize the timely and effective implementation of these projects. Successful execution will strengthen bilateral ties and enhance Pakistan’s strategic significance in the region.
A realistic and pragmatic approach, grounded in geostrategic realities, is essential. This requires addressing internal structural challenges, embracing strategic adaptability, and recalibrating relations with key regional and global players. By focusing on advantageous regional opportunities and maintaining balanced relations with major powers, Pakistan can navigate the complexities of the evolving global order and secure its national interests effectively.
The writer is Pakistan’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office, Geneva.
Perennial Quest for Survival
Cries in the Wilderness
Delicate Balancing Act
Foreign Policy and Evolving International Environment
SouthAsia Forum Hosts Exclusive Talk by Ambassador Zamir Akram
Nestlé Pakistan kickstarts 100,000 trees urban forest drive
PayPak, Golootlo, and Imtiaz Stores Launch ‘Spend & Win’ Campaign
Faiz Festival concludes amid thought-provoking sessions
Faiz Festival concludes amid thought-provoking sessions
Infighting poses threat to B’desh, army chief warns
Khloé Kardashian to carve out her niche in showbiz
New ADB President Masato Kanda Assumes Office
SouthAsia Forum joins hands with SwissCham Asia and Singularity Academy of Switzerland
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agree to boost ties in showbiz
Leave a Reply