IR Theory and Pakistan

Different aspects of many of the theories of IR can be applied to Pakistan. In looking at the foreign policies of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan since the Cold War, I have noticed that many of the actions taken by this state support the Realism Theory of international relations. Here, I will look at Pakistan from the eyes of a realist, both observing events of the past and looking towards the future of this state.

Pakistan has one of the largest Muslim populations in the world, and is the sixth most populous country with a population of 164,741,924 (July 2007 est.) . Realists see human nature as bad and believe that states act to pursue their own national interest. This theory is demonstrated through the foreign relations of Pakistan and history with various allied countries. Being the only Islamic nation to declare nuclear power shows Pakistan’s intent to pursue power.

Pakistan’s past relations with the US and other allied nations corresponds with the anarchic, or self-help system of realism. This was especially evident during the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war. This war caused Pakistan to believe that the US was not reliable as an ally because of the effects of its suspension of aid to Pakistan. However, Pakistan was interested in relative gains and so relations improved with the US and arms sales were renewed in 1975. The improvement relations with Bangladesh also serves as an example to the realist theory that enemies can become allies as states pursue national interest.

So what does the future hold for Pakistan? Realism shows that an ally may not always be that way. In this anarchic world, no state can be trusted. Although relations with India have improved, a struggle for power still exists in the Kashmir region. Since, according to realists, it is human nature to be in conflict, this peaceful time and cease fire will not last. And, as with the Athenians conquer of the Melians, Pakistan could use its power to overcome states that do not assist in its conquest of India in Kashmir. Poor neighbor relations will prove to be difficult for Pakistan in the future and as the need to display power increases, so will the tension along the borders.