IPRI Journal

Number XIX, 1, 2019

1-29
NSG Membership for India and Pakistan: Debating ‘Critical’ Aspects

Authors: Muhammad Waseem Qutab

Abstract

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Number of views: 636

The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is seized with membership applications of India and Pakistan. It is the first time in the history of the NSG that two non-State Parties to the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and nuclear armed neighbours, are simultaneously vying to become NSG members. Owing to the complexity of the issue, the NSG has chosen a cautious path to discuss ‘technical, legal and political’ aspects of their membership in the broader context of non-NPT states before considering specific applications. This article begins by tracing the evolution of the NSG and the expansion in its membership to determine if non-NPT status and NSG membership are in anyway reconcilable. Its main section, then, examines several underlying issues within these ‘critical’ aspects. It concludes that the issue of NSG membership for India and Pakistan provides a rare opportunity that can not only help universalise global nonproliferation norms but may also contribute to stability in South Asia.

30-55
Pakistan and the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue: Current and Future Perceptions

Authors: Benjamin Clarke

Abstract

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Number of views: 319

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad or QSD), a proposed multilateral platform consisting of the United States (US), India, Japan and Australia intended to underpin a future Asia-Pacific order, has the potential to significantly impact Pakistan‟s international standing. As an important regional actor, Pakistan‟s responses to such a platform will be influential. This article discusses possible ways Pakistan is likely to perceive the Quad and its consequences. It analyses the nature of the Quad, Pakistan‟s foreign policy and current geopolitical trends to provide a framework for discussion. It then outlines two potential forms the Quad may take, aggressive and cooperative, and explores Pakistan‟s likely perceptions and responses. It finds that in case of an aggressive Quad, Pakistan will resist pressure and seek external support which may trigger greater strategic competition, whereas it may be willing to adopt a balanced foreign policy in the case of a cooperative Quad. These findings demonstrate the importance of considering such long-term implications at a time when other concerns are driving international engagement with Pakistan

56-85
Pakistan-Russia Relations Redux: From Estrangement to Pragmatism

Authors: Muhammad Nawaz Khan

Abstract

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Number of views: 1422

Pakistan-Russia relations have a complex history of divergences, contradictions and ambiguities that heightened during the Cold War and subsequent era of Afghan Jihad. However, the gradual rapprochement that paved the way for institutionalised engagement started after Pakistan joined the war against terrorism. Based on secondary review of academic and online sources, this article explores how relations between the two countries evolved from estrangement to institutional engagement, with a special focus on why this relationship is significant for both. Economic, energy, defence, counterterrorism, and socio-cultural domains are the important variables that are discussed. Given existing geopolitical compulsions like Moscow‟s quest for playing a decisive role in Afghanistan‟s security calculus; Pakistan‟s pursuit for coming out of the United States‟ straitjacket and finding alternative regional partners offer the reasons, challenges and outlook in shaping prospective ties. It is argued that Pakistan-Russia ties are likely to improve in the future, especially in terms of economic, defence and counterterrorism cooperation.

86-110
Analysing India’s Naval Development Strategy

Authors: Sufian Ullah

Abstract

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Number of views: 524

Under the premiership of Narendra Modi, India has witnessed a renewed focus on maritime interests, especially in its broader foreign policy. As the country envisions a key role for itself in extended oceanic waters, its Navy is undergoing a comprehensive modernisation plan that could enable it to dominate maritime activities at least in the Indian Ocean (IO). While it pursues acquiring blue water naval capabilities, India‟s maritime posture has been gradually shifting from mere self-defence to pre-eminence. Through such enhanced capabilities, the Navy presumably seeks to pursue a set of different objectives that include performing missions of deterrence, creating an Indian-led maritime environment, and ensuring preparedness to engage in possible military conflicts. This article is an attempt to understand India‟s evolving maritime thinking and how "Indo-Pacific‟ as a new regional construct is designed to complement the country‟s naval ambitions.

111-127
To Intervene or Not to Intervene: Ethics of Humanitarian Intervention in Myanmar

Authors: Imran Syed

Abstract

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Number of views: 959

The Rohingya, sometimes referred to as the „most persecuted people in the world‟, in 2017, once again, faced violence in Myanmar and many have been forced into displacement across international borders. More recently, in August 2018, they were in the spotlight as they observed the „anniversary‟ of the spate of mass displacements. The violence faced by this group is of extreme proportions and has persisted over many decades. This article examines the issue of the Rohingya of Myanmar from the lens of global ethics and International Relations. The solution to this humanitarian crisis does not seem to be coming from inside the borders of the country. From outside, there exists the possibility of international intervention on humanitarian grounds. The article explores a possible framework for such an intervention by examining interests of the intervening states and those of the people of the intervened state.

128-146
Exceptionalism in US Foreign Policy: A Case Study of ISIS

Authors: Syed Sabir Muhammad and Muhammad Ali Baig

Abstract

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Number of views: 495

Exceptionalism has been the principal narrative of the United States‘ foreign policy decision-making. It is the set of beliefs and principles that envisages the country‘s uniqueness and superiority over the rest. It has two strands: one being its status as an exemplar state; and the other being God‘s chosen people – the latter being the dominant one. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) threatened life, liberty, pursuit of happiness and freedom – far away from the shores of the US. However, with ‗doing God‘s work‘ underpinning its foreign policy dictates – the US mobilised its military forces and spearheaded the campaign to help its Middle Eastern allies in getting rid of ISIS. The article aims to understand the basic tenets of US exceptionalism and the intervening variables which led the country to fight against the ISIS.

147-175
‘Whole-of-Nation’ Approach and its Impacts: Case of the 2009 Swat Crisis in Pakistan

Authors: Major General Syed Najeeb Ahmad

Abstract

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Number of views: 608

In May 2009, Pakistan faced a serious security dilemma when Taliban militants gained varying degrees of control in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial districts of Dir, Swat, Shangla, Malakand and Buner. The Government acted decisively to re-establish its writ. From May to October 2009, control of almost 6,500 square kilometers of area was regained from the Taliban. Following this kinetic phase, prolonged stabilisation efforts led to the return of normalcy. The tactful creation of political conditions by the country's leadership, despite historically problematic civil-military relations, provided the key to success. Built on trust, the "whole-of-nation‟ approach comprising the civil government, military, civil administration, political parties and the people created unity of effort and command which proved successful.