In an environment of rapidly transforming geopolitical realities, a more comprehensive all-encompassing deeper understanding of the issues is necessary. Pakistan’s existence and success in achieving its critical objectives is dependent on our comprehensive understanding of the environment around us, as well as our ability to convince others about our positions. Given the complex global political and geo-strategic environment, Pakistan needs a delicate strategic balancing and intricate policy maneuvers. The policy makers as well as academicians of defence, politics and international relations have to create resonance between the real world issues and strategic thought. There is a need to bridge the gap between real world of strategy and its theoretical, intellectual counterpart. Therefore, Strategic Thought Journal has been ploughed in to the national fabric of the academic scheme which focuses on strategic concepts and their relevance with real world.
DISARMAMENT DIPLOMACY: YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW
The article addresses the problems of disarmament and their interplay with the global security environment. Disarmament has a long history and remains a crucial tool for maintaining international stability. The article discusses the achievements and lessons of disarmament diplomacy, including the experience of the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations. These lessons remain relevant in the current geopolitical context. The United Nations strives to maintain international peace and security. However, its disarmament efforts have been declining due to geopolitical circumstances. The collective security system, based on the United Nations Charter, was founded on the moral and ideological interpretations of the Second World War. Still, the eroding shared historical memory about the danger of Nazism is weakening the ideological consensus that underpins the UN system. Nuclear arms control forms an integral part of the multilateral disarmament efforts, and concerns about the erosion of nuclear arms control architecture remain acute. Achievements in multilateral disarmament should be appropriately recognised and should not be devalued. The Global Majority may contribute to preserving the fundamental norms and principles of multilateral disarmament. Bibliography Entry Malygina, Dr. Anastasia A. 2025. "Disarmament Diplomacy: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow." Strategic Thought (7): 133-150.
FROM RIVALS TO RECONCILERS: A CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF IRAN-SAUDI CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION
Iran-Saudi rapprochement presents a unique case study where the erstwhile rivals, while still competing in the Middle East, have undergone a shift in their bilateral affairs. It is not to say that the issues between the two regional powers have been resolved or the apprehensions about each other have subsided; instead, what is astonishing, rather than pragmatic, on the part of both Iran and Saudi Arabia is the management of their disputes. For example, Saudi Arabia has stopped commenting on Iran’s nuclear and missile program, while Iran has prevented Houthis from attacking Saudi Arabia by utilising its influence over the armed group. Not only has the cessation of hostilities between these two states occurred, but the bilateral relations have also entered into a positive phase. For example, the restoration of diplomatic channels, resumption of Hajj pilgrimages and working together in OIC for the Palestinian cause reflect the upward trajectory in the bilateral relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. To understand this transformation, the paper will theoretically analyse the factors and features of the Iran-Saudi rapprochement. The paper would also explore the different perspectives of both Iran and Saudi Arabia to understand the motivations behind their rapprochement. Bibliography Entry Kazmi, Syeda Hudaisa, Syed Fraz Hussain Naqvi and Dr. Syed Qandil Abbas. 2025. "From Rivals to Reconcilers: A Critical Appraisal of Iran-Saudi Conflict Transformation." Strategic Thought (7): 117-132.
CHINA AND THE UNITED STATES: A BALANCING ACT FOR PAKISTAN
This article explores Pakistan’s strategic positioning between China and the United States amid evolving geopolitical dynamics, particularly after the May 2025 Indo-Pak conflict. It argues that Pakistan’s military and technological edge—bolstered by deep-rooted defence cooperation with China—redefined regional balances and enhanced its global stature. Historically, Pakistan has pursued a balancing policy between the U.S. and China, benefiting from American aid in the 1950s–60s and aligning with China post-1962. Despite cyclical downturns in U.S.-Pakistan ties—especially after nuclear sanctions and post-Afghanistan disengagement—China has consistently remained a reliable partner. The article critiques India’s influence on U.S. policy toward Pakistan and rebuffs the notion of a binary choice between Washington and Beijing. It calls for leveraging renewed U.S. engagement under Trump, strengthening economic and defence ties while safeguarding strategic cooperation with China, particularly through CPEC. Ultimately, the article advocates for a confident, multipolar foreign policy vision where Pakistan asserts itself as a major power, harmonising relations with both global giants without compromising national interests. Bibliography Entry Khan, Ambassador (Retired) Sardar Masood. 2025. "China and the United States: A Balancing Act for Pakistan." Strategic Thought (7): 107-116.
THE CHANGING GEO-POLITICAL LANDSCAPE OF AFRICA: AN ARENA OF MAJOR POWER COMPETITION
This study examines the rising major power competition in Africa through the lens of a few select countries as reference points. For theoretical analysis, this study applies the realist perspective, emphasizing power politics as a key analytical concept” exploring the connections between major power competition and the changing geopolitical landscape in Africa. The analysis underscores the fact that while competitors may have changed over the centuries, the nature and behaviour of these competitors remain constant, especially when dissected through the prism of power politics. In contrast to the 18th and 19th centuries, which was primarily restricted to European powers, combined with the rising diplomatic, political and economic influence of China, the diversification of African foreign policies that transcend Euro-American direction, the call for a multipolar world by African states, and longing to be considered as equal players in global affairs, the current wave of major power competition is heterogeneous yet humongous, featuring countries that were either previously considered as developing nations or whose status of global power was considered diminished. The study concludes that the new scramble for Africa carries some semblance of the Cold War, geared at exploiting Africa. Nevertheless, Africans should not allow the repetition of the old scramble, where they were cast at the bottom of the ladder; instead, they should aim to be the winners themselves. Bibliography Entry Bello, Colonel Y, Group Captain D Beube, Colonel E K Mundul and Commander Staff Amjed. 2025. "The Changing Geo-Political Landscape of Africa: An Arena of Major Power Competition." Strategic Thought (7): 81-106.
INDIA’S LIMITED WAR FIGHTING DOCTRINES AND THE MAY 2025 PROVOCATION: CHALLENGES TO DETERRENCE AND STABILITY IN SOUTH ASIA
The May 2025 conflict between India and Pakistan highlights the growing dangers of conventional conflict or limited war, which risks slipping out of control, thus increasing the risks of nuclear exchange. Rather than engaging in negotiations for dispute resolution, the Indian government has continuously been transforming its conventional war-fighting doctrine to establish hegemony through compellence. Indian strategic thought and technological modernisation can be identified as primary drivers behind this Indian behaviour, as it aspires to create a Greater India or Akhand Bharat. From 1947 to the nuclearisation of South Asia, India once changed its war-fighting doctrine. However, from 2003 onwards, the Indian armed forces have been continuously going through a transformative and restructuring phase. Using massive retaliation as nuclear blackmail against Pakistan, India aspires to create space for limited conflict and surgical strikes using advanced weapon systems, under the Dynamic Response Strategy, below the nuclear thresholds as a new normal. At the same time, Indian Integrated Battle Groups would be ready to undertake offensive operations under the Cold Start Doctrine, if the conflict escalates to a full-scale conventional war. This paper evaluates Indian conventional war-fighting doctrines while concluding that Pakistan needs to diversify its response options to raise the retaliatory cost so as to deny India space for a limited war below the nuclear thresholds. Due to domestic pressures and the desire to dominate escalation rungs, any limited conflict in South Asia carries high risks for slipping out of control, thus ending in a nuclear exchange. Bibliography Entry Zaman, Shams uz. 2025. "India’s Limited War Fighting Doctrines and the May 2025 Provocation: Challenges to Deterrence and Stability in South Asia." Strategic Thought (7): 55-80.
MONSOON REVOLUTION IN BANGLADESH AND ITS STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS
This paper will analyse how the monsoon revolution in Bangladesh (BD) of August 2024 led to regime change with its strategic implications. The paradigm shift in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations that took place following the monsoon revolution and the opportunities to ameliorate Dhaka-Islamabad ties will also be examined in this paper. It is the second time in the last 50 years that regime change in Bangladesh has led to an improvement in Pak-BD ties. First, on August 15, 1975, when the president and founder of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, was assassinated along with the majority of his family members by soldiers, Pakistan was the first country to recognise the new government led by Khondkhar Mushtaq Ahmed. Second, on August 6, 2024, when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign and flee to India following massive student protests, Pakistan welcomed regime change in Dhaka. Bibliography Entry Ahmar, Dr. Moonis. 2025. "Monsoon Revolution in Bangladesh and Its Strategic Implications." Strategic Thought (7): 35-54.
THE EVOLVING NATURE OF PAKISTAN-RUSSIA STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP
In the 21st century, Pakistan and Russia have witnessed a steady evolution in their bilateral relationship, transitioning from limited trade ties to a broader strategic partnership. While economic interactions have remained consistent, significant progress has been made in political and military cooperation, marked by a newfound warmth and mutual interest. Successive Pakistani governments, both military and civilian, have consistently pursued this relationship with strategic intent, reflecting a bipartisan consensus among the country’s political and military leadership. This evolving partnership signifies a broader realignment in global geopolitics, where Russia, in concert with China, seeks to challenge the unipolar world order, with Pakistan emerging as a potential strategic linchpin. Shared concerns over regional stability, particularly in Afghanistan and Central Asia, have further aligned the interests of both states. Analysts view that the former Cold War adversaries now share more common ground than either does with the United States. Moreover, Pakistan’s geographic positioning presents opportunities for it to serve as a future energy corridor linking Central Asia and Russia with South Asia and China. As both countries navigate emerging regional and global challenges, their converging interests offer a foundation for a durable and forward-looking strategic partnership. Bibliography Entry Khan, Prof. Dr. Muhammad. 2025. "The Evolving Nature of Pakistan-Russia Strategic Relationship." Strategic Thought (7): 19-34.
THE HARD LESSONS: RIPPLES BEYOND PAHALGAM
The Pahalgam conflict presents a moment of critical reflection for Pakistan. Clearly, India could not be deterred from undertaking a new type of technology-savvy war, revealing India’s willingness to exploit nuclear ambiguity and Pakistan’s internal vulnerabilities. It underscored India’s growing appetite for limited war under a "counter-terrorism" pretext. Pakistan must urgently respond to the lessons as the next war is around the corner. Modernisation of air defence systems, refinement of war conceptualisation, and strengthening of tri-service synergy are no longer mere options. Equally urgent is economic revival and national unity in order to deter aggression and maintain strategic stability in the face of growing threats. Without holistic reforms, India’s escalating aggression backed by international impunity will continue to test Pakistan’s strategic tolerance, or may eventually escalate beyond. Bibliography Entry Amin, Aezaz Aizad. 2025. "The Hard Lessons: Ripples beyond Pahalgam." Strategic Thought (7): 1-18.
PAKISTAN'S QUEST FOR SUSTAINABLE MARITIME DEVELOPMENT
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) prioritise the conservation of marine ecosystems, explicitly emphasising effective and efficient coastal management and blue economy as a new concept of sustainable economic development. While Pakistan has long been disregarding its maritime capabilities, being a country with a rich coastline, it has vast potential to utilise its advantageous geographical location for seaborne trade. Pakistan needs a blue economy shift due to the increasing demand for eco-friendly development and proper management of available resources. The study explores Pakistan's current maritime resource utilisation, identifying challenges such as overfishing, outdated infrastructure, and bureaucratic hurdles. It emphasises the need for policy reforms, enhanced human resource capacity, and technological advancements. The significance of mangrove conservation, sustainable fishing practices, and private sector investment are pivotal for economic growth and ecological balance. To harness the blue economy potential sustainably, Pakistan must undertake policy reforms, strengthen its human resource capacity, and cooperate across sectors and with other countries. Bibliography Entry Babar, Dr. Summar Iqbal and Muhammad Danish Masood. 2024. "Pakistan's Quest for Sustainable Maritime Development." Strategic Thought (6): 125-138.
GLOBAL CARBON NEUTRALITY AND NATIONAL SECURITY IN GLOBAL SOUTH: A CASE STUDY ON THAR COAL PROJECT, PAKISTAN
As the global climate continues to change, so does the need to shift away from fossil fuels. However, for countries in the Global South facing long-term energy crises such as Pakistan, fossil fuels provide a lifeline amidst challenging circumstances. This paper examines the impact of achieving carbon neutrality on national sovereignty, with a particular focus on the Thar project. The aim is to make a convincing case for reconciling carbon neutrality objectives with the need to meet energy requirements. Extensive research was conducted to understand the views of academicians, professionals and residents of Thar. The findings showed that the residents of Thar are in favour of the project. While there were some diverging views on the project’s environmental impact, the overwhelming consensus was in favour of the continuation of the project. The results of the research also showed a predominantly positive focus on the Thar Coal Project. These findings highlight the need for a holistic approach to managing the complex relationship between environmental sustainability, energy security and energy requirements, especially in regions facing urgent energy challenges. Bibliography Entry Shafi, Dr. Khalid Mahmood and Ms. Rahemeen Fatima Malik. 2024. "Global Carbon Neutrality and National Security in Global South: A Case Study on Thar Coal Project, Pakistan." Strategic Thought (6): 103-124.
Given the uncertainties surrounding the internal and external security environment, future forecasting is challenging; however, based on empirical data, track record and actions taken, future scenario-building can be possible. Since its inception, Pakistan has suffered political and economic instability and an unfavourable external security environment. This situation is mainly due to the need for more visionary leadership, wrong priorities and short-sighted policy directions. Therefore, this paper endeavours to predict Pakistan’s strategic outlook for 2030 through different scenarios. The paper bases its argument on the theoretical foundation of James Rosenau, analysis of essential variables, discussion of challenges vs opportunities, and strengths vs weaknesses. The paper suggests some course corrections in the form of political reconciliation, economic tight-roping, and the search for new areas of revenue generation. The paper uses official documents, authentic research reports, policy papers, and analyses of the subject specialists to prove the main arguments. Bibliography Entry Hussain, Dr. Nazir. 2024. " Pakistan’s Strategic Outlook 2030." Strategic Thought (6): 91-102.
THE STRATEGIC TRIANGLE: US, CHINA, AND RUSSIA IN GLOBAL SECURITY GOVERNANCE
Paradigm adjustments in the balance of power in the ever-changing world of international politics inevitably impact the status quo. Concerning this matter, it has been observed that the rivalry between the US, China, and Russia has significant consequences for the structure of international security on a global and regional scale. On one side, China wants to spearhead a paradigm shift in global security governance towards a new era of "partnership and mutually beneficial outcomes" and seems unhappy with the US-centric framework. China has been inconsistent in its posture towards Russia despite supporting Russia's narratives and viewing Russia as a possible ally in the crisis in Ukraine. According to this, the potential for collaboration and confrontation in China's foreign and security policies appears to be ongoing. On the one hand, the US sees military engagement in particular regions and the promotion of democracy and human rights by the US as problematic; on the other hand, US officials see Russian and Chinese backing for repressive governments as unproductive. However, the United States and China could cooperate on peacekeeping, global stability, and avoiding unintentional escalation. Bibliography Entry Khan, Dr. Muhammad Fahim and Muhammad Ijaz Awan. 2024. "The Strategic Triangle: US, China, and Russia in Global Security Governance." Strategic Thought (6): 75-90.
INDIA’S STRATEGIC CULTURE: SHAPING THE SOUTH ASIAN GEOPOLITICAL DYNAMICS
The transformation in global politics and India’s rise have changed South Asia's security landscape and geopolitics. India’s engagement with the US as the ‘net security provider’ against China and the Asia-Pacific littorals makes way for increased security dilemmas in South Asia. India has an offensive strategic culture based on realpolitik. It moves India for the power pursuit, hegemony, and hierarchy in the global order and places it as the most sacred and respectable unit of the international system. In light of the geopolitical realities, the study aims to discuss the Indian strategic culture through the lens of Strategic Culture Theory. It focuses on how India’s geographical imperatives, historical evolution, and cultural values shape its national security policy and influence the regional dynamics in South Asia. The study finds that India’s behaviour in geopolitical environments is motivated by its strategic culture, which has its roots in Indian scriptures, history, and geography. Bibliography Entry Meer, Shah. 2024. "India’s Strategic Culture: Shaping the South Asian Geopolitical Dynamics." Strategic Thought (6): 57-74.
PAKISTAN'S AMBIGUOUS NUCLEAR DOCTRINE PRIMA FACIE DETERRENCE AIMED AT WAR AVOIDANCE AND INDIA'S QUEST FOR COMPELLENCE
Nuclear weapons are not war-fighting arsenals but weapons of deterrence, which is articulated through nuclear doctrine. Nuclear doctrine provides a framework that determines development, deployment, and conditions in which states may consider its use. All nuclear states, except Pakistan, have declared the First Use and No First Use policy. Pakistan has adopted a different approach and has not publicly declared its nuclear doctrine, leaving it vague and ambiguous. However, statements of significant officials denote scattered strands of Pakistani nuclear doctrine, which led to the policy of Full Spectrum Deterrence. Full Spectrum Deterrence is neither a first-use nor no-first-use policy; instead, it is a military capability to avoid wars that deter India across the entire threat spectrum and prevent India from attempting any aggression in all continuums of warfare. This has limited Indian aggressive capabilities and forced a rethinking of its NFU, including its conventional doctrine for achieving compellence benefits against Pakistan. Bibliography Entry Narejo, Ghulam Shabeer, Prof Dr. Zulfqar Khan and Dr. Ahmad Khan. 2024. "Pakistan's Ambiguous Nuclear Doctrine Prima Facie Deterrence Aimed at War Avoidance and India's Quest for Compellence." Strategic Thought (6): 41-56.
PAKISTAN’S COUNTER VIOLENT EXTREMISM (CVE) OVERTURES – AN UNFINISHED TASK!
Violent Extremism has a history to itself and has caused inhuman manifestations – Genocide, Mass Killings, and Live deaths across the world. In the present age of digital connectivity and its manipulation, illicit money flow, fungible borders, misuse of religion, racial identity, and ethnic groundings have all contributed to the furthering of Violent Extremism at the national, regional and global levels. Force-based counter-terrorism response mechanisms serve as one of the critical mediums for restoring the nation-state’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and also led to the international coalition of forces, WOT (War on Terror), following the 9/11 WTC Attacks in the United States. Parallel to this, CVE (Countering Violent Extremism) implies the conception, policy formulation and implementation through the non-kinetic steps. Ideally, this task requires a healthy partnership between the state and society, which remains an ongoing effort for most states. Pakistan is also faced with multi-faceted and multi-layered Violent Extremism (VE) trends that question its basis of formation and necessitate a proactive and holistic CVE (Countering Violent Extremism) policy. This research study deliberates upon the responsive mechanism of the state versus violent extremism and highlights the gaps and challenges. In doing so, ‘Spectrum Matrix – P3 (Perception, Policy and Practice)’ is proposed and employed as a methodological lens to analyse Pakistan’s CVE (counter violent extremism) enterprise. The central argument is that Islamabad CVE is a work in progress, and across the board, ‘state-society’ ownership remains an uphill task. Bibliography Entry Fayyaz, Dr. Shabana. 2024. "Pakistan’s Counter Violent Extremism (CVE) Overtures – An Unfinished Task!." Strategic Thought (6): 19-40.
RESURGENCE OF TERRORISM IN PAKISTAN: DRIVERS, MOTIVES AND IMPACTS
Despite effectively combating militancy and terrorism in the first two decades of the 21st century, there is a resurgence of terrorism in Pakistan. The resurgence of terrorism has its origin from across the western frontiers of Pakistan. This return of terrorism started a few months after the establishment of the Taliban Government in Afghanistan. Whereas Afghan Taliban has promised not to allow the usage of Afghan soil against any country in the agreement “United States–Taliban deal or the Doha Accord” signed on 29 February 2020 in Doha, Qatar, the terrorists of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (FITNA AL KHAWARIJ), stationed in Afghanistan are undertaking terrorism against Pakistan in consistency. There have been significant terrorist attacks on Pakistani military posts and civilians in the last three years. The resurgence of terrorism from Afghan soil has posed serious security challenges for the Pakistani state and society. This research analyses three salient factors of the revival of terrorism in Pakistan: a) the drivers of renewed terrorism in Pakistan, b) the motives behind the revival of terrorism in Pakistan, and c) how this new wave of terrorism is impacting the state and society of Pakistan. Bibliography Entry Khan, Prof Dr. Muhammad and Dr. Sidra Khan. 2024. "Resurgence of Terrorism in Pakistan: Drivers, Motives and Impacts." Strategic Thought (6): 1-18.
THE EVOLVING GEOPOLITICS AND CHALLENGES TO NATIONAL SECURITY OF PAKISTAN
Traditionally, the geopolitics of Pakistan had always attracted the attention of major powers for their strategic interests. In the process of their usage of Pakistani geopolitics, there emerged rivalries and strategic competition among major powers. The strategic competitions further created conflicts and wars with severe security implications for the region in general and Pakistan in particular. The security challenges, Pakistan have been facing in last seven decades mainly emanates from its geopolitical location. In the past, the power politics among the major powers and clashing interests of regional states had posed serious security threats to the security of Pakistan. For most of the time, instead of using its pivotal geopolitical position for its advantage, it has been played to the disadvantage of Pakistan on many accounts. In the wake of re-emergence of militancy in various parts of the country especially along western borders, Pakistan needs serious re-assessment of the security threats with workable stratagem as way forward. This research aims to highlight three salient aspects of security challenges to Pakistan. Khan, Prof. Dr. Muhammad and Sidra Khan. 2023. " The Evolving Geopolitics and Challenges to National Security of Pakistan." Strategic Thought 2023 (5): 135-148.
KASHMIR CONFLICT: THE APPROACH OF HUMANITARIANISM
The Kashmir Conflict being internationally observed by the United Nations has 1948 resolution that becomes a festering wound of South Asia. The wars, military engagement, ongoing conflicts, terrorist attacks, drone strikes, brutally using pellet guns and chemical attacks, war crimes, killing self-determination of the people of occupied Kashmir, abusing minority rights, targeting religious communities and rape being used as a weapon of war these all are the signs of Modi fascism in the illegally Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK). Revocation of the article 35A and 370 of the Indian constitution are turning in nothing but the situation going worst in the world of human rights. The nature of human rights is universal regardless of race, gender, religion etc. Human rights violations are a global issue; thereof, the world is facing catastrophic circumstances due to ignoring the main issue of humanitarianism in the conflict. This is happening because one of the protracted conflict zone of J&K seems not immune to humanity despite being captured by the world attention. In the present paper we shall be using the humanitarian approach to Kashmir conflict. The approach is being taken and critically analysed as conflict actors face daunting challenges in the resolution of Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan. Kashmiris thus are becoming hopeless in their struggle for the right of self-determination. Tahirkheli, Abeer Iftikhar. 2023. "Kashmir Conflict: The Approach of Humanitarianism." Strategic Thought 2023 (5): 115-134.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION: A HUMAN SECURITY CONUNDRUM FOR PAKISTAN
Environmental degradation is one of the most significant challenges faced by the modern-day governments. Experts have attributed it as mother of all security problems, owing to its serious ramifications for food, water security, migration and natural resources which can lead to inter / intra state conflicts. Pakistan is specifically vulnerable to environmental degradation and is ranked as 5th most affected countries on Global Climate Risk Index 2020. Persistent heat waves, changing patterns of monsoon’s, earthquakes, floods, droughts and cyclones have direct linkages with reduction in agricultural production, food security, natural calamities and water issues in Pakistan. Frequency and intensity of Extreme Weather Events is on rise during last two decades. Floods in 2022 alone have displaced more than 3.5 million people and caused loss of 9% in country's GDP. However, inadequate coordination between stake holders, poor implementation, lack of awareness and fiscal constraints are few of the stumbling blocks in the process. A well-coordinated, consistent and integrated response by Federal / Provincial governments and other relevant stake holders is needed to effectively respond the colossal challenges faced by Pakistan. Ali, Shahid and Dr Naimatullah Shah. 2023. "Environmental Degradation: A Human Security Conundrum for Pakistan." Strategic Thought 2023 (5): 97-114.
IRAN-ISRAEL ENMITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST: UNDERSTANDING THE NORMATIVE BEHAVIOURS
This study tries to evaluate the enmity between Iran and Israel in the context of the Middle East. Iran, which is enhancing its role in the region and Israel, which is the only nuclear power in the Middle East, have been in a consistent adversarial relation with each other since the 1979 Revolution of Iran. The intensity of their enmity further consolidated after the collapse of Saddam Regime in Iraq which provided Iran the breathing space in the region. The exploitation of Iraqi political turmoil resulted in Iranian footprints across the region in a manner of encircling Israel. Similarly, Israeli policy of rapprochement with the Gulf States reflected its countermeasure of checkmating Iran. Though the strategy of searching for new allies assisted both Iran and Israel in extending their regional clout yet it also brought them into a conflict with each other due to the intersection of each other’s spheres of influence. Hence, this study highlights those historical experiences which shape the current regional policies of both Iran and Israel particularly in the context of recent Iran-Saudi rapprochement. Simultaneously, this article would assess the dynamics of both Iran and Israel regarding the attainment of their objectives in the Middle East. Abbas, Dr. Syed Qandil and Syed Fraz Hussain Naqvi. 2023. "Iran-Israel Enmity in the Middle East: Understanding the Normative Behaviours." Strategic Thought 2023 (5): 81-96.
PAKISTAN’S NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY (2022) – GENESIS AND ANALYSIS
With supranational, international, and local bodies accentuating Pakistan’s deteriorating security conditions, it becomes worthwhile underscoring the series of events that culminated in the promulgation of the National Security Policy (NSP), to begin with. Whilst doing so, a litany of questions arise: was it internal factors that prompted such a policy or external factors - or a combination of both? More importantly, was the passage of the NSP a monolithic, standardised, straight forward process, which involved little to no backlash or a herculean endeavour on the behest of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan? With such questions looming, this research paper presents critical analysis elucidating the factors - both historic and present - endorsing the NSP, in addition to the theoretical rationale that underpins it. From classic to contemporary paradigms, from realism to constructivism and postmodernism, the holistic, all-encompassing nature of this paper lends weightage to a diverse array of theories, as opposed to swearing by one, in acquiescence with how multifaceted the political realm is and thus, the policy making process that falls within its ambit. Alongside conceptual justifications, this paper cites noteworthy real-life examples - from the Indo-Pak animosity, to the post-cold war tensions, and Pakistan’s debilitating economic and political imperatives. Fayyaz, Dr. Shabana. 2023. "Pakistan’s National Security Policy (2022) – Genesis and Analysis." Strategic Thought 2023 (5): 69-80.
NATION BUILDING POLICYMAKING CHALLENGES IN PAKISTAN SEEN FROM A DIPLOMAT’S PERSPECTIVE
Pakistan became an independent country on 14 August, 1947, under the most adverse historical, political and economic circumstances. Yet, it was fortunate in many respects too, with a strategic location, unexplored minerals resources, long coastline, vibrant agriculture, irrigation network, hardworking population and above all a well-trained cadre of loyal civil servants, who comprised the post partition Pakistan Civil Service. While its traditional adversary India was not reconciled to its sovereign existence, was well known. Soon, however a series of tragedies followed i.e. the Kashmir War, the untimely passing away of the Founder of the nation, rehabilitation of refugees, the assassination of the first Prime Minister, controversy on new Capital, protracted Constitutional crisis and alienation and separation of East Pakistan etc. The Western world, particularly the United States knew Pakistan’s power potential and made sure to keep it on its right side. Pakistan however maintained steadfast solidarity with the liberation struggle of many countries in Asia and Africa during the de-colonization decades of 1950s and 1960s and 1970s. Pakistan’s relative success in pursuing economic growth model (though funded by foreign aid) during the Cold War era, its active role as a spokesperson of the Free world, a close strategic relationship with China, facilitator of US-China normalization of diplomatic relations in 1971, a provider of security in the Gulf and the Middle East, an active role at the United Nations etc. All combined to make Pakistan successfully punch beyond its weight. Javed, Ambassador (Retired) Syed Hasan. 2023. " Nation Building Policymaking Challenges in Pakistan Seen from A Diplomat’s Perspective." Strategic Thought 2023 (5): 57-68.
MISSILE SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION DRIVERS AND STRATEGIC STABILITY RIDDLES IN SOUTH ASIA
Pakistan has adopted a realistic approach to progressing its cruise and ballistic missile arsenal. India seems in a better position in the modernization processes of its missile arsenal due to the generous transfer of missile technologies and gears by its allies named the US, Israel, and Russia. The Americans appear inclined to prioritize their geostrategic interests over their non-proliferation norms and objectives. New Delhi’s confidence in the steady progress in the BMD systems, hypersonic cruise missiles, hypervelocity-gliding projectiles, and anti-satellite kill vehicle capability adds a new variant to India-Pakistan's competitive strategic dyad. India's sharpening of its missile arsenal necessitates Pakistan to take similar measures concerning its nuclear forces to ensure the credibility of its Full Spectrum Deterrence posture. The modernization of missile systems added new variants of strategic stability riddles in the South Asian strategic environment. Jaspal, Dr. Zafar Nawaz. 2023. "Missile Systems Modernization Drivers and Strategic Stability Riddles in South Asia." Strategic Thought 2023 (5): 31-56.
THE US INDO-PACIFIC STRATEGY: IMPLICATIONS FOR PAKISTAN
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. Hussain, Prof. Dr. Nazir. 2023. " The US Indo-Pacific Strategy: Implications for Pakistan." Strategic Thought 2023 (5): 21-30.
Located at the geopolitical centre of Eurasia, Ukraine has been an important arena for great power game for nearly three decades since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The West, principally the United States and Europe, and the Russian Federation have therefore been heavily involved in Ukraine's internal and external development. Their ideological, economic, and geopolitical interests clashed in a fierce battle that led to multiple political regime changes in Ukraine, and ultimately plunged Europe into an intractable security situation. This paper takes the rivalry between the US, Europe and Russia in Ukraine as a starting point to examine the dilemma facing European security in the context of the great power game, the root causes behind the Ukraine crisis, its far-reaching consequences for geopolitics and global patterns and the implications for regional peace in other parts of the world. Khalid , Ambassador (Retired) Masood. 2023. "Ukraine Conundrum." Strategic Thought 2023 (5): 1-20.
INDIA’S STRATEGIC FORCE MODERNIZATION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENT OF PAKISTAN
South Asia is one of the most volatile regions in the world due to presence of two belligerent neighbors – Pakistan and India. The region has witnessed numerous wars and skirmishes. The advent of nuclear weapons in the region in 1998 has added more to the complexities. With aspirations of being a big power, India has initiated a comprehensive military force build up. India is modernizing its strategic/nuclear forces even beyond its security needs. This is a perfect example of a state being a power maximizer as believed by offensive realists. This aggressive behaviour of India has some serious implications for Pakistan, which has always sought a strategic stability in the region. Knowing that arms race is an expensive enterprise, Pakistan would not get into parity with India but will look for cost effective solutions to keep the balance. This research looks into the major development in India’s strategic forces and analysing rationale behind offensive force build-up through perspective of Offensive Realism. The research also discusses the implications of the Indian strategic force enhancement for Pakistan.
INDIAN BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENCE SYSTEM AND SOUTH ASIAN DETERRENCE EQUATION
Since the overt nuclearization of South Asia, nuclear deterrence has been prevailing between India and Pakistan owing to their mutual vulnerability. India, however, is trying to develop a Ballistic Missile Defense System primarily motivated by hegemonic pursuits. This paper analyses India’s development of the Ballistic Missile Defense System and its effect on the deterrence equation in South Asia. It argues that the introduction of Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) in South Asia would supplement volatility in the region threatening the precarious strategic stability. India is doubling down on its hegemonic designs by riding on multiple boats and is trying to diversify its counterforce options. This Indian behavior challenges the very essence of deterrence as India is endeavoring to eliminate the existing mutual vulnerability in South Asia. This prestige and power-driven pursuit of India will exacerbate the security dilemma, which undermines the strategic stability. Pakistan, alluding to the Indian BMD, has rationalized the development of Multiple Independent Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs), cruise missiles, and other technological modernizations to ensure the perseverance of strategic stability and deterrence equation in the region.
Multiple Independent Re-entry Vehicles (MIRVs)
QUAD TO AUKUS: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE REGION AND BEYOND
China’s growing status as an economic hegemon and United States’ recent withdrawal from Afghanistan has caused it to be keener in its offshore balancing strategy than ever before. Since the Continent of Asia has remained the most contentious theatre for global power politics in recent past, major powers are not willing to lag behind economically or militarily. Besides Indo-US strategic partnership, US has recently ignited another concern of arms race and the weakening norm of nuclear non-proliferation regime by introducing the AUKUS alliance in parallel to the resurgence of Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). Inception of such regional strategic arrangements is directly posing grave threats to regional peace and broader strategic stability. The Indo-US strategic partnership and US leverage has encouraged India to be more aggressive in its hegemonic designs in the region and would likely continue to do so. Consequently, the region and particularly Pakistan, is likely to face all enhanced security challenge which would need to be countered. This paper aims at evaluating the global and regional implications of Quad and the AUKUS, suggesting possible response options for Pakistan to counter the growing Indian aggression in the region.
PAKISTAN AND SAUDI ARABIA: AN ENDURING PARTNERSHIP
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are historic friends, enjoying deep political, security, economic and cultural ties. Both nations also have shared concerns and interests on regional and global issues of peace and security. Their partnership has taken a strategic shift in the recent past, which is manifested particularly in close collaboration in security and economic spheres. Pakistan has intensified security cooperation with Saudi Arabia in bilateral and regional domains. While continuing to aid Pakistan’s frail economy with significant loan commitments and oil supplies on deferred payments, the Kingdom has undertaken major investments in its energy sector. The economic diversification under the Saudi Vision 2030 of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman offers enormous opportunities for Pakistan’s trade and investment relationship with the Kingdom and employing its skilled manpower in Saudi mega development projects. Pakistan can likewise play a greater role in addressing Saudi Arabia’s growing needs for regional security amid the changing geo-strategic environment in the Middle East.
THE REVIVAL OF JCPOA: CHALLENGES AND CONSEQUENCES FOR GLOBAL PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT AMID NEW REGIONAL ALIGNMENTS
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is a mixed blessing for international peace and security but its revival may lead to fresh challenges to regional powers due to fluid international environment. In early March 2022, signals from Vienna were that the tricky negotiations spread over one year to revive JCPOA were “on the verge of success”. But soon the optimism dissipated. Widely different assessments of the Doha talks by the stakeholders nuanced their strategies. For instance, the EU representative for foreign policy and security, Joseph Borrell Fontelles cautioned against “crossing the finish line”. The US Special Envoy for Iran Robert Malley declared it “a wasted occasion.” Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian expressed his determination “to continue negotiating until a realistic agreement is reached.” Erwin Van Veen explains the variant views and held that these leaders’ perceptions of broader geopolitical environment in which the negotiations for nuclear deal are taking place, their own domestic constraints, and the combined effect of these variables led to different interpretations and for “upping the game”.