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Research Proposal.

Submitted By

Submitted To

Course

(Research Seminar Major)

Department of Political Science, FCCU.

Title of Research

“Regional Political Dynamics and Foreign Policy of Pakistan”

Date of Submission

27th November 2022.

Abstract.
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This study attempts to analyze Pakistan's foreign policy, which has undergone ups and

downs since its inception as the Country engaged in various alliances which tend to change

its foreign policy from time to time. The regional political dynamics have been continuously

changing over the years; this has influenced increased changes in Pakistan's foreign policy,

affecting its relationship with the neighbouring countries. This research aims to determine

how Pakistan's foreign policy has changed due to US policies in Asia. Indo-US strategic

relations, the most significant issue with India, the Kashmir dispute, The CPEC project with a

Northern border China and a new Taliban regime in the West, and how Pakistan's policies

have changed over time to improve its reputation around the world in this era of

globalization, economic and public diplomacy, and technical transformation. This study will

mainly use mixed methods; hence it will use quantitative and qualitative methods. Therefore,

data will be collected through surveys, articles, and books. It also provides formal and

feasible recommendations to enhance the victory of foreign policy. This study is significant

to academicians and society as it provides sufficient insights into Pakistan's Regional

Political Dynamics and Foreign Policy.

Statement of the problem.

Pakistan holds a significant position in the politics of South Asia due to its geostrategic

location. However, Pakistan's foreign policy has faced difficulties because of several factors:

economic limitations, ineffective policymakers, domestic flaws, and internal political

limitations. It will consider the globalized factor and highlight significant factors that impact

these policies compactly and comprehensively.

Introduction.

Foreign policy is an effective tool essential to any country's socio-political, military,

and economic interests (Ahmed, 2020). It is often planned by the Country's chief executive

and hence can be taken by the legislature. Berlin Wall was devastated in 1989, and the end of
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the cold war led to a new comparison in the geopolitics in the region of South Asia. Due to

the fluctuations, Pakistan had to change its foreign policies; there was no other option. Over

the years, Pakistan has faced many challenges and attacks on its nation. According to Upreti

(2019), Pakistan has a history of being faced with numerous conflicts and wars, both internal

and external; hence, the Country's policymakers mainly focus on enhancing the practical

survival of the economy and providing efficient security to prevent Indian belligerency.

There tends to be an inherent relationship between the evolving dynamics and policy

formulation, thereby leading to essential consistent ingredients that include Peace and

strategic security. Pakistan has faced several challenges in the regional context that include a

Shift in the relations with the US in the wake of change in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan on the western border and the induction of the Taliban government,

relations with China taking the CPEC further, and Eastern Border India, the significant

problem of Kashmir (Faiz, 2022). Pakistan has had turbulent relations with its western

neighbors since its very inception. Pakistan was the only Country that tried to oppose its

entrance into the United Nations in 1947; hence the two-sided relations could not settle for

normalcy. This study intends to analyze Pakistan's foreign policy, which has undergone ups

and downs since its inception as the Country engaged in various alliances which tend to

change its foreign policy from time to time.

It has been asserted that Pakistan faces a threat from within but not from outside.

Internal risks and obstacles include poor governance, poverty, extremism, terrorism, the

identity crisis, a lack of socio-political cohesion, and ethnicity, which have significantly

impacted Pakistan's development and ability to function normally. Afghan journalist Musa

Khan Jalalzai focuses on Islamic doctrine and its influence on Pakistan's foreign policy in his

2001 book, The Foreign Policy of Pakistan-Sectarian Impacts on Diplomacy. Additionally, he

asserts that Pakistan's security issues are related to India and challenged by its internal
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political processes (Jalalzai, Musa Khan, 2000. P: 13). Any internal difficulties and issues

ultimately undermine their foreign policy. Pakistan's internal problems are so severe that no

quick fix is possible. The people will not benefit from the surgical measures and off-the-hook

policy.

It is a common belief that Britain develops Pakistan's foreign policy, America

approves it, and Pakistan then puts it into practice. There is little doubt that colonial masters

left a lasting impression. Pakistan ended up being moth-eared and shortened. In his book

Pakistan's ties with India: 1947-1966, G.W. Chaudhry said India's aggressive demeanor and

mistrust are significant. Furthermore, Professor Quincy Wright said that India is keeping an

eye out for the re-annexation of Pakistan. According to Professor Trager, Nehru thought

Pakistan should be reincorporated into a confederation headed by India.

Literature Review.

The existing literature on Pakistan’s relations with China, especially the CPEC

project, has been discussed in my first theme. The first theme closely examines works

published in the last ten years (2013- onwards). At the same time, my second theme of the

literature will discuss the Kashmir problem with the eastern border of India. Lastly, my third

theme will discuss the new Taliban regime in the West and what kind of relations both

countries are trying to develop. The literature review provides an overview of the prevailing

discourses, identifies research gaps, and defends the suggested topic's importance.

 Pakistan Foreign Policy with China and CPEC project.

Since Pakistan’s independence, Pakistan and China have had close, friendly, and

strengthening diplomatic, economic, trade, and security relations. China and Pakistan have

collaborated extensively in several areas of shared interest since the subcontinent was

divided. The relationship between Pakistan and China has grown more substantial and

dynamic over time. These ties cover many domains, including diplomacy, culture, science,
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technology, economy, military, and human interaction. There are numerous areas where

Pakistan and China’s interests align, making collaboration feasible and beneficial. China is

very interested in Pakistan’s geography.

As the quickest transit route connecting Eastern China, the Persian Gulf, and the Middle

East, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is essential for China’s economic development.

Distance is simply one factor; CPEC is also significant from a strategic perspective for China

because it increases the Country's “Malacca Dilemma." Therefore, the vast economic

potential CPEC provides to both countries considers strong and developing relationships

between the neighbors. Pakistan's relations with China have an economic, political, and

strategic value for Pakistan, and it has to be expected that the relationship between these two

countries will become stronger and closer over time.

 Pakistan's Foreign policy with India, especially the Kashmir issue

The relationship between Pakistan and India has revolved around one another like a

wheel that always needs to improve. Both nations have engaged in numerous rounds of

discussion despite having fought two wars and numerous border conflicts. Along with these

adjustments, India is also about to join the nuclear club, and at the same time, its ties with the

United States are getting stronger by the day. In addition to these changes, India is situated

next to Pakistan’s eastern border. Three conclusions were drawn. First, both nations’

assertive foreign policies are heavily influenced by the Kashmir issue, which results in

significant difficulties. Second, the effects of each nation’s hostile foreign policy toward one

another worsen over time and have a more significant negative impact on the conflict (Rajan,

1961).

Third, globalized events such as the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet

Union, China's economic rise, and alliance shifts have significantly impacted India and

Pakistan's foreign policies. As previously said, Kashmir is the only way to get from India to
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Central Asia. India would only have a direct land connection to countries in Central Asia and

Europe with it. India is upgrading its following global trends, as evidenced by their

interactions with the United States. (Asoori, 2020).

 Pakistan Foreign policy with new Taliban regime.

Since the Taliban took over the government, its tense relationship with Pakistan has

perhaps been the most unexpected regional dynamic. Pakistan provided the Taliban with

existential support, which helped them gain power. However, since gaining control, the

Taliban have not done anything to recognize their supporters. Instead, they have followed a

foreign policy that is most accurately characterized as nationalistic, establishing Afghan

sovereignty and supporting the demands of their group. This includes actively supporting the

TTP, an organization that wants to overthrow the Pakistani government, opposing Pakistan's

efforts to fence the two nations' border along the disputed Durand Line, and most recently,

threatening Pakistan over its alleged consent to allow American drones to kill al-Qaida leader

Ayman al-Zawahiri in the middle of Kabul's downtown.

On the other hand, Pakistan continues to retain its political support for the Taliban and

offers significant technical help. However, it has refrained from providing significant

amounts of aid, maintained strict border restrictions, and withheld diplomatic recognition.

(Worden, 2022).

Methodology.

This research paper will use both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

Primary and secondary data will be used in the qualitative section, and interviews with

various researchers and instructors will also be taken. Semi-structured interviews will be

conducted. The secondary data will be gathered from various online publications and journals

like JSTOR, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. Some chapters of books relevant to this
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study topic will be used for the primary data. I will also seek help and guidance from the

instructor and surrounding persons who know about Pakistan’s Foreign Policy.

Contextualization.

Pakistan is a complicated nation, and Sick Man of Asia has seen many attempts to

undermine its national identity. Pakistan has a troubled past filled with internal and external

flaws, disputes, and battles. The survival of the economy and stopping Indian aggression are

Pakistan's foreign policymakers' two main obsessions. Security and the economy have been

Pakistan's main post-Cold War concerns. Pakistan's foreign policy has typically focused on

India or the United States. However, when we come to the foreign policies of Pakistan

towards a friend whose friendship is sweeter than honey and higher than the Himalayas, it is

evident that Pakistan always shows a soft image in the shape of the recent project CPEC

which started in 2015. In the same way, Pakistan also enjoys good relations With China USA

to get financial assistance. In the New Cold War age, Pakistan would have to opt for a middle

ground to benefit from the aid and economic activities.

Conceptualization.

This study examines the Regional Political Dynamics and Foreign Policy of Pakistan.

This research analyzes Pakistan’s foreign policy and mainly focuses on these three points, as

shown in the picture below.

US policies in the Asia

Pakistan’s Foreign policy CPEC Development

Indo-US strategic
relations
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Operational Variables.

The operational variables highlight the dependent and independent variables of the

study. Pakistan's foreign policy is the dependent variable, while US policies in the Asia

region, CPEC development, and Indo-US strategic relations are the independent variables;

hence they form the operational variables of the study.

Significance of the Research.

The significance of this research in academics and society as it provides sufficient

insights related to the Regional Political Dynamics and Foreign Policy of Pakistan. It will act

as an information resource for future researchers considering further study on the

phenomenon. Also, it will help organizations and governments to enhance effective foreign

policies that are essential for promoting Peace and security among various neighborhoods.

Objectives.

The objective of this research will focus on three points:

1. Determine how Pakistan's foreign policy has changed due to US policies in Asia.

2. To investigate the relation of CPEC project development to China.

3. To examine the relationship between the US in the wake of Afghanistan and China. 

The global war on terrorism is currently underway; alliances are shifting. Thanks to

CPEC and other economic initiatives, China is becoming a new economic force, and the

South Asian region is again at the forefront. What are the next steps for these nations to

maintain peaceful and forward-thinking coexistence in the area, and how does Pakistan's

foreign policy react to these changes?

Research Questions.
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1. Why has Pakistan's alignment with China strengthened from 2015 onwards?

2. How may the foreign policies of India and Pakistan be contrasted, and what impact

do they have on one another?

3. Why Pakistan changes its Foreign Policies over time with regional borders? 

4. What changes have occurred in Pakistan's Foreign Policy after the US withdrawal

from Afghanistan?

Hypothesis

The study will concentrate on regional political dynamics and Pakistan's foreign policy,

which has had numerous ups and downs. Pakistan is given operational space by India's

proactive regional strategy and Afghanistan's shifting power dynamics. Pakistan wants to

take advantage of several chances and establish itself as a leader in Peace and stability.

However, because of terrorism, India and Pakistan have serious security concerns. The

central conflict between the two countries over Kashmir and the LOC has worsened due to

cross-border terrorism.

The study's alternate hypothesis is that.

"if aggressive foreign policies are made or adopted, they will have an impact on and heighten

the conflict in regional politics/border over time."

Survey questions

1. What do you believe the alignment between China and Pakistan helped too? (choose

one that is true)

 To foster Unity

 For Trading Purposes

 To counter India

 I do not know

2. How successful do you feel the alignment between China and Pakistan is?
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 Very Successful

 Failed

 Average

3. Do you support the China-Pakistan alignment?

 Yes

 No

4. India and Pakistan have good relations

 Yes

 No

5. The Kashmir issue has made it difficult for foreign policies between India and

Pakistan.

 Yes

 No

6. Do you think the conflicts between India and Pakistan will end soon?

_____________ why? _______________

7. The cold war between China and the USA has led to poor relations between India

and Pakistan.

 True

 False

8. Do you believe that Pakistan is keeping at par with global trends?

 Yes

 No

9. Do you believe that Pakistan keeps changing its foreign policies to remain relevant to

what is happening at the global level?

 Yes

 No

10. The fact that Pakistan joins India with Central Asia and Europe makes them harsh to

India.

 True

 False

11. Why do you think the Taliban has gained power in recent times?

________________________________________________________

12. Why is Pakistan supporting the relationship between China and USA?

________________________________________________________

13. Pakistan still supports the CPEC after the withdrawal of the USA from Afghanistan.

 Yes

 No

14. CPEC benefits both China and Pakistan.

 True

 False

15. Do you believe that China and Pakistan have strong foreign policies regarding India?

_____________ why? _______________

16. How does CPEC influence Pakistan's foreign policy with Afghanistan, considering the

presence of a new Taliban regime?

________________________________________________________

17. Do you think that CPEC will have a positive or negative effect on Pakistan's economy?
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_____________ why?

_______________________________________________________

18. How does CPEC affect Pakistan's foreign policy with India, as both are nuclear powers

in Asia?

________________________________________________________

19. Should Pakistan and India continue to maintain their nuclear states in Asia?

 Yes

 No

20. Do you think CPEC will have a positive impact on world trade?

 Yes

 No

21. Does CPEC compromise the security of Pakistan?

 Yes

 No

22. Do you think that the new Taliban regime in Afghanistan will make the region more

secure?

 Yes

 No

23. How do you think that the new Taliban regime in Afghanistan will affect Pakistan’s

foreign policy?

________________________________________________________
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