ISAS-PHC Joint Lecture: Pakistan’s Geopolitical Challenges (6 Dec 2022) скачать в хорошем качестве

ISAS-PHC Joint Lecture: Pakistan’s Geopolitical Challenges (6 Dec 2022)

About the Lecture The lecture will discuss trends of geopolitics with particular reference to their impact on Pakistan. In this regard, developments in South Asia, which are of direct relevance to Pakistan, are important. Global permutations such as the transition in the global economic order, shifting centre of gravity from the West to the East and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, cumulatively impact Pakistan directly or indirectly. Of great consequence is the growing United States-China rivalry which, in turn, has sharpened rivalries between three important countries of our region – China, India and Pakistan. South Asia is witnessing greater strategic instability due to power asymmetry. Another negative trend is the erosion of regional cooperation with the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation becoming dysfunctional. Afghanistan poses another challenge to peace and security of the region, not to mention the looming climate related disasters confronting South Asia. Amidst these challenges and uncertainties, Pakistan has to ensure its security and economic sovereignty. This is possible only through the easing of regional tensions and by focussing on emerging opportunities and new avenues of cooperation. There are clear signals that most regional countries would like to promote business linkages and connectivity on the strength Belt and Road Initiative. Pakistan wishes to pursue this win-win trajectory in the shape of geo-economics as the pivot of its foreign policy. Pakistan also wishes to strike a right balance in its relationships with all countries on the basis of mutual benefit with antagonism toward none. It would also like to peacefully resolve its disputes with India so as to assure a better future for the people of South Asia.