Dr. Rizwana Abbasi
Dr. Rizwana Abbasi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Strategic Studies at National Defence University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
DOI: http://DOI Number
Keywords: India, Pakistan, hostility, LoC, enduring rivalry, Strategic Orthogonal, security dilemma, security maximization, relational paradox
Abstract
The ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan has prevented the area from moving forward in terms of peace, prosperity, and growth. Since their division in 1947, the two governments, which share a common colonial past, have established separate strategic directions (religious beliefs and political objectives) that are essentially at odds with one another or “strategic orthogonal.” Additionally, the competitiveness and misguided suspicion that have been used to preserve equilibrium and increase security against one another have formed the foundation of the security-insecurity dilemma. Due to these facts, the regional strategic environment and politics are now extremely complicated and in an unending state of flux. This paper makes the case that antagonistic states’ disparate strategic philosophies cause them to engage in protracted wars and interstate conflicts. Therefore, the various strategic trajectories (religious and socio-political) of statehood, which have adversely affected regional peace and stability, are the origin of the Indo-Pakistan everlasting competition. Redefining strategic goals (including political compromises and attitude changes on both sides) is necessary for peace in South Asia. In order to support this claim, the study considers certain startling questions: What are the factors that contribute to the growing disparities, mistrust, and security issues between the two states? How and why did competition get worse over time? How can the differences between the two states be resolved? What are the requirements and procedures for ending this long-standing conflict? The classical realists’ theoretical assumptions of balance of power, material power and defensive realists guidance on states’ intensions towards ‘security maximization’ provide the most powerful and valuable explanation in understanding the Indo-Pak relational paradox or simply the enduring rivalry. The liberals’ assumption offers guiding tools for finding solutions to the conflict between the two traditional adversaries.
First Published
June 25, 2015
How to Cite
Dr. Rizwana Abbasi, “Enduring India-Pakistan Rivalry: Prospects for Conflict Resolution,” Regional Studies 33, no.3 (Summer 2015): 93-114, https://regionalstudies.com.pk/wp/article/enduring-india-pakistan-rivalry-prospects-for-conflict-resolution/
Issue
Volume 33, Issue 3