Dr. Nazir Hussain and Bilal Zubair
Dr. Nazir Hussain is Associate Professor at the School of Politics and International Relations, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.
Mr. Zubair Bilal is a visiting faculty, NUST Business School, National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad.
DOI: http://DOI Number
Keywords: US, Smart Power, Pakistan, Obama, security implications, national security, soft power
Abstract
The “Smart Power” strategy is the result of the recognition that US military-driven foreign policy’s worldwide influence is dwindling, which is causing a rift in US relations with its important allies. Military might cannot sustain US influence in the globe alone; as a result, the US should prioritise international organisations and seek out new allies to help it meet new global concerns. The partnership between the US and Pakistan is a crucial component of the US “Smart Power” strategy. Pakistan is arguably the key indicator of whether the US approach is succeeding or failing. Pakistan has, however, expressed alarm over US strategies focused on smart power. Due to the increased emphasis on hard power and differing viewpoints on important issues like the Afghan endgame, the Indo-US nexus, Pakistan’s attitude to domestic insurgency, etc., relations between Pakistan and the US have suffered numerous setbacks. Both President Obama and his Republican opponent Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential debate believed that the drone attacks and other military actions should continue as an essential part of the US strategy against Pakistan. The lone superpower exercising its military might in Pakistan in a unilateral world has major security repercussions for Pakistan. Therefore, by discussing the hard and soft power strategies the US has used over the years, this study aims to assess the US Smart Power Strategy in Pakistan and its influence on Pakistan’s national security.
First Published
March 25, 2015
How to Cite
Dr. Nazir Hussain and Bilal Zubair, “The US Smart Power Strategy and Implications for Pakistan’s Security,” Regional Studies 33, no.2 (Spring 2015): 49-66, https://regionalstudies.com.pk/wp/article/the-us-smart-power-strategy-and-implications-for-pakistans-security/
Issue
Volume 33, Issue 2