There is a history of ups and downs in Pakistan-US relations since early 1950s till today. From the period of alliances to ostensible hostility and indifference, the changing dynamics of Pakistan-US relations must be analysed from a pragmatic point of view where power, national interests, security and sovereignty matter. Furthermore, mistrust, suspicions, ill-will and paranoia still influence the political, security, economic and power dynamics of relations between Pakistan and the United States.
This research follows the theory of soft power due to two main reasons. First, instead of being a ‘patron-client’ relationship, Pakistan-US relations could be transformed by focusing on diplomacy, trade and technology instead of threats and coercion. Second, President Obama’s policy of ‘do more’ for Pakistan in combating terrorism in Afghanistan proved to be counterproductive as anti-Americanism surged in Pakistan. Overcoming the bitterness of the past in Pakistan-US relations will be a major challenge to the Biden-Harris administration. Moving forward in Pakistan-US relations will require political will, determination, prudence and trust from both sides. It is up to the leadership from both countries to foster trust and take confidence building measures which can transform their relations from patron-client to partners in progress. Shift from geopolitics to geoeconomics will ensure a win-win situation for both sides in the years to come.
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Changing Dynamics of Pakistan-US Relations and the Challenge of Soft Power
About the author
Dr Moonis Ahmar was the Jinnah Fellow at LSE IDEAS from January 17 to April 16 2021. He served as Meritorious Professor of International Relations and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Karachi, Pakistan. Author of several books, monographs, chapters in edited books and research articles published in international journals, he has worked on various research projects and fellowships. Presently, he has completed a book project on The Challenge of Enlightenment, Conflict Transformation and Peace in Pakistan: Lessons from the experience of Europe.