Content Details | NUML Online Research Repository

Title PAKISTAN-UNITED STATES RELATIONS UNDER OBAMA ADMINISTRATION 2009-2016 (A CRITICAL APPRAISAL)

Author(s) Fatima Kausar

Abstract For almost seventy years, the relationship between the US and Pakistan has been based on short- term goals and no long-term strategy. This has led to the failure of both the governments to forge a long-term relationship. Despite their positive disposition towards each other, their interactions have not always been smooth. They are still close friends, but they have also got into a few rows over certain issues. The divergence of their interests on various policy issues can also affect their relations. The inconsistencies and transnational character of Pakistan-US relations are due to their various factors. These include their national interests and diplomatic differences. After the previous administration's mishandling of the relationship with Pakistan, US President Barack Obama's team launched a new approach toward the country. The new approach, which was referred to as the "AfPak" strategy, was established to strengthen the relationship between the US and Pakistan. The US President focused on the war in Afghanistan and on improving the relationship between Pakistan and the US. Obama decreased its focus on the Pakistan's military establishment. Instead of choosing political groups as the preferred partners for the dialogue, Obama decided to work with the government of Pakistan through a more consultative approach. He also pushed for the passage of a Kerry-Lugar bill that has increased the aid for non-security sectors. The new approach helped break the political stalemate between the US and Pakistan. It also promoted the country's interests in South Asia. Despite the various issues that the US faced with Pakistan, it was still able to improve its relations with the country. Although the US-Pakistan relationship is the longest and most intense in the region, it has become unstable due to the various factors that affect it and has undergone various changes during the Obama Administration. Aside from the US' interference in Pakistan's internal affairs, other factors such as the violation of its sovereignty and the unilateral actions taken by the US are also contributing to the complicated relationship between the two countries. There is also a lack of consensus on how the relationship should be built. Despite the various factors that affect the relationship between the US and Pakistan, it is still considered a complex and transnational one. This is due to the varying external and internal factors that affect the relationship.

Type Thesis/Dissertation

Faculty Social Sciences

Department Pakistan Studies

Language English

Publication Date 2022-11-16

Subject Pakistan Studies

Publisher Nil

Contributor(s) Nil

Format Nil

Identifier Nil

Source Nil

Relation

Coverage

Rights