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“Challenges and Opportunities for Women in South Asian Politics: A Case Study of Pakistan” ABSTRACT Thesis Title: Challenges and Opportunities for Women in South Asian Politics: Case Study of Pakistan. The empowerment of women is crucial for democratic societies; promoting international peace, protecting human rights and growing vibrant market economies. Women political leadership is a topic which has been under thought of almost major policy makers and government planners worldwide. It is a procedure through which power of self-sufficiency has been developed with them and enables women to recognize their capability and power in all fields of life; however, empowering women is still a challenge. The study will look at the situation of women empowerment and the status of women in the countries of South Asia. Due to development in socio-economic region and increase priorities of education areas, South Asian countries are ensuring women involvement in political and economic region. These countries are creating opportunities for strengthening the role of women in society. Generally, this study intends to examine the status of women in the politics of South Asian countries and particularly in Pakistan. It is clear that Pakistan, being an important state of South Asia, has progressed in terms of Women empowerment; however; still several glitches are attached to its progress. At the end, the study suggests some measures for the women empowerment in Pakistan.
“Brexit: Implications for UK’s Regional Role” ABSTRACT Thesis Title: Brexit: Implications For UK’s Regional Role Brexit is the act of leaving EU by United Kingdom as a result of referendum held by the British Conservative Party in June 2016 after winning the election. United Kingdom (UK) has always been a reluctant member of the European Union (EU). It has always expressed a number of concerns regarding the economic and political policies of EU. UK has always been against the supranational integrative approach of EU and has been in favor of only intergovernmental economic cooperation. Brexit is the consequence of UK’s Euroscepticism. Brexit has wide spread implications for UK. UK has an historical regional role—political, economic and security—in Europe which is going to change after Brexit. UK has played its role as a major regional player in regional politics of Europe alongside France and Germany. These three powers have been assertive in the regional strategic calculus of Europe. These big three of Europe usually backed each other in the regional political and security issues of Europe. UK has a very strong regional economic role too. British economy has always been conspicuous at regional as well as international level. At regional level, UK has been a leading economic player in EU’s internal and external trade and economic affairs. UK’s choice to go for Hard Brexit or Soft Brexit will determine that how much its regional economic role changes after Brexit. UK’s regional security role in Europe has been very important as it has always cooperated with other European states in matters related to legal security and law enforcement. UK has shown cooperation in enforcing legal instruments of EU in the region. This study aims to investigate the paradigm shift in the UK’s regional economic, political and security role after Brexit. UK is facing epic uncertainties in the post-Brexit era in every areaThis research looks into causes of Brexit and the ensuing changes in UK’s regional role—political, economic and security. This study finds that the UK will mostly face adverse effects vis-à-vis its regional role in the above-mentioned areas following Brexit.
“Brexit: Implications for UK’s Regional Role” ABSTRACT Thesis Title: Brexit: Implications For UK’s Regional Role Brexit is the act of leaving EU by United Kingdom as a result of referendum held by the British Conservative Party in June 2016 after winning the election. United Kingdom (UK) has always been a reluctant member of the European Union (EU). It has always expressed a number of concerns regarding the economic and political policies of EU. UK has always been against the supranational integrative approach of EU and has been in favor of only intergovernmental economic cooperation. Brexit is the consequence of UK’s Euroscepticism. Brexit has wide spread implications for UK. UK has an historical regional role—political, economic and security—in Europe which is going to change after Brexit. UK has played its role as a major regional player in regional politics of Europe alongside France and Germany. These three powers have been assertive in the regional strategic calculus of Europe. These big three of Europe usually backed each other in the regional political and security issues of Europe. UK has a very strong regional economic role too. British economy has always been conspicuous at regional as well as international level. At regional level, UK has been a leading economic player in EU’s internal and external trade and economic affairs. UK’s choice to go for Hard Brexit or Soft Brexit will determine that how much its regional economic role changes after Brexit. UK’s regional security role in Europe has been very important as it has always cooperated with other European states in matters related to legal security and law enforcement. UK has shown cooperation in enforcing legal instruments of EU in the region. This study aims to investigate the paradigm shift in the UK’s regional economic, political and security role after Brexit. UK is facing epic uncertainties in the post-Brexit era in every areaThis research looks into causes of Brexit and the ensuing changes in UK’s regional role—political, economic and security. This study finds that the UK will mostly face adverse effects vis-à-vis its regional role in the above-mentioned areas following Brexit.
“Hydro Power Politics in South Asia: A Case Study of India-Pakistan Water Conflict” ABSTRACT Hydro Power Politics in South Asia: A Case Study of India-Pakistan Water Conflict South Asia is geographically very important region of the world. There are two major states in the region, India and Pakistan. Both have different ideology, culture and religions. This study highlights that important regional changes in South Asia are taking place and directly effecting on Pakistan’s internal and external situation. India and Pakistan have been in conflicting situation since independence. Both states have fought major three wars and the issue of Kashmir is a bone of contention. After the partition of the Subcontinent India stopped the water of Pakistan and water conflict started. Then World Bank interferes in the issue and resolved that conflict and signed Indus Basin Treaty. But after some time India again starts that problem of making dams on Pakistan’s rivers which is the clear breach of treaty. Water conflicts have been intimately connected with other issues of a political, ethnic, identity-related or religious nature. And a new type of tension in Pakistan has been emerging because without water Pakistan’s agricultural and energy sectors will destroy. The qualitative methodology, we used primary and secondary sources to analysis the outcome of that issue.
“The US Role Towards Israel and Palestine Conflict: A Comparative Analysis of Obama and Trump Administrations” ABSTRACT Thesis Title: The US Role Towards Israel and Palestine Conflict: A Comparative Analysis of Obama and Trump Administrations Over past 70 years, Israel-Palestine conflict has been a central point of Middle Eastern politics. Despite religious clash; Israel-Palestine has their differences on power and land distribution. Since 1990s, the two sides have tried to resolve their land dispute and cease the ongoing cycle of bloodshed by International intervention. Therefore, the US played a key role with respect to Israeli-Palestinian conflict and engaged in Middle East affairs because of the US national and strategic interests, but the US has been unable to negotiate a long-lasting deal between both the sides due to the every US administrations national preferences hence, the conflict has remained unresolved. The Barack Obama Administration during his two terms has made many positive steps than any previous administration and developed the bilateral approach to negotiate the peacemaking but despite such efforts there was little progress towards resolving the conflict due to lack of firm and strategic mechanism. On the other side, President Donald Trump has adopted considerably opposite approach than Obama Administration approach. Trump developed unilateral approach and unconditionally supporting Israelis than any previous US administration. Under such circumstances this study comprehensively explores the US role toward Israel-Palestine conflict while comparatively analyses President Obama and President Trump administration approaches to resolve the thorny issues between Israel-Palestine.
INDIAN FOREIGN POLICY TOWARDS BANGLADESH: IMPLICATIONS FOR PAKISTAN ABSTRACT Thesis Title: Indian Foreign Policy Towards Bangladesh: Implications for Pakistan South Asia is a volatile region characterized by, two nuclear arch rivals India and Pakistan. Security dilemma that lies between the two states shapes the strategic environment of the region. Indian desire to be a regional hegemon that not only increases the instability but also deepens the security dilemma in the region. Indian dubious role since 1947, and influence employed on neighbours, to meet her hegemonic designs, has implications for Pakistan. Owing to the Indian concocted and anti-Pakistan fabricated narratives and Pakistan’s weak foreign policy towards its neighbours, Pakistan has deeply suffered on the South Asian canvas. When it comes to major powers of the world, Pakistan’s foreign policy appeared as a failure because it remained unsuccessful to exploit her geopolitical importance during the Cold War period. In 1971, East Pakistan was separated due to Indian interventions, and Pakistan could not earn worthwhile support from her allies. Whereas, Indian foreign policy makers had been successful in creating strong lobby in almost all-important countries, thus succeeded in making Pakistan isolated. India’s growing influence and employment of interference strategies, in regional politics and the formation of respectable relations with bordering countries, mainly Bangladesh is causing a great threat for Pakistan.This research focuses on the turbulent relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, which has been in consistent turmoil mainly due to Indian foreign policy. The study revolves around the question that intensification of India-Bangladesh relations and Indian influence on Bangladesh had further deteriorated Pakistan-Bangladesh relations. What are the options available for Pakistan, viable recommendations and way forward for improvement of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations have also been highlighted. Keywords: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, East Pakistan, Influence, Foreign Policy, Hegemonic Designs.
“BREXIT: POLITICO-ECONOMIC CHALLENGES FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION” ABSTRACT Thesis Title: Brexit: Politico-Economic Challenges for the European Union In history of the European Union, the exiting of Britain from the EU is considered as a serious prospect of a member state. As it was already decided by the UK, that Brexit would only happen if majority of people vote to leave the EU in a referendum. Right after World War II the economic and cultural changes were growing in terms of globalization. In that time period, the European Union was very much flourishing in political integration. Brexit marks a departure from this trend. Here as per the UK to leave the European Union means to extract itself from the supranational political institutions. On 31st January 2020, the UK formally left the EU. Although the UK has decided the terms of its EU withdrawal but there is still a lot to talk about their future relationship will look like as months of negotiations to come. During the transition period this will need to be worked out because soon after Brexit day it directly began and this time period ends on 31st December 2020.Still the national interests of British regarding stability, security and prosperity will be remaining on the top priority. But here it just not only about the UK exits from the EU, but it will further be having some serious political as well as economic consequences, not only for the UK but for the EU as well. In the light of Complex interdependence that involves the possibility that states are woven in a spider web can no longer work in isolation and need to communicate with one another in all political, economic, social just as military circles, the Brexit is remarkable both nationally and universally. From one viewpoint the world is concentrating on coordinated effort and political, economic, social integration through various multilateral stages, there are no such instances of withdrawal like Brexit. The theory of Complex Interdependence is appropriate regarding the underlying problem and best explains the issue as it talks about interdependence and integration. The research design use to conduct this study is qualitative in nature. Both primary and secondary sources are used for data collection. As the UK had playing the major role in the EU membership therefore its withdrawal would have been serious repercussions not only on the EU but for the UK also. Brexit could lead towards genuine political and economic ramifications for both the EU and the UK even a few researchers contend that it will additionally break down, however in the period of globalization and interdependence both will discover that seclusion or crumbling is certifiably not a decent system to manage developing complex economic, political and social threats. Thus, keeping these factors in consideration EU and UK will ultimately revise their policies and will find new cooperative means and inland partnership to make a continental bloc.
A Case Study of Human Rights Violations in Indian Occupied Kashmir and International Response: The Way Forward ABSTRACT Thesis Title: A Case Study of Human Rights Violations in Indian Occupied Kashmir and International Response: The Way Forward. This study explores the unique combination of economic and strategic interests, due to which the international community and major powers are reluctant to exert their pressure on India to stop committing human rights violations in Kashmir and seeking peaceful resolution of the dispute. The study uses the theoretical perspective of neorealism to explain Indian policy in Kashmir and the role of the oblivious international community, which is not displaying substantial attention towards the human rights violations committed by India in the Valley. The objectives of the study are divided into four categories, which entail the Kashmir dispute under the mentioned theoretical perspective. The variables are examined using the empirical data available on the subject, defining the situation in Kashmir from the emergence of the dispute in 1947 to the current scenario concerning the brutal Indian policies, human rights violations, role of the international community and the freedom struggle of the indigenous people of Kashmir. As a result, the study concludes that Kashmir is a humanitarian crisis and a prolonged dispute of grave importance for the global community, which has ostensibly failed to resolve it over the decades. Keywords Kashmir conflict, human rights violation, international law, strategic policy, self- determination
"EMERGING TIES BETWEEN RUSSIA AND PAKISTAN: IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA" Abstract Thesis Title: Emerging Ties between Russia and Pakistan: Implications for India This study examines the status of emerging relationship between Pakistan and Russia, and its implications for India which is aspired to play a dominant role in the Asian region. Since Pakistan’s internal conditions such as its security and economic issues are challenging, it needs the support of the global powers such as Russia. However, Pakistan’s proximity to Russia is fraught with new challenges including India’s hostile reaction. The research also analyses India’s responsive measures towards growing Russo-Pak relations. To explain Russia and Pakistan rapprochement, the study uses the theoretical perspective of defensive realism. Pakistan and Russia’s security and economic interests are intertwined and discernable as officials from both sides are participating in bilateral and multilateral forums to address their common concerns. In order to strengthen its relations with Russia, Pakistan needs to overcome the trust deficit which is due to their bitter past. Overall, empirical data related to the subject is defining the status of Russo-Pak relations in the recent times as well as in the past, and the possible challenges these relations can pose for the Indian hegemonic designs in the region. Consequently, the study concludes that Russo-Pak relations have been gaining momentum since 9/11 and it can cause a variety of repercussions for India in general, and to its regional hegemonic designs in particular.
The Demise of Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty: Implications for Arms Control Regime The U.S. and Soviet Union at the height of the cold war, engaged in several arms control treaties to deescalate the ever-growing nuclear competition. The INF treaty, signed in 1987, led to elimination of an entire category of ground-based ballistic and cruise missiles with a range between 500-5500 kilometers. Despite its successes, Trump administration took a unilateral withdrawal from the INF treaty on August 2, 2019, on the pretext of Russia’s development of 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile, which was prohibited under the treaty. Besides terminating the INF treaty, President Trump has also abolished the Open Skies Treaty, Paris Agreement, Trans-Pacific Partnership and Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Although Russia cannot be given clean chit in INF treaty’s collapse but strategic competition between the U.S. and China has encouraged Washington to exit from the arms control commitments. In the contemporary global politics, the rise of China has attracted special focus because of its deeper impact on international relations. The U.S. has withdrawn from INF treaty on the pretext of Russia’s violations to the treaty whereas this decision is motivated by the U.S. strategic objective of countering the rising China. There is a prevalent thinking in the U.S. that INF treaty was an obstacle in the way of Washington to develop and deploy more intermediate range ballistic and cruise missiles in Asia in order to deter Beijing’s military interests in the region. Hence, the U.S. withdrawal from INF treaty highlights its aggressive foreign policy towards China and intensions to keep the status quo intact while maintaining its dominance. The INF treaty’s demise is likely to have long-lasting impact on the arms control regime with severe implications for the global security. It may augment trust deficit among the great powers and eventually influence other arms control agreements. This situation is likely to disturb strategic balance at global level, leading to an instability. The ultimate outcome of this instability would be a security dilemma, which may result into global nuclear arms race and more frequent conflicts. Currently, arms control regime is directly dependent on the bilateral relationship between Moscow and Washington. Any positive initiative by these states can promote multilateralism and work as confidence building measures.
The Demise of Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty: Implications for Arms Control Regime ABSTRACT The U.S. and Soviet Union at the height of the cold war, engaged in several arms control treaties to deescalate the ever-growing nuclear competition. The INF treaty, signed in 1987, led to elimination of an entire category of ground-based ballistic and cruise missiles with a range between 500-5500 kilometers. Despite its successes, Trump administration took a unilateral withdrawal from the INF treaty on August 2, 2019, on the pretext of Russia’s development of 9M729 groundlaunched cruise missile, which was prohibited under the treaty. Besides terminating the INF treaty, President Trump has also abolished the Open Skies Treaty, Paris Agreement, Trans-Pacific Partnership and Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Although Russia cannot be given clean chit in INF treaty’s collapse but strategic competition between the U.S. and China has encouraged Washington to exit from the arms control commitments. In the contemporary global politics, the rise of China has attracted special focus because of its deeper impact on international relations. The U.S. has withdrawn from INF treaty on the pretext of Russia’s violations to the treaty whereas this decision is motivated by the U.S. strategic objective of countering the rising China. There is a prevalent thinking in the U.S. that INF treaty was an obstacle in the way of Washington to develop and deploy more intermediate range ballistic and cruise missiles in Asia in order to deter Beijing’s military interests in the region. Hence, the U.S. withdrawal from INF treaty highlights its aggressive foreign policy towards China and intensions to keep the status quo intact while maintaining its dominance. The INF treaty’s demise is likely to have long-lasting impact on the arms control regime with severe implications for the global security. It may augment trust deficit among the great powers and eventually influence other arms control agreements. This situation is likely to disturb strategic balance at global level, leading to an instability. The ultimate outcome of this instability would be a security dilemma, which may result into global nuclear arms race and more frequent conflicts. Currently, arms control regime is directly dependent on the bilateral relationship between Moscow and Washington. Any positive initiative by these states can promote multilateralism and work as confidence building measures.
The Convergence of American and Indian Strategic Interests in the Indian Ocean Region: Implications for Pakistan Abstract The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has become a combat zone for the global powers due to its geopolitical and geostrategic significance. The Indo-US strategic alliance is the key development in geopolitics of IOR. Indo-US navy-to-navy cooperation has emerged as the “best performing area of bilateral relationship”. A series of joint military exercises, developments, agreements and understandings are steadily advancing in the Indo-US maritime cooperation. The aim of this research is to analyze the dynamics of IOR fulfilling the requirements of new emerging international order. The research also aims at understanding the IndoUS maritime cooperation and its possible implications for Pakistan. In this environment full of friction, the bilateral maritime cooperation between India and US is an alarming development in the IOR vis-à-vis its strategic competition with China which is disturbing the balance of power in the region at large. The economic and seaborne transportation needs of all these countries on which these countries are heavily dependent on the Indian Ocean Sea Lines of Communications, and heavy maritime resources (living and non-living) have made the IOR a strategic hub for these countries as well for the rest of the world. Keeping in view the complex political and strategic transitions and the vitality of sea affairs, Pakistan needs to revise its maritime policy by strengthening its military and naval capabilities. Pakistan also needs to develop its naval and military potential to maintain a deterrent position in the IOR. Pakistan also needs to expand its diplomatic exposure and to find out alternate options for naval cooperation and joint ventures.
CHINA’S MARITIME SILK ROAD INITIATIVE: CHALLENGES FOR INDIAN HEGEMONIC AMBITIONS IN THE INDIAN OCEAN REGION Indian Ocean has been least studied in the geopolitical and geo-economics history of the world. But the sea lanes of Indian Ocean have been playing a significant role for trade and commercial activities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond. Several trading networks in Indian Ocean, with the passage of time, resulted into integrated and organized networks in the region. From ancient Maritime Silk Road to the 21st century Maritime Silk Road, Indian Ocean Region has been a region of central importance. In the twenty first century, Indian Ocean has undeniable importance in the geopolitics of the world, even it is said that the future of the global politics would be decided in the waters of Indian Ocean. In present times, Indian Ocean holds the most important sea lanes and chokepoints of the world. More than half of the world’s trade passes through the IOR. Regional as well as extra regional powers have their stakes in the region; therefore, they are actively involved in the region. The US has been a dominant extra regional force in the region for over several decades. China unleashed its plans in 2013 and announced Maritime Silk Road Initiative (MSRI). Initially, China, under its MSRI, is involved in construction of various ports in the Indian Ocean Region and other infrastructure development projects in the participant countries of this initiative. Billions of dollars have been invested in these projects across the region with the declared aim to enhance economic connectivity and integration of the region. Parallel to this development, China has also increased its naval presence in the region. Chinese MSRI has significantly increased Chinese presence and influence over the littoral states of the IOR. On the other hand, India has been aspiring to become a dominant actor in the region and Indian influential strategists argue that dominance over Indian Ocean holds key importance in ‘manifest destiny’ of India. Chinese MSRI is challenging the Indian Hegemonic Ambitions in the IOR. The rise of China in the IOR has resulted in hegemonic rivalry between India and China in the region. To counter China, India is adopting various strategies, leading initiatives, and offering alternates to host countries of MSRI in the IOR. The rivalry between these two Asian giants, India, and China, has detrimental impact on the littoral states of the region, security, dynamics, politics, and status quo in the IOR.
The Dynamics of Power Sharing in Afghanistan: Challenges and Prospects for Ongoing Peace Process ABSTRACT This research thesis focuses to evaluate the essence and application of Power Sharing Formula adopted in Afghanistan followed by the conflictual election outcome of 2014. The study also highlights the challenges it faces in implementation of Power Sharing settlement and its role in current peace process. After the 2014 presidential elections in Afghanistan, the two leading candidates (Ashraf Ghani & Dr. Abdullah) rejected the election results. The disagreement converted into a political conflict further destabilizing Afghanistan’s political fabrication. The reelection in the same year also could not manage the issue. Hence a Power Sharing Formula was charted out considering the dispute and for establishing a legitimate government and peace in Afghanistan. Though, the distribution of power and authority domain remains a complex division to define between the two contenders, however in September 2014, both the parties agreed to a power sharing settlement. Taking both the conflicting parties onboard through this parallel settlement, Afghanistan’s political climate became calm. There is a general opinion taken by the researcher while doing this research from the experts and practitioners on Afghan politics and the current peace process that this power sharing settlement remains a blessing for ongoing peace process. Both the executives remain intact and engaged in negotiating with Taliban for bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan. The research also presents an analysis of Afghan peace process and the contribution of both Ghani and Abdullah into it.