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SAUDI ARABIA-IRAN RIVALRY: IMPLICATIONS FOR PAKISTAN AND ITS ROLE IN RESOLUTION OF THE CONFLICT (2015-2020) This study focuses on the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran and its implications for Pakistan. It has been observed that the rivalry between the two states is rooted in political, historical, ethnic, and religious ideologies. These diverging interests have shaped the behavior of the two states in their interaction with each other and within the Middle Eastern region. Building on the theoretical premises of Neo-Classical Realism, this study has applied qualitative research methodology to get a conceptual clarity of the issue. While employing the historical, descriptive, explanatory, and analytical methods of qualitative research methodology, this study sees the changing dynamics of bilateral relations as shaped by domestic and international factors. Given Pakistan’s close ties with Saudi Arabia and Iran based on religious affiliation and geographic proximity, respectively, it is argued here that the nature of the Saudi-Iran bilateral relationships, as well as their foreign policy approaches, have directly or indirectly affected Pakistan. Through the prism of the Balance of Interest theory, Pakistan’s foreign policy is to balance its relations with two rivals and simultaneously work on strategies to mitigate the tension between the two. However, due to the sectarian divide and race of hegemony in the region between the two states, Pakistan has been struggling to settle the internal challenges linked with sectarianism, extremism, and economic snags. Key Words: Saudi Arabia, Rivalry, Iran, Pakistan, Middle East.
SAUDI ARABIA-IRAN RIVALRY: IMPLICATIONS FOR PAKISTAN AND ITS ROLE IN RESOLUTION OF THE CONFLICT (2015-2020) This study focuses on the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran and its implications for Pakistan. It has been observed that the rivalry between the two states is rooted in political, historical, ethnic, and religious ideologies. These diverging interests have shaped the behavior of the two states in their interaction with each other and within the Middle Eastern region. Building on the theoretical premises of Neo-Classical Realism, this study has applied qualitative research methodology to get a conceptual clarity of the issue. While employing the historical, descriptive, explanatory, and analytical methods of qualitative research methodology, this study sees the changing dynamics of bilateral relations as shaped by domestic and international factors. Given Pakistan’s close ties with Saudi Arabia and Iran based on religious affiliation and geographic proximity, respectively, it is argued here that the nature of the Saudi-Iran bilateral relationships, as well as their foreign policy approaches, have directly or indirectly affected Pakistan. Through the prism of the Balance of Interest theory, Pakistan’s foreign policy is to balance its relations with two rivals and simultaneously work on strategies to mitigate the tension between the two. However, due to the sectarian divide and race of hegemony in the region between the two states, Pakistan has been struggling to settle the internal challenges linked with sectarianism, extremism, and economic snags. Key Words: Saudi Arabia, Rivalry, Iran, Pakistan, Middle East.
China's Belt and Road Initiative: Analyzing the Geopolitical Influence vis-a-vis Pakistan and Sri Lanka This thesis examines BRI’s geopolitical significance in relation to Pakistan and Sri Lanka, two South Asian countries. The study tries to comprehend the topic via the lens of neorealism. Neo- realism holds that the factors that determine the international system have an impact on states' foreign policies. The study uses a qualitative approach, looking at primary and secondary data through content analysis research methodologies. Both deductive and inductive reasoning are incorporated into its explanatory research approach. The paper makes the case that China's geopolitical influence has grown in several South Asian countries, particularly Pakistan and Sri Lanka, because of its economic rise. In Pakistan's case, China has attracted policy shifts in the economic domains to support its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The study has found mega-uplifting in the economic projects in Pakistan. For China, Pakistan’s acceptance of the BRI has increased its political, security, and economic influence. In the case of Sri Lanka, the study finds that China has impacted the country's decisions to support BRI. Empirical evidence supports the argument that many projects in the country, such as the Hambantota Port project, reveal the Chinese influence in the country. Key Words: China, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, CPEC, BRI, geopolitical & geostrategic
Russia-Turkiye Relations in the Black Sea Region from 2014 to 2022: Security and Political Implications for NATO The geopolitics of the Black Sea Region has been evolving constantly since the Crimean Annexation where Russian aggression in trepidation of NATO’s enlargement, has escalated to full scale Ukraine War. This setup has changed the security and political dynamics of the whole region. Russia’s quest for Crimean Peninsula is centuries old to access Black Sea to execute power in its near abroad. In contrast, NATO has strong presence on the South-Western flank of Black Sea while Ukraine’s aspiration of joining NATO, means north flank will be under the control of NATO which is an existential threat for Russia. In this respect Russia’s assertive behavior and unilateral actions are visible. The only entity which is balancing Russia, is another regional power, Türkiye. While Türkiye is wisely using its exceptional power, the Montreux Convention to deal with the riparian and non-riparian states to stabilize Black Sea. Both Russia and Türkiye with contrast features design the critical geopolitics of the region. In this context, this research describes the events which has happened from 2014 to 2022 with the lens of the critical geopolitics. While its four pillars elucidate the developments which influence the main actors’ policies. Qualitative research design is used which is explanatory in nature. Data is collected by both primary and secondary sources including archives, structured interviews, books, reports, research articles and blogs etc. This research is an attempt to understand the nature of relations between Russia and Türkiye, Türkiye’s engagement with NATO and to find out the factors which impeding NATO’s enlargement in the Black Sea Region.
US-China Strategic Competition in the Indo-Pacific: Challenges for ASEAN Over the past few years, the Indo-Pacific region has undergone drastic changes. The changes largely stem from the ongoing strategic competition between U.S and China. The region where ASEAN has traditionally played an important role has become the epicenter of the ongoing Strategic competition between U.S and China. Undoubtedly, Association of South East Asia Nations (ASEAN) is located at the heart of this strategic competition. Therefore, the competition has entailed novel challenges for ASEAN. This research has profoundly studied the Strategic competition among the great powers to find out the implications for ASEAN. Some have found that the competition can have economic implications for the organization. While others have found that the ongoing Strategic competition can cause a severe blow to the central role of the organization. However, this research has found that the ongoing Strategic competition has far reaching implications beyond political and economic realms. The competition is going to highly overshadow the traditional role of ASEAN in the regional politics. One of the evolving challenges for ASEAN is to maintain strategic balance amid the evolving security architecture in the Indo-Pacific region where US has totally changed its strategic approach toward the region
Impact of CPEC on Socio-Economic Development of Gwadar: A Community Perspective Chinese President Xi Jinping launched the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in 2015 as part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to boost Pakistan’s economy and regional connectivity. Aimed at enhancing internal stability, CPEC also carries geopolitical implications. Its projects in infrastructure, energy, health, education, and transportation play a vital role in improving living standards, fostering social stability, and strengthening climate resilience. With many significant projects under construction, the CPEC is anticipated to bring stability and prosperity to Gwadar, Pakistan. However, disputes might occur if services are not provided per the requirements of the populace. This research evaluates the possible advantages, hazards, and difficulties of the CPEC, as well as its ability to incorporate Gwadar and its citizens into the project. The research focuses on the socio-economic viewpoint of development, which describes how society's political, social, and cultural facets advance concurrently to progressively move it closer to being a modern society. The research makes use of Rostow's "Stages of Economic Growth" model to comprehend Gwadar's socioeconomic transformation following the start of CPEC. The potential conflicts related to Gwadar's development process are supported by the Marxist theory of social conflict. The study examines how CPEC is affecting Gwadar's socioeconomic condition via an integrated design that combines qualitative and quantitative research methods. The research has used surveys, unstructured interviews, and informal discussions with elderly persons in the area. The primary significance of this research is to look deeper into CPEC's integration of Gwadar in its development initiatives, opportunities, and risks for the locals of Gwadar. The study is expected to positively contribute to the literature and contribute to further scholars in the field.
Pak Afghan Border Management: Assessing Pakistan's Foreign Policy towards Afghanistan (2001-2020) This research study critically examines the pivotal role of Pak-Afghan border management in shaping Pakistan’s foreign policy towards Afghanistan over the past two decades. The central thesis posits that the unresolved border dispute, particularly Afghanistan’s rejection of the Pak-Afghan border, has been a fundamental driver of Pakistan’s diplomatic and security posture. The decision by Pakistan to fence the Pak-Afghan border in 2017 was a calculated response to escalating security threats, including terrorism, illegal migration, and cross-border trafficking. Although widely perceived as a security-driven measure, this action also carried significant foreign policy implications, signaling a shift in Pakistan's diplomatic and strategic approach towards Afghanistan. The border fencing initiative was not merely a safeguard for Pakistan's internal stability but a deliberate effort to reshape bilateral relations with Afghanistan and assert Pakistan’s position in regional security dynamics. This study applies Neo-Classical Realism and Border Securitization Theory to critically assess how internal and external factors influence Pakistan’s foreign policy decisions regarding the border issue. By integrating these theoretical frameworks, the study highlights how domestic political considerations, historical grievances, and external pressures from regional powers, such as India, have shaped Pakistan’s approach to border management and its broader diplomatic stance. Furthermore, this research examines the multifaceted impact of border fencing on Pak-Afghan relations, highlighting its role as a strategic foreign policy tool designed to address immediate security concerns and long-term geopolitical objectives. Key issues such as the War on Terror, the Pakistan-Afghanistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA), border fencing, the role of external actors, particularly India, and assertions of successive Afghan Governments have been scrutinized to understand their compounded effects on diplomatic and security dynamics. This study employs qualitative analysis of primary and secondary sources, including official documents and interviews with key stakeholders, to explore how these challenges influenced Pakistan’s foreign policy decisions. A Comprehensive Pak-Afghan Border Management Framework (CBMF) has been proposed as a policy recommendation for Pakistan and Afghanistan to mitigate tensions, enhance cross-border cooperation, and address long-standing grievances. By placing the border fencing decision within the context of Pakistan’s continually evolving foreign policy, this research undertakes an endeavor to offer a principle perspective on border management as a tool of diplomacy while sheds light on the strategic rationale underlying Pakistan’s approach to its bilateral relationship with Afghanistan.
INDIA’S ECONOMIC RISE: A CASE STUDY OF G20 NEW DELHI SUMMIT (2023) AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIAN ECONOMIC GROWTH India's rise to economic power is one of the most significant economic development of today’s global politics. India’s mark able rise has many potential measures both at domestic and diplomatic levels that led the country to make its place at global economic stage and holding G- 20 New Delhi Summit in 2023. This research investigates the domestic, regional and systematic factors driving India's economic growth, tracing its transformation from a colonially oppressed economy to a liberalized and internationally connected powerhouse. It examines the historical background of Indian economy during British colonialism, to further post-independence economic policies, concentrating on the transition from a mixed-model framework to the 1991 liberalization reforms that resulted in exceptional economic development. The study also identifies the implications of G-20 New Delhi Summit on further Indian Economic growth. This research argues in the framework of Neo Liberalism which advocated for free markets, privatization and deregulation to ensure economic stability and individual freedom. The G-20 New Delhi Summit in 2023 promoted open market competition and expansion by highlighting India's economic progress through expanded trade and open markets. India pledged to adopt digital solutions, collaborate with international partners, and put investor-friendly policies into place. India drew in foreign investment, improved its standing in the global market, and guaranteed a key position in creating a liberal world economic system by focusing on public-private partnership and leadership in the Global South. This enabled India to host the international G-20 summit, which empowered the Indian economy on the one hand and allowed the international community to find greater economic and investment opportunities in India on the other. This is qualitative, descriptive and analytical research. Data was collected from secondary sources such as books, articles published in journals, research papers, Indian official websites and newspapers. This research has been done to investigate implications of G-20 New Delhi Summit on Indian Economic growth. The research argues that India's economic growth is influenced by domestic, regional and global factors. These factors have enhanced Indian diplomatic exposure and successfully contributed to India’s confidence to host such huge event. As a result, G-20 summit, brought India at the forefront of global stage through providing both India and international community with greater economic and investment opportunities.
RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: IMPACT ON REGIONAL TRADE PATTERNS AMONGST POST-SOVIET STATES The Russia-Ukraine war has significantly changed trade relationships among post-Soviet countries. It has affected economic partnerships, trade routes, and market dependencies. This thesis explores how the war has impacted five major post-Soviet economies. These include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia from South Caucasus Region, Beralus and Moldova from Eastern Europe, and Kazakhstan from Central Asia. The study looks at changes in trade patterns, energy exports, reliance on infrastructure, and new trade alliances. It also examines how these countries are working to diversify their trade networks. Many of them are reducing their dependence on Russia and building stronger economic ties with new partners such as the European Union, China, and Turkey. This research analyzes trade data, government policies, and geopolitical developments to highlight major challenges. These challenges include disruptions in supply chains, market instability, and the effects of sanctions placed on Russia. The study also looks at how these countries are responding to economic risks. Some key strategies include investing in better infrastructure, signing new trade agreements, and increasing regional cooperation. The findings show that the war has pushed many post-Soviet countries to find new ways to strengthen their economies. However, they still face challenges such as long-term instability, political uncertainty, and limitations in infrastructure. This thesis provides recommendations to help these countries become more economically stable. It suggests ways to improve regional cooperation and create more reliable trade networks in the future. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of economic changes in post-Soviet states. It also offers useful insights for policymakers, economists, and trade experts who are working to navigate these new economic realities.
ABROGATION OF INDIAN CONSTITUTIONAL ARTICLES 370 AND 35A: IMPLICATIONS FOR POLITICAL AUTONOMY AND DEMOGRAPHIC STRUCTURE OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR The abrogation of ‘Articles 370 and 35A’ in 2019 marked a significant turning point in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). These constitutional provisions had previously granted J&K a unique status within the Indian Union, ensuring political autonomy and safeguarding the region’s demographic structure by limiting land ownership and settlement rights to its permanent residents. The repeal of these articles has profound implications for J&K. It deprived J&K of its special status and reorganized it into two Union Territories (UTs), J&K and Ladakh, which are directly governed by the central government. This move not only altered the political autonomy of the region but also opened the door to demographic shifts, raising concerns about the erosion of J&K's cultural identity and increasing the influence of outside settlers. This study is significant as it explores the motivations behind this constitutional change and its wider implications for the political and demographic fabric of J&K. It seeks to answer the major research question: Why did the Modi-led Indian government repeal Articles 370 and 35A, and how has this affected the political autonomy and demographic structure of J&K? The research pursues a qualitative methodology, utilizing historical analysis, legal documents, and interviews to assess the impact of the abrogation. The study employs Neoclassical Realism as its theoretical framework, examining both domestic factors, such as the influence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Hindutva ideology, alongside international factors, including India’s diplomatic leverage through strategic partnerships with the United States (US) and Russia, as well as its expanding economic ties with various countries. The abrogation was driven by the Modi government’s nationalist agenda, aiming to consolidate central control over J&K, weaken its autonomy, and facilitate demographic changes that align with broader political goals, thus reshaping the region’s identity and governance.