A Review of Pakistan's Foreign Policy 1980-2004
A REVIEW OF PAKISTAN’S FOREIGN POLICY 1980-2004 SUCCESSESS AND FAILURES
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Formulation of foreign policy of a country is a complicated process. It implies consideration of long term and short term interests of a state. Policy at the same time is required to be dynamic, as it has to be modified or changed with the changing global scenario. Foreign policy of any country is based on numerous determinants that can be divided into variable and invariable factors. The invariable factors relate to immutable realities such as geography, history, ideology, and ethnic and cultural interests. Variable factors that influence foreign policy are government structures, composition of national elites, economic structures and public opinion. The personality and caliber of political leaders and the role of armed forces usually function as major determinants of a country’s external relations. Besides these immutable factors rooted in geography and history and the variable domestic factors mentioned earlier, there are the variables of the international environment, regional as well as global, that constantly need to be assessed in relation to national interests. A state must interact with other states, regional and international organizations in order to protect its vital national interest and most importantly, its sovereign national identity. The aim of its foreign policy must be so structured as to manipulate the external environment to the best advantage, reducing external pressures on national sovereignty and domestic policy, mobilizing international support on key issues, and creating conditions conducive for domestic economic growth. The first fifty-two years of Pakistan’s existence have been unusually eventful, marked by many ups and downs for the country. It is difficult and sometimes impossible to predict what will be the end result of the policy chosen. Yet choices have to be made and decisions taken. Foreign policy is often considered
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
Formulation of foreign policy of a country is a complicated process. It implies consideration of long term and short term interests of a state. Policy at the same time is required to be dynamic, as it has to be modified or changed with the changing global scenario. Foreign policy of any country is based on numerous determinants that can be divided into variable and invariable factors. The invariable factors relate to immutable realities such as geography, history, ideology, and ethnic and cultural interests. Variable factors that influence foreign policy are government structures, composition of national elites, economic structures and public opinion. The personality and caliber of political leaders and the role of armed forces usually function as major determinants of a country’s external relations. Besides these immutable factors rooted in geography and history and the variable domestic factors mentioned earlier, there are the variables of the international environment, regional as well as global, that constantly need to be assessed in relation to national interests. A state must interact with other states, regional and international organizations in order to protect its vital national interest and most importantly, its sovereign national identity. The aim of its foreign policy must be so structured as to manipulate the external environment to the best advantage, reducing external pressures on national sovereignty and domestic policy, mobilizing international support on key issues, and creating conditions conducive for domestic economic growth. The first fifty-two years of Pakistan’s existence have been unusually eventful, marked by many ups and downs for the country. It is difficult and sometimes impossible to predict what will be the end result of the policy chosen. Yet choices have to be made and decisions taken. Foreign policy is often considered
Bibliography: M, Shahid Amin. Pakistan’s Foreign Policy, Pakistan: Oxford, 2000. Mahdi, Niloufer. Pakistan’s Foreign Policy, Pakistan: Ferozsons, 1999. Subhash, Dr, “Pakistan and China Relations Post September 11, 2001: Analysis" South Asia Analysis group. Newspaper Articles