The document discusses the strategic culture of Pakistan and how it has evolved since 9/11. It examines how Pakistan's strategic culture shapes its foreign policy and relations with regional and global powers. Pakistan's strategic culture is influenced by its history with India over Kashmir, fears of encirclement by India, and instability in Afghanistan. While traditionally focused on the threat from India, Pakistan now faces emerging threats including hybrid warfare, attacks on economic assets, and extremism. The study analyzes how Pakistan's strategic culture guides its partnerships with the US and China and policies toward regional countries like Iran and Afghanistan. It seeks to provide a more nuanced understanding of Pakistan's role in counterterrorism and the dynamics that influence its strategic decision-making

1. The Evolution of Strategic Culture in
Pakistan: its Regional and Global Dynamics
by
Muhammad Fahim Khan
Supervised by:
Dr. Aamer Raza

2. Abstract
 Since 9/11, Pakistan, a country with 230 million people and nuclear weapons, has
drawn attention from across the world, sparking debates over whether it is an ally or
opponent in the "War on Terrorism." Pakistan chose to side with the international
consensus and joined th US-led GWoT. Concerns were raised by Pakistan's alleged prior
sponsorship of the Taliban before 9/11. Pakistan sought to establish linkages between
the United States and the Taliban while publicly supporting the anti-terrorism coalition,
arguably in order to keep the Taliban in charge of Afghanistan in the absence of Osama
bin Laden and Al Qaeda. Even after the war in Afghanistan started, Pakistan continued
to have diplomatic engagement with the Taliban and gave the International Coalition
access to the infrastructure it needed. Both criticism and praise have been directed
towards Pakistan's involvement in the "War on Terrorism" in Afghanistan.
 Pakistan has been the subject of several recent studies that have shown the country's
path toward militarism and extremism. Ayesha Agha, Stephen Cohen, Lawrence Ziring,
Hussain Haqqani, and Hasan Askari Rizvi are just a few of the authors who have
examined different facets of Pakistan's political and military scene. Although these
publications provide insightful information, they often present a constrained viewpoint
and neglect to discuss the thought processes that go into Pakistan's foreign policy.
 By looking at the process of developing Pakistani foreign policy, this study seeks to
bridge that gap. It explores Pakistan's "Strategic Culture," which places an emphasis on
Islam as the cornerstone of its existence and gives priority to partnerships with the US,
China, and Saudi Arabia while seeing India as a security concern. The research
evaluates the inputs that contribute to the development of Pakistan's "Strategic
Culture" using a modified version of Prof. Karl Deutsch's three streams of the
information model. Pakistani foreign policy is influenced by this culture and a distinct
attitude rather than following a well-organized system of decision-making.

3. Abstract
 The study focuses on Pakistan's change in Afghan policy since 9/11
in order to clarify its foreign policy stance and disputed
participation in the "War on Terrorism." It presents a non-centrist
approach while respecting the various Pakistani groups and offering
an alternate point of view on Pakistan's role in the conflict. The
research also examines the politics of the Pashtun Nationalism,
problems in the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas,
Pakistan's identity, difficulties with democracy, and the impact of
the military and religion.
 This study aids in a better understanding of the dynamics of
Pakistan by examining the decision-making process and underlying
elements influencing the country's foreign policy. Those looking for
a thorough grasp of Pakistan's complexity are interested in it
because it contradicts traditional narratives and provides a more
nuanced view on the War on Terrorism and Pakistan's position
within it.
Continued

4. Introduction
The term "strategic culture" was coined by Jack Snyder, a
prominent scholar in the field of international relations. In
his influential book "The Soviet Strategic Culture:
Implications for Limited Nuclear Operations," published in
1977, Snyder developed the concept to understand the
decision-making processes and behaviors of states in
international politics. He argued that strategic culture plays
a vital role in shaping a country's perception of security
threats, its military strategy, and its approach to conflict.
According to Snyder, strategic culture is influenced by a
variety of factors, including history, geography, ideology, and
societal norms. Since the publication of Snyder's work, the
concept of strategic culture has gained widespread
recognition and has become an important.
Strategic culture according to Snyder can be best defined as
“the sum of ideas, conditioned emotional responses, and
patterns of habitual behaviour that members of a national
strategic community share with regard to nuclear strategy”.
What is
Strategic Culture?

5. StrategicCulture
ofPakistan
 The creation of Pakistan gave birth to its strategic culture engulfed in
insecurity and mistrust towards Eastern and Western Neighbors, India and
Afghanistan, respectively. The well-known anti-Pakistan jingoistic rhetoric
of Indian leadership and the Afghan diplomatic hostility at the United
Nations and elsewhere ensured that Pakistan’s early strategic and political
leadership developed a strategic culture that was mired in deep-rooted
suspicion. The suspicion only grew and deepened with wars over Kashmir
with India and the Afghan government’s flirtation with successionist forces
in Pakistan. The proposed study traces the origins of this strategic culture
and outlines the manner in which this strategic culture took form of specific
policies. It also indulges into the way this culture has shaped Pakistan’s view
of security threat perceptions internally as well as externally.

6. StrategicCulture
ofPakistan
 Taking a step back and capture a holistic picture of Pakistan,
it is safe to assume that the strategic thinking of Pakistan is
deeply colored by its perception of history. There are three
major events that formed, changed, and consolidated
Pakistan’s strategic culture. The first was the partition, the
companied bloodshed, and the war in Kashmir and the lack
of international interest to correct the perceived injustice
from India’s takeover of Kashmir with near impunity. The
second event was the East Pakistan crisis, breakup of the
country, and brazen Indian interference into the East
Pakistan. The third and last formative event was the global
war on terror, the US intervention in Afghanistan and the
loss of precious life and security in Pakistan. All these
events drove home a view of strategy in Pakistan that hinged
on the understanding that unless Pakistan prioritized its own
security, international powers may only provide limited help
– depending on their own interests towards a security threat.
Continued

7. StrategicCulture
ofPakistan
 To understand the historic chronology of regional politics,
this study would explore the range of events that might help
Pakistan to consolidate its strategic culture. Besides, this
study would identify the core interests of Pakistan that
warrant a proper strategy fed by a rich strategic culture.
Subsequently, the study would explore the potential of the
strategic culture of Pakistan in projecting its political stature
in the region and beyond. To better comprehend the
aforementioned chronology, there needs to determine a
threat perception of Pakistan that calls for strong strategic
culture. First, the inherent threat emanates from India
deeming India is against the very two-nation theory and the
existence of Pakistan. Secondly, Afghanistan is a source of
perpetual instability that needs to be combated and altered.
Thirdly, the belief that India desires to be the regional
hegemon to intimidate its neighbors especially Pakistan.
Continued

8. Statementof
theproblem
 The strategic thinkers of Pakistan are of the view that India is a nation that resents the creation of Pakistan and
aims to undo Pakistan in its larger dream of Greater India. Fearing the threats to its existence, Pakistan has resorted to a
mix of strategic and conventional measures consolidated in Full Spectrum Deterrence to ward off any threats against its
borders. At the same time, the strategic community is fearful of being encircled by Indians from the Afghan side putting
its strategic depth at risk. Pakistan needs to generate a response that could comprehensively consolidate its diametrical
defenses. In order to create an effective response, strategic culture dictates the policymakers to make choices in pursuance
of larger diplomatic, security, and political interests of the state.
 Recent years have witnessed a different set of pressures on Pakistan’s security. Although at this moment
conventional war with India is still perceived as the primary threat, there are other asymmetrical threats that have emerged
to challenge Pakistan’s security. These emergent threats include the hybrid warfare threat from India, the security threat to
important economic and infrastructural assets from successionist movements, the threat of diplomatic outfall resulting
from targeting of citizens of friendly states such as China, and the threat from religious extremist groups in Pakistan. The
recent years have also witnessed a change in the international environment. The United States may not be interested in
maintaining a close relationship with Pakistan. And it seems likely that Pakistan may make a hard switch towards China.
The proposed study will take a deeper look at how Pakistan’s strategic culture is shaping and will cope with the changing
threat perceptions and the international milieu within which the change is taking place.

9. Aim and
Objectives
 To evaluate the vigilance of Pakistan in consolidating its strategic
culture and how it evolved over the years, especially after 9/11
 To explore the dynamics of the strategic culture of Pakistan which
shapes its relations with major powers, especially with China and
the USA amid CPEC with China and support from financial
institutions.
 To identify the threat spectrum and to explore the range of options
for Pakistan vis a vis its regional policy, especially towards Iran,
India, and Afghanistan.
 To analyze the current trajectory of strategic evolution in Pakistan
and project the upcoming policy of Pakistan in the region and the
world.

10. Research
Questions
 Central Question
 What are post 9/11 dynamics of the strategic culture of
Pakistan towards regional and global powers?
 Sub Questions
 How does the Strategic Culture of Pakistan guide its
relationship with global powers such as US and China?
 In what manner does the Strategic Culture shape the foreign
policy of Pakistan towards regional powers, including Iran,
Afghanistan, and India?

11. Research
Methodology
 For this research, we combed through a wide range of
sources, including books, papers, magazines, newspaper
stories, and scholarly journals. The content, published by a
wide range of authors, researchers, and analysts, was very
useful in developing the thesis because of how closely it
linked to the topic. Secondary data has been analysed to
reveal South Asia's special dynamics and strategic worries
about Pakistan. This research has employed two other
theories—the regional security complex and complex
interdependence—to comprehend the dynamics and
strategic concerns of the region and Pakistan in particular.
 When it comes to the strategic culture of Pakistan, several
factors contribute to its formation and evolution. These
factors include historical experiences, regional dynamics,
geopolitical challenges, and internal security concerns.

12. Research
Methodology
 Here are some key aspects of Pakistan's strategic culture:
 Historical Experiences
 Kashmir Dispute
 Nuclear Deterrence
 Regional Dynamics
 Non-State Actors
 Internal Political Dynamics
 Understanding Pakistan's strategic culture requires examining these various factors and their
interplay. It involves analyzing the narratives, doctrines, and actions of Pakistan's policymakers,
military establishment, and societal stakeholders to gain insights into the country's security
outlook and decision-making processes. There can be a difference to operationalize any response to
a certain situation but there must be unified and inherent intent to respond backed by said ‘shared
beliefs and ideas.’ Thus, it is safely assumed that in order to understand the strategic culture of
any state, it is pertinent to look after the shared belief and ideas of a state that constructs its
response to a given situation. Moreover, in order to study the strategic culture, a multi-
disciplinary approach and inter-disciplinary research are required.
Continued

13. Theoretical
Framework
1. Neo-realism, also known as structural realism, focuses on the
distribution of power and the anarchic nature of the international
system. It emphasizes that states act rationally to maximize their
security and survival in an environment where there is no central
authority to enforce rules. If the research aims to explore how
Pakistan's strategic culture has evolved in response to power
dynamics in the international system and the perceived threats to its
security, neo-realism could be a suitable theoretical lens.
2. Regional Security Complex Theory: The regional security complex
theory, developed by Barry Buzan, emphasizes the significance of
regional dynamics in shaping the security behavior of states within a
particular geographical area. It considers how security concerns,
threats, and alliances are interconnected among neighboring
countries, leading to the formation of a regional security complex. The
theory suggests that events in one state can have spill-over effects on
others within the region, and shared security concerns influence
patterns of cooperation and conflict.
In the context of Pakistan, applying the regional security complex theory
can help illuminate how the security dynamics and concerns within South
Asia impact Pakistan's strategic culture. It allows researchers to examine
the regional interactions, rivalries, and alliances that influence Pakistan's
foreign policy choices and its responses to various security challenges.


14. Theoretical
Framework
3. Complex Interdependence:
The complex interdependence theory, introduced by Robert
Keohane and Joseph Nye, challenges the traditional realist view of
the international system as primarily characterized by military power
and zero-sum games. Instead, it emphasizes the presence of
multiple channels of interaction and interdependence between
states. In a complex interdependent system, countries are linked
through economic, political, and social ties, making cooperation and
peaceful resolutions more attractive than resorting to conflict.
 By employing the complex interdependence theory, the research
gains insights into how Pakistan's strategic culture is shaped not
only by traditional security concerns but also by its economic and
diplomatic relations with other states in the region and beyond.
This approach can help understand the broader networks of
interconnections and mutual dependencies that influence
Pakistan's foreign policy decisions.
 By integrating the regional security complex theory and complex
interdependence into the analysis, the research can offer a more
comprehensive understanding of the evolution of Pakistan's
strategic culture. These theories complement each other and
contribute to a more nuanced exploration of the factors that
influence Pakistan's role in the "War against Terrorism" and its
broader foreign policy behavior.
Continued

15. Conclusion
 The research investigates the dynamics and strategic concerns of South
Asia, with a focus on Pakistan's foreign policy responses to 9/11. It explores
the possibility of altering a nation's strategic culture and examines how
different decision-making processes might have impacted Pakistan's
actions. The study concludes that even with different decision-making
processes, the responses to 9/11 might not have been significantly
different. It emphasizes the importance of carefully considering available
alternatives in shaping foreign policy decisions.
 The South Asian region is characterized by diverse states with varying
sizes, populations, resources, and political stances. India plays a dominant
role in the region, influencing both internal and external dynamics. The
complex regional dynamics, including traditional and non-traditional threats,
have hindered peace efforts in the area. India's disputes with neighboring
countries and its foreign policy choices have ramifications on the regional
dynamics. However, the region faces challenges due to historical legacies,
foreign interventions, and competing interests of major world powers like
China and the United States.
 South Asian countries have divergent objectives, with Pakistan being the
only one challenging India's regional dominance. This has led to the
deepening of regional connections among smaller countries to
counterbalance India. The lack of interest convergence and specific conflict
resolution strategies has contributed to ongoing regional problems. The
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has struggled
to address various issues effectively.

16. Conclusion
 The research identifies both domestic and global roots for the
region's issues, tracing them back to colonialism and Cold War
involvement by major powers. China's rise and its engagement in
the region have shifted power dynamics, while the United States'
military aid has fueled an arms race and security dilemmas.
 South Asian states' relations are characterized by complexity and
antagonism, creating opportunities for other countries like China
and Russia to mediate through organizations like the Shanghai
Cooperation Organization (SCO). Smaller countries seek support
from larger neighbors to balance power dynamics.
 The research highlights the significance of non-traditional security
challenges in South Asia, including issues related to water scarcity,
food insecurity, and terrorism. It underscores the impact of non-
state actors in shaping regional dynamics and the role of complex
interdependence in understanding these challenges.
 Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the regional
complexities, strategic concerns, and potential avenues for peace
and stability in South Asia. It emphasizes the importance of
carefully considering different factors and perspectives in crafting
foreign policy decisions to secure the safety and well-being of the
people in the region.
Continued

18. Thank You!!!