Summary
This book explains the origins and nature of terrorism in Pakistan and examines the social, political and economic factors that have contributed to the rise of political violence there.
Since 9/11, the state of Pakistan has come to be regarded as the epicentre of terrorist activity committed in the name of Islam. The central argument of this volume suggests that terrorism in Pakistan has, in essence, been manufactured to suit the interests of mundane political and class interests and effectively debunks the myth of ‘Islamic terrorism’. A logical consequence of this argument is that the most effective way of combating terrorism in Pakistan lies in addressing the underlying political, social and economic problems facing the country.
After exploring the root causes of terrorism in Pakistan, the author goes on to relate the historical narrative of the development of the Pakistani state to the theories and questions raised by Critical Terrorism Studies (CTS) scholars. The book will therefore make an important contribution to CTS scholarship as well as presenting an analysis of the many complex factors that have shaped the rise of Pakistani terrorism.
This book will be of great interest to students of Critical Terrorism Studies, Asian history and politics, Security Studies and IR in general.
Country or Region: Pakistan
Khan, Zafar
Summary
In May 1998, in reaction to India’s nuclear weapons tests, Pakistan tested six nuclear weapons. Following this, the country opted for a policy of minimum deterrence, and within a year Pakistan had altered its policy stance by adding the modifier of minimum ‘credible’ deterrence. This book looks at how this seemingly innocuous shift seriously impacted on Pakistan’s nuclear policy direction and whether the concept of minimum has lost its significance in the South Asian region’s changed/changing strategic environment.
After providing a brief historical background exploring why and how Pakistan carried out the nuclear development program, the book questions why Pakistan could not sustain the minimum deterrence that it had conceptualized in the immediate aftermath of the 1998 test. It examines the conceptual theoretical framework of the essentials of minimum deterrence in order to question whether Pakistan’s nuclear policy remained consistent with this, as well as to discover the rudimentary factors that are responsible for the inconsistencies with regard to minimum deterrence conceived in this study. The book goes on to look at the policy options that Pakistan had after acquiring the nuclear capability, and what the rationale was for selecting minimum deterrence. The book not only highlights Pakistan deterrent force building, but also analyzes closely Pakistan’s doctrinal posture of first use option. Furthermore, it examines the policy towards arms control and disarmament, and discusses whether these individual policy orientations are consistent with the minimum deterrence.
Conceptually providing a deeper understanding of Pakistan’s post-1998 nuclear policy, this book critically examines whether the minimum deterrence conceived could be sustained both at the theoretical and operational levels. It will be a useful contribution in the field of Nuclear Policy, Security Studies, Asian Politics, Proliferation/Non-Proliferation Studies, and Peace Studies. This book will be of interest to policy makers, scholars, and students of nuclear policy, nuclear proliferation and arms control related research.
Pilat, Joseph F., and Nathan E. Busch ed
Summary
This new Handbook is a comprehensive examination of the rich and complex issues of nuclear proliferation in the early 21st century. The volume presents the most up-to-date analysis and policy recommendations on these critical issues by recognized, leading scholars in the field, and will become the go-to book for scholars and practitioners studying or shaping policies on nuclear proliferation.
In the context of rising regional instability and conflict, along with increased incidents of global terrorism, and in a dynamic, uncertain political environment, emerging nuclear proliferation threats—from both states and terrorist groups—are seen as growing dangers giving rise to increasing global insecurity. The future of the decades-long effort to prevent the further spread of weapons of mass destruction is therefore at a crossroads today. If international nonproliferation efforts are to be successful, an integrated, multi-tiered response will almost certainly be necessary. But a serious, thorough, and clear-eyed examination of the range of threats, challenges, and opportunities facing the international community is a necessary first step. That is what this Handbook of Nuclear Proliferation is intended to do.
The volume is divided into four major sections. Section I is intended to be a primer that explains the basic technologies involved with nuclear proliferation—including the basics of weapons design, the fuel cycle (including uranium enrichment and plutonium production), and some of the technologies and procedures that have been developed to detect covert nuclear weapons programs and, in the event of their use or discovery, to trace the weapons back to their state of origin. Section II presents detailed threat assessments of proliferation risks across the globe, including specific regions and countries. It also explains the various tools developed by the international community to address these proliferation threats—including the NPT, IAEA safeguards, and various international treaties and arrangements. Section III addresses the proliferation risks and political/technological challenges arising from nuclear energy production. Finally, the fourth section examines the problems of nuclear security and terrorism, including the risks of nuclear terrorism, potential loss of controls over nuclear weapons and materials, and the programs designed to improve nuclear security across the globe.
This Handbook will be of great interest to students of nuclear proliferation, arms control, global governance, diplomacy, and global security and IR general.
In the context of rising regional instability and conflict, along with increased incidents of global terrorism, and in a dynamic, uncertain political environment, emerging nuclear proliferation threats—from both states and terrorist groups—are seen as growing dangers giving rise to increasing global insecurity. The future of the decades-long effort to prevent the further spread of weapons of mass destruction is therefore at a crossroads today. If international nonproliferation efforts are to be successful, an integrated, multi-tiered response will almost certainly be necessary. But a serious, thorough, and clear-eyed examination of the range of threats, challenges, and opportunities facing the international community is a necessary first step. That is what this Handbook of Nuclear Proliferation is intended to do.
The volume is divided into four major sections. Section I is intended to be a primer that explains the basic technologies involved with nuclear proliferation—including the basics of weapons design, the fuel cycle (including uranium enrichment and plutonium production), and some of the technologies and procedures that have been developed to detect covert nuclear weapons programs and, in the event of their use or discovery, to trace the weapons back to their state of origin. Section II presents detailed threat assessments of proliferation risks across the globe, including specific regions and countries. It also explains the various tools developed by the international community to address these proliferation threats—including the NPT, IAEA safeguards, and various international treaties and arrangements. Section III addresses the proliferation risks and political/technological challenges arising from nuclear energy production. Finally, the fourth section examines the problems of nuclear security and terrorism, including the risks of nuclear terrorism, potential loss of controls over nuclear weapons and materials, and the programs designed to improve nuclear security across the globe.
This Handbook will be of great interest to students of nuclear proliferation, arms control, global governance, diplomacy, and global security and IR general.
Markey, Daniel S
Summary
This book tells the story of the tragic and often tormented relationship between the United States and Pakistan. Pakistan’s internal troubles have already threatened U.S. security and international peace, and Pakistan’s rapidly growing population, nuclear arsenal, and relationships with China and India will continue to force it upon America’s geostrategic map in new and important ways over the coming decades. This book explores the main trends in Pakistani society that will help determine its future; traces the wellsprings of Pakistani anti-American sentiment through the history of U.S.-Pakistan relations from 1947 to 2001; assesses how Washington made and implemented policies regarding Pakistan since the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001; and analyzes how regional dynamics, especially the rise of China, will likely shape U.S.-Pakistan relations. It concludes with three options for future U.S. strategy, described as defensive insulation, military-first cooperation, and comprehensive cooperation. The book explains how Washington can prepare for the worst, aim for the best, and avoid past mistakes.
Kang, David
From the publisher: This article is composed of three major sections. In the first section, I explain why the pessimistic predictions of the 1990s about a return of power politics to Asia have not materialized and why scholarship needs to acknowledge this fact. In the second section, I argue that the Chinese experience of the past two decades poses a challenge to realist theories. The third section argues that Asian countries balance differently from countries in the West. I conclude by discussing the tension between area studies and political science theorizing in the field of comparative politics. I argue that this tension is healthy because it forces both sides of the debate to sharpen their scholarship. The field of international relations can benefit from such a discussion, as well. Elevating the Asian experience to a central place in the study of international relations will provide an excellent opportunity to inject vitality into the stale paradigm wars that currently characterize the field.
At the time of the article’s publication, David C. Kang is Associate Professor of Government and Adjunct Associate Professor at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.
Basrur, Rajesh, and Koh Swee Lean Collin
Summary
The rising demand for energy, the higher costs of oil and gas, and the association of fossil fuels with adverse climate change have all brought a renewed interest in nuclear energy. Nuclear power, however, is itself controversial, because of its costs, its environmental effects and the security risks it poses. This book discusses these critical issues surrounding nuclear power in relation to Asia. It discusses also the politics of nuclear power and the activities of civil society organisations concerned about nuclear issues. Throughout the book the perspectives are included of both proponents and opponents of nuclear power on the key controversial issues.
Rajesh Basrur is a Senior Fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Koh Swee Lean Collin is an Associate Research Fellow at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Alagappa, Muthiah ed
From the publisher: The Long Shadow is the first comprehensive, systematic examination of the roles and implications of nuclear weapons in the dramatically different post–Cold War security environment. Leading experts investigate the roles and salience of nuclear weapons in the national security strategies of twelve countries and the ASEAN states, and their implications for security and stability in a broadly defined Asian security region that includes the Middle East. The study also investigates the prospects for nuclear terrorism in Asia.
A chief conclusion of the study is that nuclear weapons influence national security strategies in fundamental ways and that deterrence continues to be the dominant role and strategy for the employment of nuclear weapons. Offensive and defensive strategies may increase in salience but will not surpass the deterrence function. Another major conclusion is that although there could be destabilizing situations, on balance, nuclear weapons have reinforced security and stability in the Asian security region by assuaging national security concerns, strengthening deterrence and the status quo, and preventing the outbreak and escalation of major hostilities.
As nuclear weapons will persist and cast a long shadow on security in Asia and the world, it is important to reexamine and redefine “old” ideas, concepts, and strategies as well as develop “new” ones relevant to the contemporary era. In line with this, the global nuclear order should be constructed anew based on present realities.
Muthiah Alagappa is Distinguished Senior Fellow at the East-West Center. He is the editor of several volumes on Asian security, including Asian Security Order: Instrumental and Normative Features(Stanford, 2003).
Ganguly, Rajat, et al
From the publisher: This book uses empirical evidence from various case studies to examine the relationship between territorial and regional autonomy, the nation-state and ethnic conflict resolution in South and South-East Asia. The concept of territorial or regional autonomy holds centre stage in the literature on ethnic conflict settlement because it is supposed to be able to reconcile two paradoxical objectives: the preservation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state, and the satisfaction of ethnic minorities’ right to national self-determination. Critics argue, however, that autonomy may not be the panacea for ethnic conflict in all cases.
The contributing authors begin with the concept of territorial or regional autonomy and subject it to a rigorous empirical analysis, which provides reliable evidence regarding the suitability of the autonomy solution to intractable ethnic conflicts. Drawing upon case studies from Kashmir, Assam, Sri Lanka, Aceh, Mindanao and Southern Thailand, this edited volume argues that autonomy arrangements may at best work to resolve only a handful of separatist ethnic conflicts in South and South-East Asia. This book will be of much interest to students of South and South-East Asia, Asian security, ethnic conflict, peace studies and IR in general.
To read more about the book, click here.
Chandran, D. Suba, and P.R. Chari
From the publisher: This book examines the major armed conflicts in South Asia. The articles study conflict management, look at the direction the armed conflict is likely to take and provide a set of alternative measures that could be pursued by the actors. Designed as an annual series, the articles provide a brief historical sketch of the emergence of armed conflict, outlining its various phases. This volume examines the various armed conflicts in South Asia in 2009 – in Afghanistan, FATA and NWFP, J&K, North-East India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, and sectarian and Naxalite violence in Pakistan and India respectively. The volume also includes an exclusive chapter on the continuing story of suicide terrorism in Pakistan. This important collection discusses India’s geo-strategic importance and its common borders with its neighbors; the psychological and economic costs of violence and the problem of refugee migrants; treaties, memorandums and ceasefire agreements signed over the past several years across countries; the role of the United Nations and other peacekeeping forces; and the future of failed and failing states.
D. Suba Chandran is Deputy Director, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, New Delhi.
P. R. Chari is Research Professor, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, New Delhi.
To read more about the book, click here.
Misra, Ashutosh, and Michael E. Clarke ed
Summary
Pakistan, with the second largest Muslim population in the world, is a crucial country in the international system. It is an ally of the United States in the global ‘war on terror’ but is also regarded as a major bastion of some of the most active jihadist organisations. This book highlights and explores the paradoxes that characterise contemporary Pakistan from the simultaneous democratization and Islamization of civil society to the schizophrenic US-Pakistan relationship.
The central theme of the book looks at Pakistan’s stability paradox. Commentators and analysts have over recent years often suggested that Pakistan was on the verge of state ‘failure’ or collapse resulting from a myriad of dilemmas. Yet, remarkably the Pakistani state has proven to be more resilient. This book identifies not only the factors that are contributing to Pakistan’s perceived instability but also those factors that have contributed to the state’s resilience. Chapters explore this central paradox through three core dimensions of Pakistan’s contemporary dilemmas – the domestic, regional and international dimensions.
Burki, Shahid Javed
Summary
Rapid changes have taken place in the structure of the global economy, and this book looks at how South Asia can take advantage of these changes. The author argues that the developing global economy will be more complex than originally thought, that instead of a bipolar model with two countries, the US and China, at the centre, it will be multipolar with eight centres of economic activity, including India.
The book goes on to suggest that in the context of such a model, there should be regional cooperation between India and its immediate neighbouring countries for South Asia to advance as an economic region. It argues that South Asia will need to look at its history, and that changes in attitudes, particularly in India and Pakistan, are necessary. The possible benefits to the region, in terms of increases in the rates of economic growth if the regional approach is adopted, are discussed. The book presents a useful contribution to studies in South Asia, as well as Asian Economics.
Pande, Aparna
Summary
Pakistan has over the decades become a hotbed for the terrorist ideology often referred to as Jihadism. This book investigates the underlying principles of Pakistan’s foreign policy from 1947 until the present day, and explains the rise of Jihadism as an offshoot of Pakistan’s security concerns.
The book goes on to discuss that from its inception as a separate state, Pakistan’s foreign policy focused on ‘seeking parity’ with India and ‘escaping’ from an Indian South Asian identity. The desire to achieve parity with its much larger neighbour led Pakistan to seek the assistance and support of allies. The author analyses the relationship Pakistan has with Afghanistan, United States, China and the Muslim world, and looks at how these relationships are based on the desire that military, economic and diplomatic aid from these countries would bolster Pakistan’s meagre resources in countering Indian economic and military strength. The book presents an interesting contribution to South Asian Studies, as well as studies on International Relations and Foreign Policy.
Batra, Amita
Summary
South Asia today is among the most unstable regions in the world, riddled by both intra- and inter-state conflict. This book presents a comprehensive technical analysis of the trade–conflict relationship within the region, and explores how South Asia demonstrates underperformance of its potential for economic integration.
Using the gravity model framework, the book highlights quantitative estimates of the cost of conflict in terms of loss of trade for South Asia. Other variables representative of political and economic regimes are also included to make the model comprehensive, and the book goes on to discuss how the analysis reveals the overriding significance of the India–Pakistan relationship in the regional landscape. It looks at how the results of the econometric exercise reveal the extent to which a common border, when disputed, becomes a barrier rather than a facilitator to trade and, additionally, the extent to which long standing and persistent conflict can debilitate trade relationships.
The book is a useful contribution for students and scholars of South Asian studies and international political economy, and assists in formulating policy to correct the anti-home bias that is evident in trade patterns of the South Asian economies.
Riza, Dhurba
Summary
The book reflects on changing dimensions of security. It is argued that while the traditional security concerns persist, looming non-traditional security challenges have attended greater salience in recent years. The security agenda as this book demonstrates incorporates state security as well as humanize nation security to include political, economic, social, cultural and environmental dimensions and linkages between them at national, regional and global levels. It explores the potential practical and conceptual benefits of both traditional and nontraditional security thinking in South Asia.
This book offering a mix of theoretical, empirical and statistical analysis has given thrust on analyzing both the state and citizen security from fused perspectives. This book vividly portrays through the robust and coherent empirical and statistical analysis the emerging security challenges and concerns in the post cold war South Asia.
Miller, Alice, and Richard Wich
Summary
At the conclusion of World War II, Asia was hardly more than a geographic expression. Yet today we recognize Asia as a vibrant and assertive region, fully transformed from the vulnerable nation-states that emerged following the Second World War. The transformation was by no means an inevitable one, but the product of two key themes that have dominated Asia’s international relations since 1945: the competition between the United States and the Soviet Union to enlist the region’s states as assets in the Cold War, and the struggle of nationalistic Asian leaders to develop the domestic support to maintain power and independence in a dangerous international context.
Becoming Asia provides a comprehensive, systemic account of how these themes played out in Asian affairs during the postwar years, covering not only East Asia, but South and Central Asia as well. In addition to exploring the interplay between nationalism and Cold War bipolarity during the first postwar decades, authors Alice Lyman Miller and Richard Wich chart the rise of largely export-led economies that are increasingly making the region the global center of gravity, and document efforts in the ongoing search for regional integration.
The book also traces the origins and evolution of deep-rooted issues that remain high on the international agenda, such as the Taiwan question, the division of Korea and the threat of nuclear proliferation, the Kashmir issue, and the nuclearized Indian-Pakistani conflict, and offers an account of the rise of China and its implications for regional and global security and prosperity. Primary documents excerpted throughout the text—such as leaders’ talks and speeches, international agreements, secret policy assessments—enrich accounts of events, offering readers insight into policymakers’ assumptions and perceptions at the time.
