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- Convenors:
-
Agnieszka Kuszewska
(Jagiellonian University)
Liladhar Pendse (UC Berkeley)
- Location:
- Room 207
- Start time:
- 30 July, 2016 at
Time zone: Europe/Warsaw
- Session slots:
- 1
Short Abstract:
The panel aims to spur discussion on security challenges in India-Pakistan relations. Panelists are welcomed to touch upon the issue of Kashmir and other problems, the role of state and non-state actors, Indo-Pakistani rivalry in the context of future regional strategy of both states.
Long Abstract:
Long-term rivalry between India and Pakistan remains the crucial challenge in the South Asian security environment. Despite some bilateral initiatives the prospects for enhanced cooperation and stability in the Subcontinent remain rather elusive. In the second decade of XXI century formidable trust deficit between the two states prevails and it has brought a new wave of blame game on both sides. The differences in the approach towards resolution of conflicts are clearly visible and talks on big issues, such as Kashmir do not bring any noticeable results. Security strategies of both countries and prospects for prosperity are unavoidably interdependent because of geopolitical and economic reasons. India under BJP rule continues its efforts to strengthen its regional position, emerge as strong world power and counterbalance Chinese influences. Some experts are concerned by growing Hindu nationalism and its possible impact on policy towards Pakistan. Pakistan faces security challenges with curbing the activities of violent non-state actors on top of it. Although military operation was launched in 2014, different terrorist outfits still pose serious threat to internal and external security. Despite all the problems it is widely recognized that peaceful Subcontinent and development opportunities are within the interest of both countries. Are there any prospects for improving relations between India and Pakistan or will the region face another decade of lost opportunities?To what extent dynamically evolving geopolitical situation in the region will influence India-Pakistan relations? These questions will be raised during the panel.
Accepted papers:
Session 1Muhammad Iqbal Chawla (University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan)
Paper short abstract:
The study argues though history of Indian and Pakistan shows their political rivalry and military conflicts have put them far behind yet if they apply the principle of co-existence as basic guiding principle it can help reduce tension and normalize their relation.
Paper long abstract:
This study analyzes the historical background of the India-Pakistan relations to understand the nature of their relationship and how these can be improved. It argues that though history of these countries shows that there political rivalry and military conflicts have put them far behind as compared to other nations of the world yet if they apply the principle of co-existence as the basic guiding principle for their relationship it can help reduce tension and normal relation will be ensured. Historians have not yet given proper attention to the subject and it is high time to understand and underline what kind of relationship both countries should develop and how both countries can address their issues. This study intends to examine how, despite being locked in a pattern of enduring conflicts, India and Pakistan can still convene, negotiate and produce agreements and work together if they start following the principle of coexistence. This study is significant because it will help to trace out the ancestral rivalry of relationships in these two countries by analyzing the various suggestions to resolve their conflicts. The study intends to propose that effective method that can help resolve issues can be to build man-to-man relations.
Agnieszka Kuszewska (Jagiellonian University)
Paper short abstract:
The paper sheds light on major current challenges in India-Pakistan relations in the context of regional geopolitical dynamics and internal challenges.
Paper long abstract:
Dynamically evolving internal and external political factors should be taken into consideration while discussing the prospects of improving the conflict-prone India-Pakistan relations. This analysis enables to draw explicit conclusion: peace in the Subcontinent is highly elusive and will remain so in the foreseeable future. The major factors contributing to this fact are elaborated in the paper. The attention is focused on issues which hinder progress in improving bilateral relations. The following problems/questions will be raised:
- The extremist non-state actors in the context of rising terrorist threat. Prospects for curbing on the activity of terrorist outfits in Pakistan with reference to the strategy of Pakistani military and civilian leadership.
- Growing religious radicalization and nationalism in both India and Pakistan in the context of structural differences between the two states and its impact on religious minorities.
- The significance of China/Afghanistan factors, with special reference to: 1). China-Pakistan joint security/trade related projects; 2). The strategy of India and Pakistan towards Afghanistan after NATO/ISAF troops withdrawal.
- Kashmir issue as the crucial point of reference in India's and Pakistan's regional security strategy. The historically-inherited, protracted conflict has had a direct impact on shaping security situation in South Asia since 1947. Although it entered phases of escalation and de-escalation, both sides have not managed to come up with solution acceptable for India, Pakistan and the Kashmiris. Moreover, it serves as an excuse for those elements of establishments in both states which are not interested in improving bilateral relations.
Dietrich Reetz (Zentrum Moderner Orient)
Paper short abstract:
This presentation is exploring the argument that much of the current phase of instability in the relations between Pakistan and India is related to the shifting and unsettling strategic equation of the US and China with both countries.
Paper long abstract:
The attempts of India to establish a new strategic equation with the US that started already before the current Modi government have had deeply unsettling effects on the Pakistan-India relationship, especially in terms of the US-India civil nuclear agreement. Pakistan's reliance on China as a strategic counterweight has so far not produced the desired result of balancing the US shift. This presentations inquires whether under the current post-Cold War conditions such strategic alliances and balancing acts have not outlived their utility as neither the US nor China can and will revoke the benefits of close relations with the other party. Their concurrent pursuit of conflicting objectives has rather become a new structuring element of international relations which has cast new uncertainty on the efforts of calming the new Pakistan India confrontation.
Veena Ravikumar (Lady Shri Ram College)
Paper short abstract:
This paper examines the causes of rift between India and Pakistan in terms of language, religion, state structure, democratic culture, militarization, nuclearisation and the contentious issue of Kashmir, and its implications for regional security. Dr. Veena Ravikumar. ravikumar.veena@gmail.com
Paper long abstract:
India Pakistan relations have such a tumultuous graph that it seems a dangerous proposition to predict an outcome. In the international relations of south Asia, India and Pakistan form unhappy components of the large, almost continental mass. The history of both impinges on each other and impacts the rest of the nations in this region. The complexity of the relationship has caused hardened analysts to give up hope of any solution while cynics have said that this will continue, and that there is no end to the skirmishing of issues, big or small. It however remains imperative that the relationship be changed to a more harmonious one.
The main problem is based on history which has interceded and interfered with the growth of both these nations. This paper proposes to examine the causes for rift between the two nations: the notion of language and religion leading to conflicting identities; state structure- authoritarian/democratic; religion - Islam/Hinduism (growing fundamentalism in both religions); lack of democratic culture; militarization of Pakistan army; Kashmir: a reason keeping apart both nations; nuclearisation: an element of insecurity.
Lastly, but not the least, the human relations or confidence building measures have now become more important than ever, if there is ever to be an iota of rational dialogue to continue between the two nations. Moreover, relations between the two, ipso facto, impact and permeate other nations in this region, which in turn has an impact on international relations.
Dr. Veena Ravikumar
ravikumar.veena@gmail.com