Abstract:
This paper evaluates the impact of Indo-US strategic partnership on
Pakistan’s security using the lenses of balance of power and power
transition theories. A theoretical evaluation through these contending
theories highlights the significance of the subject as it draws same results
from the both. Although these theories are considered opposed to each
other, both reach at the same conclusion when applied to the Indo-US
Strategic Partnership and its impact on Pakistan’s security. The paper
argues that power transition theory does not refute the balance of power
theory in India-Pakistan context, rather it supports the latter. Changing
the balance of power in South Asia is, in fact, an act of bringing
transition. This analysis suggests that any power transition in South Asia
shall disturb the balance of power in the region and may lead to war. The
analysis, therefore, supports balance of power hypothesis that “if power
balance is disturbed, it shall bring instability.” It also suggests that by
changing the balance of power in India’s favour, Indo-US strategic
partnership shall bring power transition in South Asia, and would
therefore be perilous for Pakistan’s security.
