Abstract:
This research is an attempt to study the relations between Pakistan and the United
States in the context of alliances of modern age. The study primarily discussing the need of
alliances in modern times and suggests that even though there is a shift in power balance in
the international state system, the concept still prevails in international politics. The study
assesses the conditions that obligated Pakistan to join Western alliances and argues that
Pakistan joined the US sponsored Western alliances for acquiring economic and strategic
aid, while the US wanted to shape a defense system of non-communist states. The study
further emphasizes that after joining Western alliance system Pakistan’s relations with
Muslim countries and Soviet Union deteriorated. The study further dives into the intricacies
of Pakistan’s deteriorated relations with the US in 1960s and revived in post 1979 period.
The US after realizing its objectives into the region left Pakistan alone with unresolved
issues, in the wake of disintegration of Soviet Union.
The study further elucidated that the event of 9/11 elevated the significance of
Pakistan in the eyes of the United States once again. The findings in post 9/11 study reveal
that this relation meant a lot to Pakistan while for the US is a marriage of convenience.
Additionally, both the states are not on the same page regarding security issues as both views
Middle East, India, issues of non-proliferation differently. Although the United States and
Pakistan are allies, the US considered former Soviet Union more important during Cold War
era than its ally Pakistan. And in the post 9/11 period is more focused on combating
terrorism, while Pakistan since its inception till today is preoccupied with the perceived
threats from India. The study argues that though the interests of Pakistan and the United
States diverge, still the US cannot deny Pakistan’s significance for promoting regional
security. This is one of the reasons why the US though tilted towards India does not want to
lose Pakistan’s support in the region.
