Pakistan's response to the Afghan war (1979-1988): In the Neo-classical Realism perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21015/vtess.v13i2.2226Abstract
Most researchers condemn the fact that the foreign policy of Pakistan was not befitting during the war in Afghanistan since its consequences outweighed the gains to the country during the period. This is one of the criticisms that are repeatedly emphasized and strengthened on the foreign policy debate, as the war in Afghanistan made a lasting influence on the politics, economy and security of Pakistan. But little focus is given in terms of the examination of the Pakistani reaction to the Afghan war in the view of Neo-classical Realism. Since the world is anarchic, all the states have to act on their national interests, and Pakistan as any other state had to react with the system of anarchy. A nation can further be seen to be in terms of the international relations theory, since theories offer an analysis model to explain judgments that might seem conflicting or incongruent.Among others, there exist two international relations theories Realism and Liberalism, which are more appropriate to examine the behavior of a nation under pressure. Realism focuses on power, security, and survival whereas Liberalism focuses on cooperation, institutions and interdependence. But the Neo-classical Realism is of the opinion that internal and external factors should be combined to comprehend the behaviour of states. The external influences include the force of balance, alliances, and world pressures which interacts with internal influences of leadership, political constraints, economic conditions, and domestic pressures.The paper will thus seek to discuss the internal and external forces that forced Pakistan to take a position in the Afghan war. By concentrating on Neo-classical Realism, this paper will indicate why Pakistan had to do what it did, how its leadership had to juggle between national interests and international demands, as well as why their foreign policy decisions were influenced by a set of national and global realities.
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