Geo-Politics and Geo-Economics of Pakistan: Imperatives, Constraints and Potentials in a Changing Strategic Landscape
摘要
This chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of the intricate interplay between geopolitics and geo-economics in shaping Pakistan’s foreign policy within a rapidly changing strategic landscape. Framed through a neoliberal lens emphasizing interdependence and cooperation, it explains the national imperatives, persistent constraints, and untapped potentials that define Pakistan’s relations with major powers (United States, China, Russia), neighboring countries (India, Afghanistan, Iran), and the broader Muslim world—including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Gulf states, Central Asian Republics, African Muslim countries, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The analysis draws on expert interviews and contemporary data to reveal how political instability, economic vulnerabilities, debt dependency, and security challenges constrain Pakistan’s strategic options, while its geostrategic location, diaspora networks, and initiatives like CPEC and SIFC offer significant opportunities for economic transformation. The chapter argues that optimal outcomes require a balanced, synthesized approach that leverages multilateral cooperation, diversifies partnerships, addresses domestic structural weaknesses, and harnesses emerging potentials in technology, energy, and regional connectivity to achieve sustainable development and enhanced global standing.