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Seemingly from its birth, Pakistan has been struggling to build a proper democracyand a secure state. Today it ranks 133rd out of 148 countries in global competitiveness.Its economy is as dysfunctional as its political system is corrupt; both rely heavilyon international aid for their existence. Taliban forces occupy many key areas ofthe country and engage in random violence. It possesses over a hundred nuclearweapons that could fall into terrorists`hands. Why, in an era when countries acrossthe developing world are experiencing impressive economic growth and buildingdemocratic institutions, has Pakistan been such a conspicuously weak state?In The Warrior State, noted international relations and South Asia scholar T.V. Pauluntangles this fascinating riddle. Paul argues that the "geostrategic curse"- akin tothe "resource curse" that plagues oil-rich autocracies - is at the root of Pakistan`s unique inability to progress. Since its founding in 1947, Pakistan has been at the centerof major geopolitical struggles: the US-Soviet rivalry, the conflict with India, and mostrecently the post 9/11 wars. No matter how ineffective the regime is, massive foreignaid keeps pouring in from major powers, their allies and global financial institutionswith a stake in the region. The reliability of such aid defuses any pressure on politicalelites to launch the far-reaching domestic reforms necessary to promote sustainedgrowth, higher standards of living, and more stable democratic institutions. Paulshows that excessive war-making efforts have drained Pakistan`s limited economicresources without making the country safer or more stable. Indeed, despite the regime`semphasis on security, the country continues to be beset by widespread violenceand terrorism.In an age of transnational terrorism and nuclear proliferation, understanding Pakistan`sdevelopment, particularly the negative effects of foreign aid and geopolitical centrality,is more important than ever. Painstakingly researched and brilliantly argued, The Warrior State tackles what may be the world`s most dangerous powder keg anduncovers the true causes of Pakistan`s enormously consequential failure.
ISBN - 9788184005516
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Pages : 272
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