| This dissertation investigates the underlying principles of Pakistan's foreign policy from 1947 until the present day. It shows how fear and insecurity vis-a-vis 'Hindu' India was at the heart of Pakistan's ideology-based identity. Right from its inception as a separate state Pakistan's foreign policy focused on 'seeking parity' with India and 'escaping' from an Indian South Asian identity. An ideology-based Islamic Pakistani identity was crafted in order to counter the existential threat from India and to foster an identity separate from the common civilizational identity shared by Hindus and Muslims in the sub-continent. That emphasis on ideology subsumed the ethnic and linguistic differences within Pakistan. The assertion of an Islamic Middle Eastern identity also played a vital role in constructing a separate Pakistani identity.;The desire to achieve panty with a much larger neighbor, India, led Pakistan to seek the assistance and support of allies. Pakistan's relationship with the United States has been based on Pakistani hope that American aid---both military and economic---would bolster Pakistan's meager resources in countering Indian economic and military might. Often disillusioned by the Americans, Pakistan's rulers came to see China as the ideal ally: one who has an antagonistic relationship with 'Hindu' India and who is powerful enough to aid Pakistan, both economically and militarily.;Perceiving a perennial threat on its eastern frontier with India, Pakistan sought support and strength on its western border from fellow Muslim country, Afghanistan. However, a disputed border with that country, Pashtun irredentism that spilled over that border, and closer ties between Afghanistan and India led Pakistan to fear encirclement by its two neighbors. Over the decades, therefore, Pakistan developed diplomatic, economic and military ties with countries in the greater Muslim world, especially the Arab Middle East. At the center of these relationships is the strong belief held by a succession of Pakistani governments that only ideologically similar countries will prove to be Pakistan's longterm allies in its conflict with Hindu India. |
