Civil-military relations: A case study of Pakistan

Pakistan is a young and violent nation. It has been under military rule for more than half of its existence and the presence of Islamists in the country has been increasing in recent years. These two actors have played a crucial role in creating the Pakistan of today: a violent, unstable system with revolving governments. What role have civilian governments played while interacting with the Islamists and the ever present military? What has led to the Pakistan we see today? Is there any hope that Pakistan can remove the violent actors within its borders and create real change to become a stable nation?;This thesis will attempt to analyze the three main actors in Pakistan: the civilian government, the military, and the Islamists. It will discuss how the relationship between these three has been alternatively cooperative and antagonistic.