This annotated bibliography surveys six scholarly sources on the state of US–Pakistan relations in the post-9/11 era. The primary source, by Bashir and Aman (2021), applies a realist and neo-realist framework to argue that reduced American security assistance since the Obama administration has eroded bilateral trust. Supporting sources address complementary dimensions of the relationship, including points of divergence and potential convergence between the two states, the blowback effects of US drone strikes, the geopolitical realignment toward China and India, women's socioeconomic status in Pakistan, and rapid urbanization trends. Together, the sources provide a multidimensional picture of the political, strategic, and social factors shaping Pakistan-US relations.
This annotated bibliography examines scholarly sources on US–Pakistan relations in the post-9/11 period, with a focus on security assistance, diplomatic trust, drone warfare, geopolitical realignment, and the socioeconomic conditions shaping Pakistan's domestic landscape.
Bashir, F., & Aman, S. (2021). US security assistance to Pakistan in post-9/11 period. FWU Journal of Social Sciences, 15(2), 96–116.
Bashir and Aman (2021) explain that trust between the US and Pakistan is deeply tied to aid and security. Since the Obama administration, the US has reduced the amount of aid and security assistance it has provided to Pakistan, thus deteriorating whatever trust had developed under the Bush administration following 9/11. Against this backdrop, it is not surprising that intelligence has suggested a military coup may be underway. Based on what Bashir and Aman (2021) reveal, it is recommended that the US communicate with Pakistani leaders about restoring trust through aid and security initiatives that can help re-establish Pakistan–US relations.
Bashir and Aman are experts in their fields: Bashir holds a PhD and teaches political science at the university level, while Aman is an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science. Both bring a perspective that is informed by the realities of the region and can help orient a Western audience toward a more accurate assessment of the situation. Bashir and Aman apply a realist and neo-realist theoretical framework to Pakistan–US relations, which helps illustrate the degree to which security assistance and aid facilitate the development of bilateral trust. The article reveals that from a pragmatic standpoint, the US could ease tensions with Pakistan by adopting a win-win approach that the Pakistani government could view as acceptable. However, barring such an approach, it is unlikely that relations could be fully restored, as Pakistan wants to see tangible benefits from the relationship, and the US remains reluctant to take actions that might offend other regional states — a dynamic that other researchers in this bibliography also illuminate.
Rashid, M. I., Javaid, P. D. U., & Shamshad, M. (2020). Pakistan-US relations after 9/11: Points of divergence. South Asian Studies, 33(2), 541–553.
This article analyzes the deteriorating relationship between the US and Pakistan in the post-9/11 period. The authors highlight common goals that the two countries share and discuss how relations could be improved through several measures: uniting on the Kashmir issue, the US refraining from interfering in the internal politics of Pakistan, promoting security through mutual sacrifice, respecting Pakistan's territorial sovereignty, and abandoning backdoor diplomacy.
Shah, A. (2018). Do US drone strikes cause blowback? Evidence from Pakistan and beyond. International Security, 42(4), 47–84.
This article analyzes the degree to which US drone strikes generate blowback and damage relations between Pakistan and the United States. Shah argues that blowback does indeed occur at the local, national, and transnational levels, and that the US could help restore bilateral relations by better protecting civilians in accordance with international law and humanitarian standards.
Mirza, M. N., & Mushtaq, N. (2019). Pakistan-US relations: Transactional-transformational debate. Journal of Security & Strategic Analyses, 5(2), 07–30.
"How drone strikes damage bilateral relations"
"Pakistan shifts toward China; US toward India"
"Women's status and urbanization trends in Pakistan"
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