Topic 6: Changing Contours of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

Outline

A. Introduction

1. Graham Ellison’s model of foreign policy
2. What is an ideal foreign policy?
3. Thesis statement

B. Determinants of Pakistan Foreign Policy

C. The Changing Contours of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy

1. From Western bloc to non-alignment;
a. Pakistan’s membership in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

2. Shifting from US-centric to China-centric relations;
a. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

3. Diversifying partnerships beyond traditional allies;
a.Pakistan’s engagement with Russia.
b. Pakistan’s Foreign Policy: A Review of 2019 by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad

4. From SAARC to CPEC: new regional focus;
a. Example: CPEC’s impact on regional trade and connectivity
b. Research on CPEC and Regional Economic Integration by the Lahore University of Management Sciences

5. Redefining relations with Afghanistan and India;

6.From aid dependence to trade-based relations;
a. Pakistan’s efforts to increase trade with countries like China and Turkey
b. Pakistan’s Trade Policy: A Review of 2020 by the Pakistan Business Council

7. Investment-driven diplomacy with the Middle East and Europe;
a. Pakistan’s efforts to attract investment from the Middle East and Europe

8. Regional economic integration through CPEC and beyond;
a. BRI’s Potential to Promote Regional Economic Integration
b. CPEC and Regional Economic Integration: Opportunities and Challenges by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad

9. From conventional security to counter-terrorism;
a. Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism through Operations
b. Counter-Terrorism Efforts: A Review of 2019 by the Institute for Strategic Studies

10. Regional security cooperation through SCO and beyond;
a. Pakistan’s participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

D. Practical Steps to Align Pakistan’s Foreign Policy with its National Interests

1. Showcasing Pakistan’s cultural heritage globally;
2. Promoting people-to-people exchanges and tourism;
3. Reassessing alliances and partnerships
4. Promoting trade and investment, particularly with regional countries
5. Leveraging strategic location to become a hub for regional trade and connectivity