Pakistan-US Relations: A Critical Analysis of Influence in post 9/11 Era

Abstract

Pakistan and the United States relations are experienced the various ups and downs. The events of 9/11, altered the relation in a way that most sanctioned friend then became pivotal ally in the U.S., led “War on Terror.” It was due to its geopolitical significance. Yet, it was a relationship of a big state and a small state for the quest of seeking their national interests through—hunting al Qaeda and defeating Afghan Taliban. The problem with that new partnership was the coercive influence of the United States that compelled Pakistan to make a virtual U-Turn in her long nourished Afghan policy. Therefore, a problem arose that how a small power with any ranges of freedom, attempt to maximize its influence viz-a-viz a Big power. The objective of the study is to understand who influenced whom in what area and to what degree, vulnerabilities, leverages and limits of influence of both the states have.