1) Changing Dynamics of Uzbekistan’s Foreign Policy Under Shavkat Mirziyoyev: Prospects for Central Asian Regional Economic Integration
Author(s):Adam Saud
Abstract :
Uzbekistan holds a central position in the political, economic, security and demographic structure of the Central Asian region. Without the cooperation of Tashkent, efforts for regional integration have failed during the past. The first president Islam Karimov, who ruled the country for 25 years 1991-2016, was reluctant to integrate Uzbek economy to regional and global markets. Uzbekistan had one or the other issue with all its neighboring states, thus hindering prospects for the regional cooperation and integration. However, the new president Shavkat Mirziyoyev is proactive towards regional integration. He is following a policy of ‘Central Asia First’ which has warmly been welcomed by all the regional states. The process of regional integration has also been facilitated by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China as well as Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) in the form of development of physical infrastructural and transportation network. Objectives of this research are; to look into the dynamics of Central Asian region; to understand the central position of Uzbekistan in the region; to explore the areas of convergence for the regional states; and to analyze the prospects for regional economic integration after change in Uzbekistan’s leadership. This research aims to address the questions such as: What is the future economic potential of Central Asia? How the foreign policy of Uzbekistan has influenced the regional dynamics unde2) Emerging Cooperation between China-Russia and Pakistan: Challenges and Prospects
Author(s):Muhammad Khan & Arshmah Jamil
Abstract :
Over the past decade, the relationship between neighboring giants China and Russia has evolved from being a union formed out of convenience into one that holds immense strategic importance for both countries. One of the interesting dimensions of this strategic partnership is their growing interest in cultivating a strong relationship with Pakistan. China and Pakistan have marked a new era of emboldening their economic ties via CPEC, diplomatic ties through common framework of partnership and security ties as both countries cooperate on all military matters including joint military exercises. Russia on the other hand was always considered a traditional ally of India but has shifted its focus towards Pakistan and is boosting its military and diplomatic ties with Pakistan. The new emerging axis of China-Pakistan-Russia is inevitable as it stems from the congruence of interests between the countries: However, it is not without its share of challenges and any amount of distrust from either side can create fault lines.3) China-Russia Strategic Condominium: An Emerging Power Bloc in Eurasia in 21st Century
Author(s):Muhammad Akram Zaheer & Yasmin Rofi
Abstract :
China and Russia, two major regional political actors, regard the Eurasia core as their strategic backyard. The regional ambitions of these two powers are a threat in a new era of competition or possible cooperation in the Eurasian region. China is using the economic potential of ‘One Belt, One Road’ (OBOR) in order to integrate Eurasia as its heartland, while Russia has formed the ‘European Economic Union’ (EEU) with hopes of establishing a power bloc. This article is an attempt to underscore the potential of these formations and their consequences for the geopolitics of Eurasia. The subject of this research is to elucidate the context of OBOR and EEU, the major regional projects in the region, and their consequences for the Eurasian region.4) A Critical Analysis of the Security Situation in Afghanistan: A way Forward
Author(s):Masood Ur Rehman Khattak & Summar Iqbal Babar
Abstract :
Afghanistan is facing multipronged challenges mainly by the surge in Afghan Taliban insurgency, the emergence of Islamic State-Khurassan Province, fragile Afghan security forces, upsurge in Afghan Drug Trade and discord among Pakistan, Afghanistan and India. All these factors are responsible for the mayhem and turmoil in Afghanistan and would have far reaching implications for Pakistan and Central Asia. It is imperative for the regional and global powers to support reconciliation and negotiation process with Afghan Taliban and other reconcilable groups to settle this issue amicably and open the gates for cooperation and development in the region. India and Pakistan must end their proxy war, resolve their outstanding issues, and collectively work for the stability of Afghanistan. Moreover, Pakistan and Afghanistan must overcome their differences, settle the border dispute, secure the border and collectively work for the regional connectivity and collaboration. The United States of America, China, Russia and European Union must support Afghanistan in rebuilding and reconstruction. Politically and economically stable Afghanistan would connect the land locked Central Asian states with rest of the world and pave the way for better connectivity and economic development.5) This paper explores Pakistan and Russia building relations at the backdrop of New Cold War in the South Asia. It argues and justifies that competing and rival groups in the present international system are forcing states to build new alliances. Hence, Pakistan’s new collaborative strategy of allying itself with Russia is due to several political and economic developments amongst its immediate neighbors in the region. While Russia, a former super power is trying to revive its role in the region
Author(s):Faiza Bashir & Noreen Naseer
Abstract :
This paper explores Pakistan and Russia building relations at the backdrop of New Cold War in the South Asia. It argues and justifies that competing and rival groups in the present international system are forcing states to build new alliances. Hence, Pakistan’s new collaborative strategy of allying itself with Russia is due to several political and economic developments amongst its immediate neighbors in the region. While Russia, a former super power is trying to revive its role in the region is also looking for new partners with converging interests to deal with its security issues at home. Both states can benefit from the new partnership if they properly use their strength and capabilities in the region. The article also argues that how certain changes are forcing both Pakistan and Russia to revisit their foreign policies, thus indicating a beginning of the “New Cold War” in the South Asia.6) 6. The Social Implications of the United States' Invasion of Afghanistan for Waziristan
Author(s):Habibullah & Hanif Khalil
Abstract :
The tragic event of 9/11 and the subsequent US-led NATO Forces attack on Afghanistan left tremendous impacts on the Pashtun community living across the Pak-Afghan border. Owing to its immediate proximity and porous border with Afghanistan the tribal areas of Pakistan in general, and Waziristan in particular became a sanctuary for Taliban. The ensuing war between the State and non-State actors has scores of impacts on the region such as economic, political and cultural. This paper, however, due to space limitations, only explores some of the major social institutions of Waziristan such as the tribal Maliks (influential tribal chiefs), Jirga system (council of tribal elders), Lashkar (volunteer tribal militia) and Hujra (male community centre) that have been seriously undermined after the US invasion of Afghanistan and its spill-over effects on the region. Unlike most of the contemporary studies, that attribute the current social disruption in Waziristan to the so-called Pashtun’s cultural violence or their religiosity, this paper attempts to investigate the problem in quite a new perspective. It argues that the current disruption in the social institutions of Waziristan is due to the alignment between Washington and Islamabad and the pursuit of their respective geopolitical interests in this tribal periphery.7) Area Studies: Nature and Scope
Author(s):Shabir Ahmad Khan
Abstract :
The paper briefly describes the nature and scope of the Area Studies. It highlights the relationship between Area Studies and other traditional disciplines of social sciences, humanities and arts. The “multidisciplinary lens” is essential for Area Studies because no single academic discipline is capable of capturing and conveying a full understanding of another nation, or society or culture’s Social Mechanisms. The Social Mechanisms comprising Structure and Super-structure can be political, legal, economic, educational, religious and anthropological etc., are study objects of various disciplines/sciences. These are interrelated systems and therefore are interdisciplinary. As these Social Mechanisms involve human beings/societies which in turn are objects of Area Studies and therefore Area Studies are multidisciplinary as well interdisciplinary. Various academic theories have been developed by human beings for the welfare of human beings. Area Studies own all academic theories because it provides the study object i.e. human beings/society, for the application of theories and therefore could not have its own specific theory or theories. The paper also argues that the research approach and angle of study in Area Studies varies from country to country as per their national interests and bilateral relations. Area Studies need to build bridges between the disciplines of Area Studies and other departments or traditional disciplines in order to strengthen th8) Pakistan Counterinsurgency in Swat: A Literature Review
Author(s):Shahid Ahmad Afridi & Saima Gul
Abstract :
Every conflict has its own peculiar and distinct characteristics that demands a defining response in the form of counterinsurgency. Before embarking on any such counterinsurgency campaign, it is of utmost significance to frame the parameters of the appropriate response. That arises the question as how much research has been carried out on the nature of insurgency and more importantly on the counterinsurgency. Such critical inquiries can lead the academicians and practitioners to explore as what was the pattern and nature of insurgency, i.e. secessionist, traditional or spiritual etc. More importantly, the relevant literature review must explain the contours of counterinsurgency operations. Besides, such research should bring forth the critical constraint and shortfalls of the counterinsurgency campaign vis-à-vis the civilian and military’s approach of handling the insurgency. In Pakistan’s Swat region, the insurgency posed an existential threat to the security of Pakistan. The post 9/11 era proliferated the wave of insurgencies in the region and Swat was not immune to the shock effects of the violent social change. Swat’s insurgency got its momentum in 2006 and unleased a spate of terrorism and guerilla fighting that shook the entire country. In 2009, a grand scale counterinsurgency operation was launched incorporating all components of state. The softer prong of the operations is continuing till to date in the form of de-radicalization and counter9) Development of Libraries and Library Science Education in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan: A Historical Review
Author(s):Saeed Ullah Jan & Parveen Khan
Abstract :
The history of Library and Information Science in Pakistan is traced back to the arrival of W. A. Broaden and Asa Don Dickinson to Sub-continent in 1911 and 1916 respectively. This piece of document tends to explore the history of library and library science education, library activities and role of professional associations in promotion of library culture in North-West part of Pakistan. This study is basically historical in nature. The paper is broadly divided into three parts that is library science education, library developments through ages and library associations and their role in the promotion of libraries in Khyber Pakhtunkhawa. Efforts were made to elaborate the growth of libraries in different eras over the passage of time. The role of Muslims and British in the promotion of library culture is also discussed. It is reflected that both nations have made no stone left un-turned for the establishment of libraries in this part of sub-continent. It is also evident from the pages of history that the introduction of Library and Information Science education was not that late here as compared to the rest of the world. University of Punjab is the third in the race of ranking after Germany and United States to offer this program. Various associations had also played their roles in this regard. They had worked hard for the promotion of library culture. The role of Pakistan Library Association (PLA) is observant and praise worthy in the said context. It is cVolume No. 82
Issue No. Summer 2018
Summer 2018