Geo-Politics around Pakistan & CPEC
Pakistan is located in a Geo-strategically important region. Surrounded by India, China, Iran and Afghanistan with Arabian Sea in the south. This key geographically strategic location also invites interests of great powers outside of this region and more recently by the super power United States which has occupied Afghanistan.
Furthermore Pakistan is a country which is rich in resources along with a strong military.
This means that Pakistan cant be ignored in key events when they take place in the region. To understand geo-politics as the words geo and politics implies we need to consider geography and politics of the region
Lets get the broad points out of the way
- United States — occupying Afghanistan and has a foothold in this side of the Arabian Ocean via Pakistan since the days of CENTO and SEATO. As a super power US conducts an aggressive foreign policy to protect interests around the globe.
- Pakistan — as mentioned above a strong country but foreign policy has been left to what US sets for the region. As such Pakistan orbits around United States. Internally too anything that can impacts US foreign policy goals is controlled by US — e.g. demonstrated by strong USAID intervention. As a result a weak democratic government occupies the center which depends on US backing to survive.
- China — an economic powerhouse without a political agenda in International Relations meaning politics is revolving around gaining economic gain
- India — internally weak political structures — aspire to be a regional power on the back of guidance from US. Locked into strategic treaties e.g. the one done by US in 2004 in which US is going to push India to play a regional role against China. US will transfer high tech, space tech, Nuclear NSG & investment by US MNCs
- Iran — US ally in the region but not to the scale of Pakistan in this side of the region. Has been supporting US war effort in Afghanistan and then in Iraq and now in Syria. Rewarded by US recently by removing sanctions
- Afghanistan — a puppet government which is besieged by resistance. Supported by US and India.
So anytime discussing CPEC we should ask these questions
- If US is in competition with China in South China Sea and pushing India to balance China and while Pakistan politically in US camp then why US has allowed Pakistan to go in $50 billion deal with China?
- Why Gwadar project which was on halt for long time — suddenly got revived and very quickly CPEC was launched?
- What is Chinese position over US occupation of Afghanistan?
- In relation to India, Pakistan and Kashmir issue — what is US position?
- If US after the strategic treaty with India, US want India to play a leading role in the region then what does this mean for Pakistan?
Are there more questions we should ask? What do you think?
