The Evolution of Roller Coaster Relationship between Pakistan and the United States

Abstract

This paper specifically discusses the trend in the bilateral relationship since the beginning and identifies the major factors that have kept the relationship roller coaster. This paper contains seven sections by discussing the nature of relationship in different decades since its establishment in 1947. The first phase was the period establishing the relationship, which was aimed at the containment of Soviet influence in the region. The second decade was defined by the emergence of political differences and direction of the two countries on major issues. The third decade is considered the period of miscommunication and disappointments. The fourth was reached the desired level when their strategic interests aligned in Afghanistan. It again was followed by the period of sanctions and indifferences because of the emergence of New World Order, when the United States decided to focus on non-traditional issues like terrorism, nuclear proliferation, human rights and democracy. The final phase was the period after the event of 9/11, when Pakistan was faced with the option of either with us or against us. The primary factor in the bilateral relationship was the nature of international system, which kept influencing the bilateral relationship. It shows that they are transactional partners, which is highly dependent upon the nature of international system, not strategic one, which is above the influence of changes in the system.