PAKISTAN FOREIGN POLICY SHIFT FROM GEO POLITICS TO GEO-ECONOMICS

Abstract

The present study investigates the foreign policy shift of Pakistan from geopolitics to geo-economics. Under the principles of realism and due to various security concerns from regional and international perspectives, the Foreign Policy of Pakistan has been shaped by its geopolitics since its inception. However, in the past few years, Pakistan has started seriously thinking about bringing some sort of modification to its traditional security-dominated approach to foreign policy. In this regard, Pakistan has provided space for geo-economic dynamics in its foreign policy. However, after investigation, the present thesis finds that a complete shift has not occurred, and still traditional security paradigm still dominates the foreign policy of Pakistan. The present study seems significant as it investigates not only the genesis of Pakistan’s foreign policy but rather it highlights the challenges and prospects for Pakistan if it completely moves towards a shift from geopolitics to geo-economics. The study is also significant because the shift of Pakistan from geopolitics to geo economics can lead to overall national development in the long run. As the present research is qualitative in nature, therefore, non-numerical data has been analyzed to understand concepts, opinions, and experiences. Although, primary sources have been cited the research mostly relies on secondary sources.