Post 9/11 Pak-U.S. Engagement on Nuclear Weapons Security: Perceptions and Responses

Abstract

The main objective of this research study is to discover and analyse the main images on which the United States (U.S.) perceptions are based on its post 9/11 engagement with Pakistan on the nuclear weapons security. This study further analyses the perceptions and responses of Pakistan regarding the security of its nuclear weapons in the post 9/11 era. This research study argues that there are three main images that shape the U.S. perceptions in the post 9/11 era about the security of nuclear weapons in Pakistan. In this connection, the first image is the insider threat to the security of Pakistan nuclear weapons. The next image is the induction of Tactical Nuclear Weapons to the strategic forces of Pakistan which increase the chances of theft or its unauthorized use in the time of conflict. In addition to these two images, the third image is the vertical nuclear weapons proliferation in Pakistan that requires more reliable personal. The results of this research work further reveal that Pakistan’s current behaviour is the outcome of the changes in the regional power structure which is disturbed by the Indo-US nuclear deal and the adventurous doctrines of India. Pakistan, similar to other rational states, wants to maintain nuclear deterrence with India and therefore, in order to maintain that nuclear deterrence, it is also very important for Pakistan to keep its nuclear weapons while addressing the arguments of the insider threats to nuclear devices and fissile materials in Pakistan. This research also analyzes the behaviour and perceptions of U.S. and Pakistan through the theoretical framework of neo-realism. The neo-realist theoretical tradition argues that the behaviour of states in the international system is driven by the power structure of the international system. Engaging with the propositions of the neo-realists, this study reveals that the behaviour of U.S. and Pakistan in the post 9/11era is guided by neo realism aimed to neutralize any threat that has the potential to undermine their interests at international or regional power structure system.