Nuclear Security and Diplomacy in South Asia: Future Prospects for the Nuclear Pakistan

Abstract

This paper rationalizes the major pressures on Pakistani nuclear program in a regional perspective and explores the sufficiency of various solutions that Pakistan can adopt to cope with them. The paper argues that though Pakistan reluctantly entered the nuclear race compelled by India, the club of early nuclear powers does not recognize this compulsion. The pressures on Pakistan are multifarious: sanctions on acquisition of arms, aid, and engaging in economic activities and overt/covert diplomacy (ranging from persuasion to intimidation and isolation). The paper finds that for Pakistan, besides nuclear arms, the main issues are her statehood, security, and development. The paper recommends that future demographic developments and finding a solution to the economic woes would help Pakistan in making its nuclear programme safe. The change in global perception about Pakistan’s economic and security needs would help in achieving this aim.