Pakistan army unlikely to see internal Islamist coup

Abstract

Subject Risk of an Islamist coup with the Pakistan military. Significance Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, Western media and policymakers have been concerned about an Islamist coup within the Pakistan military. Given the army's exclusive control over nuclear weapons, an internal rebellion by radical sections of the officer corps could jeopardise regional and international security. A destabilised or divided military could give terrorist groups such as al-Qaida the opportunity to steal or acquire nuclear weapons technology. Such fears are exaggerated but not baseless. Impacts The military's relationship with Islamist militants will continue to be shaped by strategic calculations, rather than religious ideologies. This will undercut moderate political parties in Pakistan and the security of Afghanistan and India. Pakistan's defence ties with China and the United States would be imperilled by an Islamist shift in Pakistan's military.