South Asia’s Security Dilemma: How India and Pakistan Lost Policy Flexibility in the Kashmir Conflict

Abstract

The South Asian subcontinent has seen many conflicts and wars over Kashmir, and Kashmir is at the heart of the conflict between India and Pakistan. Historically, India has gained the upper hand in many conflicts. However, both sides remain in a “security dilemma.” This security dilemma is not limited to the military, but is an all-encompassing “security dilemma.” Currently, such as territorial conflicts, security challenges, energy shortages, resource scarcity, arms race, and geopolitical wrangling has led to India-Pakistan relations remaining rife with suspicion and mistrust. The most difficult issues can be resolved if the two countries review and revise their policies and postures and make progress in building bilateral trust. This paper will examine the impact of the Kashmir conflict on the security dilemma between India and Pakistan and will discuss how both sides have lost flexibility in the security dilemma, which, by default, demands further studies on the subject.