The impact of Pakistan-Turkey maritime cooperation on regional peace

Abstract

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is not solely to shed light on the maritime cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey but also to analyse whether it has any impact on regional peace. Ergo, this research deals with a crucial question, what effect does Pakistan-Turkey maritime cooperation have on regional peace? In order to answer this question, this study uses the balance of power theory. Pakistan ought to balance its naval power with that of its rival India in order to accomplish peace and prosperity in the region. At present, the two countries are asymmetrical in terms of military power. Since 1947, they have fought four wars, which have seriously affected the peace of the entire region. To acquire regional peace and prosperity, Islamabad and Ankara have gone beyond religious, political, and cultural relations and turned to maritime cooperation. Turkey has become Pakistan's second-largest arms export partner, exporting modern submarines, frigates, destroyers, and other equipment over the past 20 years. Since 9/11, they have held numerous bilateral and multilateral naval exercises to deal with any form of maritime security threat.