Balancing Geopolitics and Geoeconomics: A Strategic Analysis of Pakistan’s Foreign Policy in the Era of Multipolarity
Keywords:
Geopolitics, Geoeconomics, Foreign Policy, Pakistan, Multipolarity, CPEC, Strategic BalancingAbstract
Pakistan’s foreign policy has historically been shaped by its security concerns, particularly its rivalry with India, its alliance with the United States during the Cold War and War on Terror, and its strategic location in a volatile region. While these geopolitical imperatives have long dominated Islamabad’s external engagements, recent global transformations—marked by the rise of China, the decline of U.S. regional influence, and the growing importance of connectivity and economic diplomacy—have compelled Pakistan to reorient its foreign policy to incorporate geoeconomic priorities. The launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) symbolizes this strategic shift. However, this reorientation presents a significant dilemma: how can Pakistan maintain its geopolitical alignments while pursuing economic integration in a multipolar and increasingly competitive international environment? This study aims to analyze Pakistan’s foreign policy through the lens of strategic balancing between geopolitics and geoeconomics. It explores how internal dynamics and external pressures influence Islamabad’s policy decisions in navigating great power rivalries, regional conflicts, and economic dependencies. Drawing upon qualitative content analysis of official documents, policy statements, and relevant secondary sources, the article applies a hybrid theoretical framework combining neorealism and complex interdependence theory. Findings suggest that Pakistan’s foreign policy remains caught in a transitional phase, where strategic compulsions often override economic rationality. Nonetheless, evidence of policy recalibration is emerging, especially in Pakistan’s outreach to new regional partners and its emphasis on economic diplomacy. The article concludes that a more coherent and institutionally coordinated approach is needed for Pakistan to optimize its position in the evolving global order.
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