US INDO-PACIFIC ENGAGEMENT: IMPLICATIONS ON PAKISTAN

Abstract

In recent years, Maritime security has become one of the most important mandates in terms of international relations. A major part of the world is covered with water which implies countries with a responsibility to safeguard their passages. Maritime security extends beyond the traditional notion of security as it can mold with current concepts of security and make its relevance. Due to the changing dynamics, the US formed an Indo-Pacific policy that includes India, Japan, the UK, and Australia with other countries signing up. In this thesis, we will discuss the cooperation between US and India and its direct effects on Pakistan's National Security policy because the foundation of such a mandate is born from the competition between states. In this thesis, we are going to apply the lens of Structural realism to solve the puzzle vis-à-vis emerging strategic and geopolitical alliances in the contemporary world. This thesis argues how Indo-Pacific policy is creating Maritime security concerns for Pakistan in the Asia-Pacific region as the world is moving towards multipolarity and rebalancing. Also, we will analyze US geostrategic concerns and its favored policy towards structured alliances.

Keywords:   US indo-pacific policy, Geostrategic policy, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Naval security, Maritime security, US-China relations.