As the Muslim world’s second most populous country and the only Islamic nuclear power state, Pakistan is an important actor in the region and on the global stage. After gaining independence in 1947, Pakistan’s economic and political development has been hobbled by tensions in civilian-military relations, militancy, multiple wars and an ongoing rivalry with India. Its ties with the United States, which reached critical highs at times during the Cold War and the U.S. war on terrorism, is today characterized by a mutual lack of trust. ASPI’s past work on Pakistan has focused on internal and regional stability and on improving Pakistan’s relations with the United States and the countries in its neighborhood. ASPI does this by hosting policy discussions and providing analysis and expert commentary.
