International Relations

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ANALYZING THE TRENDS OF NUCLEARIZATION IN EAST ASIA UNDER POSTURE OPTIMIZATION THEORY: CASE STUDY OF JAPAN’S PURSUIT OF NUCLEAR DETERRENCE (2012-2022)
(DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, 2023-05-18) RUBAB ALI & ZAINAB HASEEB
The emerging global landscapes of nuclear policies are an important phenomenon of the 21st century that had sparked different strategic questions. A much similar question was posed by Vipin Narang who in his Theory of Posture Optimization attempted to fill some of the gaps that explain why states acquire particular nuclear postures. With the discussion about strategies of nuclear proliferation and postulates of posture optimization, this research paper discusses the trends of nuclearization in the East Asian Region and the typology of nuclear postures of the regional states. The threat of continuous introduction of modernized militaristic and nuclear technologies in the region has created strategic instability, resulting in the pursuit of more secure second-strike capability by the countries, and forming the heart of conventional warfighting and deterrence strategies. This paper mainly focuses on the implications this regional nuclearization is leaving on the Japanese efforts of optimizing its nuclear posture, with the country left struggling with a parallel pursuit of disarmament and nuclear deterrence. In this struggle, the extra-regional alliances namely, with the United States and its fluctuating extended deterrence policy of nuclear umbrella are turning the tide of Japan’s security optimism. In this enigmatic approach there might be certain possible regional implications that Japan has to face, further confining its policy choices
ASSESSING THE HYDRO POLITICS OF THE LEVANT: THE ENVIRONMENTAL SCARCITY THEORY AND NASCENT WATER CONFLICT S (2010-2020)
(DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, 2023-05-18) MARIYAM REHMAN & JANNAT NASEEB
This research report aims to analyze the current water shortage on the political conflicts of Jordan River Basin’s riparian states in the Levant. The regional sub-complex, which is, the Levant has been the epicenter of many protracted civil wars, and sectarian proxy wars, and the presence of Jordan River Basin and its exponentially growing water scarcity has managed to be a key determining factor in worsening the disputes of the region. It intends to explore the impact of the water disputes motivated by scarcity on the worsening of the political conflicts which had shaped the regional political landscape of the Levant in the time frame of 2010 to 2020. Since, the Levant has the major river basin known as the Jordan River Basin, so the inter-state relations among the riparian states of the basin have notably been shaped by the shortage of water scarcity throwing the ripple effect in the entire regional sub-complex i.e. Levant. The aim is achieved by analyzing the political rivalries of the riparian states of Jordan and the non-riparian states of the Levant. it further focuses on the hydro-political relations among the trans boundary states amid the life-threatening water scarcity. Moreover, the thesis aims to explore the impact of water shortage on the trans boundary relations of the riparian sates of the Jordan River basin. Additionally, the thesis looks forward to analyses the consequences of the water shortage on the prevailing conflicts. The methodology adopted in pursuance of the aims of the thesis is based on qualitative research supported by several primary research sources. The methods adopted has sufficed to reach the result that the water-related problems need collective negotiations and table talks with the proper international water law standard’s implementation specially curated in Blue Peace Movement in Middle East. Conclusively, the contemporary political and hydro-political disputes of the Jordan River Basin and the Levant have turned into protracted conflicts partly due to lack of negotiations or collective efforts, some negligence regarding the established International Water Laws and role of the non-state actors and the variety of cultural and religious differences. These factors have contributed to justify that the water shortage does escalate the potential conflict into an unfortunate reality.
CHALLENGES FACED BY THE WOMEN UNDER THE TALIBAN 2.0 REGIME
(DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, 2023-05-18) SHEHAR BANO AND AZKA SAEED
DETERRENCE STRATEGIES IN THE FIFTH DOMAIN: TRILATERAL CYBER NEXUS BETWEEN USA, CHINA AND RUSSIA
(DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, 2023-05-18) ZUNAIRA MALIK & MARYAM YASMEEN
The technologically revolutionized 21st century prompted a novel domain that was malleable, volatile yet porous serving as a realm of asymmetric warfare known as ‘Fifth Domain’ of strategy. This potential battle space incited strategic competition because of its dynamism, intractability and interconnectedness. This prompted the importance for states to protect their critical infrastructures and deter any prospective attacks especially for cyber-space giants like USA, China and Russia. The enigmatic nexus between Cyber deterrence and structural malleability of fifth domain as elucidated in cyber persistent engagement stability theory places the deterrence postures of three giants in paradox. The trilateral cyber deterrence junction between USA, China and Russia has spillover effects on international digital order. This have raised the importance of conducting research to delve into this paradoxical conundrum of cyber deterrence for this purpose descriptive yet correlational and analytical style of research methodology have been employed to probe into this matter. the second chapter, the genesis of cyber deterrence strategy has been articulated along with the conceptual growth of this phenomena. The dispersed evolution of cyber deterrence in practice have been narrated with a regional prism. In the third chapter, the theoretical lens of cyber persistent engagement stability theory has been used to recount on the cyber deterrence enigma both conceptually and pragmatically. However, this chapter also illustrated the gray areas in theory articulating the gaps that this theory entails while explaining the dilemma of cyber deterrence. This chapter shed light on how the loopholes that accompany the deterrence phenomena in fifth domain are reflected in futile efforts to execute this strategy. In the 4th chapter, the deterrence posture of USA has been elucidated with its development during different administrations, the Command-and-Control system used to execute the policy, the faces of United States cyber deterrence policy and many other factors has been analyzed. The deterrence posture of USA has been a reflective of offense-defense balance with its deterrence posture carrying no implied element in it. In the fifth chapter, the implied character of Russian and Chinese deterrence posture has been expounded which is in all but name. in the 6th chapter the loopholes, challenges and gray areas in the deterrence postures of these three states projected at each other have been narrated after a comparative analysis of their deterrence postures. In 7th chapter, the implications of deterrence strategies of each of the individual state have been narrated with the impact of trilateral nexus on international order. It is concluded cyber deterrence is difficult to be executed but its relevance could still be traced in strategies of states. Maintaining deterrence stability is the biggest challenge in cyber space that states are trying to cope with.
ECONOMIC RISE OF CHINA: A CASE STUDY OF EMERGING SECURITY AND ECONOMIC CHALLENGES IN THE INDO-PACIFIC REGION (2013-2022)
(DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, 2023-05-18) LOUJAIN AMER AND SALEHA SAFDAR
This thesis examines the rise of China in the Indo-pacific region during 2013-2022 through the lens of Mahan’s theory of maritime strategy. The theoretical framework is drawn from the literature review where the “Sea Power” theory of Alfred Mahan is applied on the following research. Alfred Mahan for the very first time gave the concept of “Sea Power” and Theory on “Domination at Sea.” His theory helped many countries to establish their foreign policy by keeping in view the naval art. His work argues that sea power can contribute to a State with economic and military expansion. In addition to it, the research will explain the Rise of China in Indian Ocean because the Indian Ocean region is so important for China and provide China with different maritime routes which will support its economic and military expansion. China has shaped its Foreign Policy by keeping in view the maritime strategy of Mahan to survive and compete with the regional and global powers present in region. The research will explore how China is competing with global and regional powers such as India, US, Britain, and France to fulfill its economic goals by keeping in view the ocean security dynamics in Indian -Pacific. The research highlights the challenges to China in Post BRI era by explaining that China is working on economic developments to exist, compete and sustain in Indo Pacific region during the presence of regional and Global powers. Through The Indian Ocean Rim Association and The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium the prospects for peace and stability are possible. Furthermore, economic and security prospects for China in Indo-pacific region during 2013-2022 are also discussed in detail. After exploring the suitable prospects within the region, economic and security challenges for China in Indo-pacific region during 2013-2022. Lastly, Chinas rise and impacts on Indo-pacific region has discussed with possible recommendations.
FROM SECESSION TO STATE FORMATION
(DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, 2023-05-18) MAHNOOR AWAIS & HAFSA WAQAR
In one form or other humans remain under a societal social structure. State in present time existed as the structured social system. State formation is the process of state creation in international politics after the secessionist movement. Primordialism is one of the theories that explains the state formation by considering ethnicity as the prime reason of secessionist. In twenty first century when global artificial intelligent world considered to be the peak of human civilization state of South Sudan still present as example of secessionist moment resulted due to ethnic conflict. In international community ethnic conflict is considered as a real challenge. The theory of primordialism reflects the situation of Sudan. Where on the terms of ethnic identities and primordialism north and South Sudan got separated. State of Sudan went through civil wars, chaos and several disagreements. The involvement of internal and external actors led the state towards the referendum of South Sudan. And primordialism became a reason for this secession. In this modern global world, the struggle of keeping ethnic primordial tie keep burning the ethnic conflict on which one of the greatest act of international political got played.
GEOSTRATEGIC POLICIES OF RUSSIA UNDER PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN: SECURITY IMPLICATIONS FOR CRIMEA AND UKRAINE (2012-2023)
(DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, 2023-05-18) NAWAL TARIQ & SAYBA SAGHEER
This thesis focuses on analyzing the geostrategic policies of Russia under the influence of President Vladimir Putin that he used to make Russia a super power by countering the influence of West in Post Soviet states. President Vladimir Putin aims to emerge as a supreme leader in the world. Russian geostrategic policies are being analyzed though John Mearsheimer’s Offensive realism theory which explains that Russia under the presidency of Vladimir Putin is trying to ensure its survival by considering the world anarchic where everyone else also struggling to maximize their interests and power. So, the Russian geostrategic policies also focusing to maximize its power that mostly influenced by historical experiences, global power dynamics and regions dynamics especially after the disintegration of Soviet empire. This study will also contribute to learning about what geographic and geostrategic significance Crimea and Ukraine hold for Russia. To achieve its goals, Russia has conducted offensive measures such as military interventions in Crimea in 2014 and in Ukraine in 2022, and wants these two territories to get under its control completely. In this way, this study adds to the geostrategic field by explaining Russian realistic interests’ and implications on Ukraine and Crimea. Descriptive approach is used to analyze the Qualitative data to describe the Russian geostrategic policies by exploring the different parameters of Russian interests, policies and challenges it faces in implementing them. And both primary and secondary sources are used for the collection of data to analyze the historical claims of Russia on Near Abroad states, its struggles for achieving ontological security and international recognition of a superpower. The study also reveals the challenges that Russia faced to fulfill its interests realistically. Russia has faced resistance from the World primarily the west as they support Ukraine. Russia is paying costs of its intervention in Crimea and Ukraine due to the sanctions imposed by the West that have negatively impacted its economy. Russian intervention on the other hand, has severe implications on Ukraine and Crimea causing a great damage to their economy, military, politics and local communities which eventually is making the whole Eurasian region unstable.
HUMAN INSECURITY: SOCIO-POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF DRUG AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN AFRICA (2000-2022)
(DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, 2023-05-18) ALINA MINHAS, KAINAT DURRANI
This research paper investigates the sociopolitical ramifications of drug and human trafficking in Africa from the year 2000 to 2022. The significance of this research stems from the fact that these illegal activities have a considerable impact on human insecurity, undermining the African continent's development. For a number of decades, drug and human trafficking has been a big issue in Africa. The illegal drug and human trafficking trade not only earns billions of dollars for criminal organizations, but it also drives corruption, undermines governance, and perpetuates poverty. Policymakers have struggled to implement effective combating strategies due to a lack of credible data on the scope and effects of these crimes in Africa. The study used a mixed-methods strategy that incorporated qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques to address this issue. A survey was used to acquire qualitative data. Secondary sources for quantitative data included government publications and databases from international organizations. The study's findings demonstrated that drug and human trafficking have significant sociopolitical consequences for Africa. The study also discovered that human trafficking is frequently linked to other forms of organized crime, such as terrorism and money laundering. This study has far-reaching implications. First, the findings emphasize the critical need for African countries to create and implement effective drug and human trafficking policies and programs. These policies should be founded on trustworthy data and informed by important stakeholders' experiences, particularly victims of human trafficking. Second, the study emphasizes the necessity of regional and international cooperation in the fight against human trafficking. Third, the study advocates for enhanced public awareness and education about the hazards of drug and human trafficking in order to keep vulnerable populations safe from these crimes. Finally, this study work offers important insights into the sociopolitical repercussions of drug and human trafficking in Africa. The study emphasizes the significance of regional and international cooperation in combating human trafficking, as well as improved public awareness and education to keep vulnerable groups from becoming victims. This study is a call to action for policymakers, civil society organizations, and the international community to collaborate in order to address this important issue
HYBRID WARFARE: CYBER PROXIES AND INDIRECT APPROACH BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN (2014-2021)
(DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATION RELATIONS., 2023-05-18) AYESHA BABAR & SAADIA BABAR
The rapid advancements in the field of information technology alongside the information revolution has put states in the midst of a complex cybersecurity landscape in which all states are increasing and advancing their cybersecurity infrastructure to protect themselves from cyberattacks which pose a potential threat to their critical information infrastructure. The study of cyberspace and cyberattacks is therefore critical in current times because this domain is emerging as the arena for advanced geopolitical competition due to the nature of threat –cyber threats cannot be seen and are harder to detect, cyberattacks are transnational and sometimes transcontinental, and can be one of the tool for coercive diplomacy. When discussing geopolitical competition and tensions, South Asian region is of particular significance due to the relations of two nuclear powers, India and Pakistan. Cyberspace offers these two countries a new domain for competition and both countries have formulate their respective National Security Policies in the face of emerging cyber threats from each other. This thesis evaluates the cybersecurity landscape of India and Pakistan with regards to threats and perceptions. It then discusses the policy responses of both countries and the nature of advancements in the domain cybersecurity –offensive or defensive, while highlighting the role of cyber proxies as an instrument of hybrid warfare. The research utilises Indirect Approach by Basil Liddell Hart as cyber threats cannot be seen and are hard to detect which puts the emery state at a vulnerable position. The research concludes at several recommendations for Pakistan to develop a comprehensive security framework.
ISSUES OF DISPLACEMENT BETWEEN AFGHANISTAN AND PAKISTAN: IMPLICATIONS AND CHALLENGES IN POST 9/11 ERA
(DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, 2023-05-18) RIFFA ANSARI & TOOBA REHMAN
The issue of displacement between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly Afghan refugees in Pakistan, has posed security challenges for Pakistan. The porous border between the two countries has allowed for cross-border mobility, resulting in large numbers of Afghan refugees entering Pakistan in waves. This has created security implications for Pakistan, as terrorist groups have also entered the country along with the refugees. The theory of Regional Security Complex helps explain how the security of one state in the complex cannot be addressed independently of the other states, as the circumstances of neighboring states impact each other's security. The study also highlights the challenges faced by Pakistan in tackling the Afghan refugee crisis in the post-9/11 era. Despite not being a signatory to international conventions on refugees, Pakistan has hosted the largest number of Afghan refugees. The presence of Afghan refugees has had economic, social, political, security, and environmental effects on Pakistan. Efforts have been made by Pakistan and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to repatriate Afghan refugees and discourage further influx, but these efforts have faced challenges. The research aims to explain the security dynamics between Afghanistan and Pakistan using the Regional Security Complex Theory, highlight the challenges faced by Pakistan in addressing the Afghan refugee crisis, examine the socio-economic implications of the crisis, evaluate the success of repatriation efforts, and explore future scenarios for Pakistan in dealing with the Afghan refugee crisis.
POWER POLITICS IN MIDDLE EAST: A CASE STUDY OF SINO IRANIAN RELATIONS
(DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, 2023-05-23) BAKHTAWAR OBED, EEMAN FATIMA & MONICA BABAR
Iran-China bilateral ties, which were formed in 1971, have seen significant changes since 1979, particularly following the conclusion of the Cold War. Both countries chose to expand their relations in various areas despite basic differences in ideological dogma and governance structure, and based on a number of areas of commonality, most notably a similar international outlook as developing states of the South, and mutual need in economic fields, most notably energy, and also in the military field. This research thesis examines the evolution of these bilateral ties since the early 1980s, focusing on two sets of elements that have influenced them: favorable and restrictive factors. While favorable factors contributed to the expansion and deepening of Tehran-Beijing relations during the period under consideration, the article argues that China's grand strategy to become a world power and the requisite policy of rapprochement with the West, particularly the United States, have in fact intervened to constrain China's relations with other states, including Iran. Similarly, the continuation of a state of tension between Iran and the United States after 1979, particularly since 2003 over the nuclear issue, and hence US pressure on China, have played a major role in complicating Iran-China ties. Despite Iran's emphasis on the "Look to the East Policy" since 2005, China's backing for UN Security Council sanctions resolutions on Iran since 2006 has mirrored China's predicament and worked to constrict relations, even to some extent inside the energy area. This research thesis concludes that, despite the inevitability of restrictions in Iran-China relations due to the dynamics at play, both nations would retain their relations in the economic and energy sectors, as well as on international and multilateral matters of mutual importance.
RISING ECONOMIC HEGEMONY OF CHINA: IMPLICATIONS ON THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC ORDER
(DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, 2023-05-18) AIMEN ZEB WAHLAH
The rise of China has become a central debate in the academic field of international relations. The first chapter of the thesis will explore the rise of China as an economic hegemon in the lens of the theory of Neo-Realism. In light of the theory of Neo-Realism we will be discussing the rise of China as a regional hegemon and how it challenges the US hegemony. According to the theory of Realism, States work for their own self-interest and are self-centered. Kenneth Waltz and Hans Morgenthau believe that the international system is anarchic and that great powers basically compete to gain dominance. Rising economic hegemony of China means that China is expanding its trade throughout the world through the introduction of different economic policies introduced by Xi-Jingping. In 21st century three major projects have been started by China which are BRI (Belt and Road Initiative), AIIB banking system and the “Made in China 2025” project. The second chapter will also look into the evolvement of global economic order in the neo-realistic political world order. It will explain the link of the global economic order with the neo realistc policies through explaining the role of different institutions. The third chapter will examine the historical background of Chinese economic policies (1949-Present). In this chapter all the major economic policies taken by China from 1949 till 2022 are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the fourth chapter will talk about the Emerging competition between Sino-US poilitico-economic policies since BRI (2013-Present). In this chapter, the different policies and projects are discussed which US and China have undertaken after BRI and what are there implications on the global economic order. Moreover, in fifth chapter the Sino-US trade war is discussed along with the tech war and examples then the implications of this trade war on the global economic order has been discussed. Lastly, this thesis is concluded on the note that the global economic order is actually tilting towards China in 21st century and due to the projects and policies which China has adapted it is becoming an economic hegemon and giving tough competition to US.
ROLE OF MEDIA IN POLITICS: PROPAGANDA IN SINO-US RELATIONS IN BRI ERA (2016-2022)
(DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, 2023-05-18) MAHNOOR ZAHRA SUHAIL & NAJM UL SAHAR RIAZ
Not available in thesis
SECURITIZATION OF CYBERSPACE: THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BY STATES AND VIOLENT NON-STATE ACTORS (2010-2021)
(DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, 2023-05-18) FATIMA ASGHAR AND RAHIMA ARIF
The introduction of network-based computer systems and the internet in recent times opened an entirely new domain for the world to interact in and here is where cyberspace was born; a virtual domain that connects computers and communication networks worldwide, where interaction for countless shared activities and exchange of information between people and institutions take place all over the world. The increasing interconnectedness of the world through the use of digital technologies has brought with it, new security challenges in the form of strategic competition between states and violent non-state actors (VNSAs) which is characterized by the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet. This research explores this strategic competition between states and VNSAs, under the light of the securitization of the cyber domain by states in response to the threats generated by VNSAs. The main objective of this research is to highlight the role of AI in the strategic competition between state and VNSAs, while simultaneously exploring the securitization of the domain where the competition takes place by using the theoretical framework of securitization theory of the Copenhagen School. The main focus of this research is to explore different ways VNSAs exploit cyberspace and threaten the cyber and critical infrastructure of states through the case studies of Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS). With the help of the lens of securitization, it evaluates the ways the use of cyberspace by VNSAs is securitized by states. Moving forward the implications of the asymmetric competition are evaluated which are followed by the securitization moves of states for countering this existential threat. The research concludes with recommendations for states to enhance their capabilities for countering the cyber threat generated by VNSAs in cyberspace that fulfills their need for securitization.

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