Role of Threat Perceptions in Pak-Us Security Alliances: An Analysis of Post 9/11 Security Partnership

Abstract

The course of Pak-US relations is mostly debated in the context of “trust deficit”. The trust deficit is
not new but it has a genesis and dates back to the era of 1950s and 1960s, and onward, during the
length of time these relations have been characterized by ups and downs. The main questions are:
what are the “connecting factors” framing these relations and what are the “disconnecting factors”
breaking these relations. Many elements make alliances possible which include security, economics,
and political factors. But the most important ones, which this study aims to highlights, are security
and economics. Many post-WW-II and Cold War time’s alliances were shaped by both these factors.
The power struggle between the mighty USSR and the USA could be seen as a drive to gather more
and more mass support (aligning nations) and establishing the superiority of either Capitalism or
Communism. Most of these alliances were formed under the theme of Threat Perceptions. The US
adopted the “Financial Assistance” strategy to gather the support of newly independent, mostly
decolonized nations. Pakistan also joined the US-Camp under her own TPs. The study highlights the
role of TPs in Pak-US relations over time.