Pakistan's threat perception in a complex South Asian security landscape

Abstract

This study analyzes Pakistan's evolving threat perception within the complex and multifaceted security environment of South Asia. The paper first establishes the region's complex security foundation, tracing the roots of hostility from the Partition of British India and the subsequent wars with India, through the strategic alignments of the Cold War, and into the post-Cold War era marked by nuclearization. The core of the analysis focuses on Pakistan's central security concerns, categorized into: external threats such as; the sustained perceived danger from India and the long-term instability and cross-border spillover from the Afghan conflict. And internal threats such as; domestic challenges, including extremism, terrorism, and the destabilizing influence of non-state actors. The research examines how these perceptions translate into strategic and defense policies, encompassing Pakistan's nuclear doctrine, conventional force posture, and counterterrorism strategies. It further explores Pakistan's foreign policy, specifically its pivotal relationships with India, Afghanistan, China, and the United States. Finally, the study addresses contemporary security challenges, such as economic fragility, cybersecurity, and the growing concerns of environmental and human security. By synthesizing these variables, the paper concludes by summarizing key implications for regional stability and offering insights for future policy approaches in South Asia.