Papers by Dr. Hassan Farooq Mashwani
The exploration of how regime changes impact decentralization in federations with a history of au... more The exploration of how regime changes impact decentralization in federations with a history of autocratic rule remains an unmapped phenomenon. This article seeks to fill this gap by examining the levels of static and dynamic decentralization in Pakistan, a federal country that has experienced prolonged periods of autocratic governance since the inception of its first constitution in 1956. Utilizing qualitative method, the article challenges the prevailing notion that only military regimes have contributed to centralization, shedding light on the various instruments of decentralization and the key factors driving these changes, including the military, political parties, provincial autonomy and the local government structures. As the substantial study of its kind on Pakistan, and part of the broader project 'Why decentralization in federations?' this article adds to the research literature on decentralization in hybrid regimes by tracing the longitudinal evolution of Pakistan's federal system.
Security has always been a topmost priority for human beings on this planet. To obtain security, ... more Security has always been a topmost priority for human beings on this planet. To obtain security, they have devised various techniques, strategies and philosophies. This human purpose is manifested in the evolution of the international state system. Numerous threats to collective security and peace throughout the world constitute numerous questions on the effectiveness of the United Nations. The dawn of the 21st century denuded problems that made the collective approach towards security even more necessary than before. As the world faces a new wave of terrorism and extremism in the post 9/11 era and a collective response was needed to deal with such issues in the future. On 8th September 2006, the strategy on global terrorism was adopted by the United Nations as an appropriated plan and resolution, so that, terrorism would be nipped off with the support of international, regional, and national efforts. As a result of peacebuilding measures at the global level, particularly in the war-affected Asia countries, the United Nations has to play an effective role in maintaining peace. The emergence of new challenges like; global warming, hunger, overpopulation, illiteracy, poverty, and financial disparity among various nations and different regions are the new lethal enemies of humanity which require new tactics to be beaten.
Refugees and internally displaced persons are inescapable remnants of wars, political turbulence ... more Refugees and internally displaced persons are inescapable remnants of wars, political turbulence and natural disasters. Historically, people confronting religious and racial persecutions used to leave for nonviolent regions, but presently political subjugation is the major cause of enforced migration. The settlement of around eighty million displaced persons worldover is a paramount global challenge. The refugees, displaced persons and migrants occasionally gain worldwide significant for serving the political interests of various great powers; otherwise, along with their host nations they bear least worth for the world powers. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 out-broke more than four million refugees into Pakistan. The West, especially the United States (US) as part of their anti-Communist Cold War agenda, lavishly assisted the Afghan Mujahidin, as they had launched guerilla warfare against the Soviet troops. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1992 initiated a large scale repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan after the Russian withdrawal from Kabul. Another massive repatriation program was also initiated in 2002 after the collapse of the Taliban regime by the US led International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF). However, the terrible economic and security situations in Afghanistan spoiled the fruits of repatriations. On the other hand, Pakistan seeks the repatriation of millions of Afghans from its soil at the earliest, while the UNHCR, the refugees and Afghanistan have been apparently adopting the time-gaining strategy. An in-depth study of this highly complex issue reveals that Islamabad has yet to table a comprehensive repatriation plan, Kabul is incapable and inadvertent
The paper aims to study the Chinese growing interests in the Middle east and its implications for... more The paper aims to study the Chinese growing interests in the Middle east and its implications for Saudi-Iran rapprochement. For the exceptional rise of China and its energy requirements the Middle East stands one of the most attractive destinations for its foreign policy. The recently held Sino-Arab Summit reflects Beijing's growing interests and influence in the region. Major focus of the Arab-Chinese ties lies in economic development and peaceful resolution of the regional disputes. Beijing mediated the restoration of Riyadh-Tehran diplomatic ties between the two ideological rivals, representing opposing Islamic sects-Sunni and Shia Muslims. The data has been mainly collected through secondary sources with exploratory research design. The Saudi-Iran conflictual ties can hinder Chinese trade and investment in the Middle East therefore, it has keenly assisted the Saudi-Iran rapprochement. Iran and Saudia need to capitalize Chinese growing economic and political interests in the Middle East that will be helpful for the regional and global peace and stability.
At the international level there are certain regions and states that are particularly famous for ... more At the international level there are certain regions and states that are particularly famous for various natural, industrial, technological and educational distinctions. These attributes render superior position against others for greater revenues, jobs and quality of life for a nation. Likewise, at the states levels there are certain localities that are specifically known for certain attributes like; natural resources and finished products, which are acknowledged and appreciated at the domestic as well as international levels. In Pakistan some of the regions are specifically famous for their natural resources, industrial goods, agricultural products, tourism and other yields. There are very few places in the country, having greater economic and geostrategic prominence and privileges in multiple areas; certainly Hazara Division could one among such zones. Hazara is enjoying a key position in Pakistan for its extraordinary contribution in diverse fields of national resources like; hydroelectric power generation capacity, industrial goods, water reservoirs, tourism, education facilities, jobs creation, revenue generation and range of strategic installations. Hence, Hazara Division can be attributed as one of the most significant geostrategic regions in the country.
This paper aims to analyze the probability of diminishing Pax-Americana. The debate pivots around... more This paper aims to analyze the probability of diminishing Pax-Americana. The debate pivots around the prospects of continuity of the American global dominance and the likelihood of its hegemonic decline. Usually the existing global hegemon ambitiously strives to maintain status-quo by ensuring order and stability in the international system but the rest of the rising powers try to challenge and transform the world order. The theoretical lens of the neo realism is applicable to the study of world order. Qualitative research approach of data analysis is employed in examining the dynamics and evolutionary phases of the overall world order. The study found that in the early days of the unipolar system, the United States got a unique opportunity of establishing its uncontested hegemony world over. Potentially none of the great powers or even their alliance could counterweight the American global dominance and majority of them undeniably hailed the American worldwide supremacy with a relishing freehand in taking critical decisions of global implications. Washington hardly ever hesitated in engaging any other player, anytime, anywhere and at any cost. However, since the dawn of the 21 st century; the self-imposed hegemonic obligations seems to have shrunken the American capability and commitment of maintaining its worldwide supremacy. On the contrary, the rapidly rising China and the resurging Russia have wedged severe challenges to the American global dominance along with further complicating the overall edifice of the world order. The study concluded that ostensibly, the US-led world order is transforming to a new and yet un-elucidated construction in coming decades of the 21 st century.
The dynamics of global power politics have been consistently changing from multipolar to bipolar ... more The dynamics of global power politics have been consistently changing from multipolar to bipolar and lastly the unipolar structure in the past century. Washington proclaimed an overriding leadership role for itself and started enjoying its unique status of uncontested hegemony in the global politics. The rest of the nations; neither alone nor collectively could challenge the American worldwide supremacy. However, the American unilateralist approach in various international political issues ensued insecurity and even annoyance in some of the regional powers like; China and Russia. Therefore, in the past couple of decades the emergence of new power centers, particularly the rising China and the resurging of Russia and their strategic alignment; and the relative decline of the US; clearly indicate that the American hegemony shall no more exist. The dynamics of international politics are undoubtedly heading towards the transition of the world system to a multipolar world order; where besides the US, China and Russia will play a significant role.
Increased immigration and the presence of Muslims in multicultural cultures have given rise to id... more Increased immigration and the presence of Muslims in multicultural cultures have given rise to ideas like "Islamophobia," which are then used to justify actions taken by non-Muslims against Muslims in the Diaspora. Islamophobia manifests in various ways, where traditional West-Christian beliefs and the Occident vs. the Orient tensions are brought to the fore. This interaction establishes norms favouring the majority against minorities, along with inclusion, exclusion, and hegemony. As a result, power systems have been established that influence Muslims' access to religious freedom. Thus, this study demonstrates a deeper understanding of Islamophobia, including its components, challenges, and impacts, in addition to analysing the approaches and initiatives that may be taken to stop and eradicate Islamophobia. After departing from the theoretical components of Islamophobia, the study moves on to extensive interviews with Islamic scholars and theoretical investigation. The research shows that Islamophobia is pervasive in contemporary mixed society and ethnic interactions. Therefore, it must be acknowledged as a significant issue that requires national and global attention. As a result, the growth of inter-ethnic and inter-religious conflict and the conflict of human civilizations would rather be a forgotten past than a present-day reality.
China and Russia have developed an underlying empathy on the transition of the contemporary US-le... more China and Russia have developed an underlying empathy on the transition of the contemporary US-led hegemonic world order. Since the dawn of the 21 st century, the two Eurasian powers have been striving for transforming the global system to a multipolar world system. As Beijing and Moscow, along with other emerging powers were already weary of Washington"s unipolar moment and its self-proclaimed authority of overriding the entire international system. In the American worldwide hegemony, the rest of the nations; neither alone nor collectively could challenge its supremacy; as the political, economic and military dominance of the US was ascertained by its ascendency in the post-World war II established international organizations. However, during the past few decades the rapid rise of China; the resurgence of Russia and the relative decline of the US; evidently specify that the era of Pax-American is on the go. Moreover, the launching of Beijing sponsored transnational initiatives can be acknowledged as the pillars of a new multicentric global system in future. Hence, the dynamics of international politics are apparently heading towards the transition of the contemporary world system to a multipolar structure; where besides the US, China and Russia would also play significant role.
This study is an attempt to highlight the strategic and economic cooperation between China and Pa... more This study is an attempt to highlight the strategic and economic cooperation between China and Pakistan particularly in Xi Jinping era. As a twist appeared in Chinese foreign policy by shifting paradigm resulted the dragons following wolf warrior approaches. Xi economic extension and acquiring influence on rimland bringing Pakistan much closer to China. A multidimensional strategy adopted on the part of both Pakistan and China to maintain "strategic partnership", to preserve and protect regional and international interests. Indian operational growth with the United States was alarming to Sino-Pak economic and diplomatic cooperation which somehow extending in military and armed joint ventures as well. In these prospects, Pakistan realized Chinese globally importance after the Indo-US military agreements and strategic ties which are growing not only across the India Ocean but reemergence of Indian alliances also seen. With this realization, Pakistan welcomed China by opening its gateways at critical era of China, when China was badly struggling to attain the flight access for its jets.
There is a prevailing consensus that the center of global politics has shifted from Europe to the... more There is a prevailing consensus that the center of global politics has shifted from Europe to the Asia-Pacific area in recent years. The move can be ascribed to various factors, such as the rise of China and India as influential actors, Japan's progressive assertion of its military capabilities, and a significant realignment of the United States' worldwide military posture in favor of the Asia-Pacific area. China and India are widely recognized as two of the largest developing countries worldwide, characterized by their quickly growing economy, substantial populations, and ancient and prosperous cultures. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that they occupy a major position as developing powers in the Asian area. In the past twenty five years, China and India have made substantial progress in their ability to produce goods and services and in their overall national capabilities. Furthermore, both countries have developed strategic methods to reduce the effects of each other's influence within their own geographical regions. Consequently, the mutual trade between these groups has not succeeded in promoting the expected increased collaboration and mitigating the security risk that arises from power politics. However, the relationship between China and India has had a varying path since then, and achieving a complete resolution of bilateral disagreements and fostering mutual confidence still necessitates substantial advancement.
This article seeks to examine the existing state of chaos in the Middle East, which is exacerbate... more This article seeks to examine the existing state of chaos in the Middle East, which is exacerbated by Saudi Arabia and Iran's long-standing rivalry. When this conflicting relationship is taken into consideration for analysis, a wide range of factors come into play, including competing legitimacies, geostrategic interests, historical animosity, and religious and sectarian differences. Both states have significant involvement in proxy wars, direct and indirect, in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, and Bahrain. The rivalry between Riyadh and Tehran, which is fueled by both sectarianism and power politics combined, has definitely increased the likelihood of a new cold war, which is one of the dangerous factors defining regional politics. This article will also look at the fresh improvement in relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran and investigate China's role as a mediator in the peace agreement. Using the theoretical framework of Neoclassical Realism (NCR), the study examines the intricate dynamics of relations between Riyadh and Tehran, taking into account both foreign and domestic factors. The study examines the historical background of their tense relationship, which was fueled by proxy conflicts and geopolitical aspirations. China's role in mediating the peace agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran highlights its strategic and security interest in the area and reaffirms its use of economic power to further diplomatic goals. The discussion then turns to Saudi Arabia's and Iran's reconciliation efforts and goals.
Regionalism is a comprehensive notion that applies to various geographical regions worldwide. The... more Regionalism is a comprehensive notion that applies to various geographical regions worldwide. The comprehension of the concept of a region has become increasingly intricate in recent years. Determining the exact limits of a particular geographic area is a difficult process and there is no universally accepted way for doing so. New members are typically warmly received by regional groups, and it is common for individuals to be members of many regional organizations that operate in the same geographic area. Central Asia is well-known for its abundant historical heritage, which has firmly maintained its varied cultural customs and traditions. The formation of regional coalitions in Central Asia yields substantial advantages for the entirety of the region. The prevailing circumstances in Central Asia create a favorable atmosphere that encourages the cultivation of sincerity and respect in the endeavor to establish and institutionalize regional cooperation. International organizations' characteristics show significant differences in relation to their fundamental similarities, which may be due to geopolitical, cultural, geographic, or economic factors. These international organizations provide specialized services to meet individuals' particular needs in a range of circumstances. Significant advancements were made in the field of international relations following World War II, especially with regard to the founding and expansion of international organizations.
This paper examines the US and the Taliban war in Afghanistan and its effects on various dimensio... more This paper examines the US and the Taliban war in Afghanistan and its effects on various dimensions of Pakistan's security. The major rational of the US waging war against the Taliban was the contradiction in political outlook between US and the Taliban leaders led the Taliban leaders' refusal to comply with the US policy of punishing the terrorists who had attacked world trade center and Pentagon in September 2001. In the first phase of the US-Taliban war, the US used hard power to topple the Taliban regime. The Taliban responded to the strategy with guerrilla tactics when US led forces advanced in different areas of Afghanistan, leading to the US exhaustion of military power in 2014. The second phase of the US war strategy included training the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) against the Taliban. This strategy also led to confessional strategic failure as US General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has expressed categorically. In the third phase, the US aimed to resolve the conflict through peace talks, which was successfully leading to US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 31, 2021. Against this backdrop, the central theme of the paper revolves around the effects of US and the Taliban war on Pakistan's various dimensions of security and its Afghanistan relations. First, a major mistrust with the previous former governments in Afghanistan and the most important military and economic security disadvantageous position Pakistan ever faced since 2001. The current study is significant for academics, politicians, policy-makers knowing how conflict in Afghanistan has shaped situation in Pakistan.
Throughout the annals of human history, the evolution of civilisations has been significantly inf... more Throughout the annals of human history, the evolution of civilisations has been significantly influenced by the ubiquitous presence of water and its intricate interplay with diverse aspects of human existence. Water is an essential and important resource that is globally shared by all inhabitants of the Earth. The implementation of strategies aimed at forcefully segregating communities has consistently resulted in armed conflicts and disastrous occurrences. The Central Asian region has been continually impacted by water in the context of wars and border conflicts. Water plays a significant role in Central Asia, acting as a unifying and segregating element. Central Asia, despite its extensive geographical area, exhibits a limited amount of water resources. The dispute over water shortage in Central Asia has persisted for a significant period of time, rather than being a recent occurrence. The resource-sharing system that was developed in the region by the Soviet Union became obsolete after its disintegration.
The Russian attack on Ukraine was the first significant conflict in Europe since World War II. Th... more The Russian attack on Ukraine was the first significant conflict in Europe since World War II. The conflict is still ongoing, and a terrible geopolitical drama is being played out in front of the globe. The disagreement between NATO and Russia's competing geopolitical objectives is the fundamental cause of this issue. As a result, tensions between the West and Russia on the international stage have increased. As a result, people fear the New Cold War will start again. How the conflict-affected world politics would also depend on how big a win or defeat was. However, this war would've had severe consequences for the entire world and Ukraine and Russia. As the world has viewed the situation in Ukraine with worry, shock, and terror, the attack has shaken the pillars of our worldwide peace and security system. It triggered a major humanitarian disaster along with a devastating impact on a global financial system that was already fragile. The shared expectation and main concern are the safety of those who would suffer instant harm along with the immediate restoration of harmony and safety measures. Furthermore, sanctions are expected to continue to be implemented because there is unlikely 157 to be any significant political or strategic de-escalation in the foreseeable future. Although the world is dealing with other security crises, the crisis in Ukraine is the most serious because of its profound impact on security and prosperity worldwide. The recent Russian invasion of Ukraine is examined geopolitically in this study. It assesses the origins of conflict and offers a forecast of the outcomes.
The frequently triggering of perilous events around the world and their often connection with Isl... more The frequently triggering of perilous events around the world and their often connection with Islam is perceived as a terrifying threat to global peace and harmony. This threat perception is mostly linked to the phenomenon of Islamophobia. A large segment of the Western community developed a perception of prejudice about Muslims and Islam as a threat to tranquility of mankind that can eventually dwarf the entire global system. Such perception desperately affects the Muslim diaspora in the West and even elsewhere with discrimination for their physical appearances, dresses and religious practices. The Muslims minorities are labelled as terrorists, following the so called radical Islam, a sense of hatred and discrimination is shaping out against them among other societies. Such crucial incidents can be viewed as new fault-lines amid Islam and the Western world. The Organization of Islamic Conference along with some of the Muslim majority states; such as Turkey, Malaysia and Pakistan have started playing their role in educating both the Muslims and the West about the fault-lines of Islamophobia and its ultimate horrors for peace, stability and harmony world over.
Throughout the annals of human history, the evolution of civilisations has been significantly inf... more Throughout the annals of human history, the evolution of civilisations has been significantly influenced by the ubiquitous presence of water and its intricate interplay with diverse aspects of human existence. Water is an essential and important resource that is globally shared by all inhabitants of the Earth. The implementation of strategies aimed at forcefully segregating communities has consistently resulted in armed conflicts and disastrous occurrences. The Central Asian region has been continually impacted by water in the context of wars and border conflicts. Water plays a significant role in Central Asia, acting as a unifying and segregating element. Central Asia, despite its extensive geographical area, exhibits a limited amount of water resources. The dispute over water shortage in Central Asia has persisted for a significant period of time, rather than being a recent occurrence. The resource-sharing system that was developed in the region by the Soviet Union became obsolete after its disintegration.
The frequently triggering of perilous events around the world and their often connection with Isl... more The frequently triggering of perilous events around the world and their often connection with Islam is perceived as a terrifying threat to global peace and harmony. This threat perception is mostly linked to the phenomenon of Islamophobia. A large segment of the Western community developed a perception of prejudice about Muslims and Islam as a threat to tranquility of mankind that can eventually dwarf the entire global system. Such perception desperately affects the Muslim diaspora in the West and even elsewhere with discrimination for their physical appearances, dresses and religious practices. The Muslims minorities are labelled as terrorists, following the so called radical Islam, a sense of hatred and discrimination is shaping out against them among other societies. Such crucial incidents can be viewed as new fault-lines amid Islam and the Western world. The Organization of Islamic Conference along with some of the Muslim majority states; such as Turkey, Malaysia and Pakistan have started playing their role in educating both the Muslims and the West about the fault-lines of Islamophobia and its ultimate horrors for peace, stability and harmony world over.
The frequently triggering of perilous events around the world and their often connection with Isl... more The frequently triggering of perilous events around the world and their often connection with Islam is perceived as a terrifying threat to global peace and harmony. This threat perception is mostly linked to the phenomenon of Islamophobia. A large segment of the Western community developed a perception of prejudice about Muslims and Islam as a threat to tranquility of mankind that can eventually dwarf the entire global system. Such perception desperately affects the Muslim diaspora in the West and even elsewhere with discrimination for their physical appearances, dresses and religious practices. The Muslims minorities are labelled as terrorists, following the so called radical Islam, a sense of hatred and discrimination is shaping out against them among other societies. Such crucial incidents can be viewed as new fault-lines amid Islam and the Western world. The Organization of Islamic Conference along with some of the Muslim majority states; such as Turkey, Malaysia and Pakistan have started playing their role in educating both the Muslims and the West about the fault-lines of Islamophobia and its ultimate horrors for peace, stability and harmony world over.
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Papers by Dr. Hassan Farooq Mashwani