Pakistan’s Perpetual Crisis and Civil-military Relations (2008-2012)
Dr. Nasreen Akhtar, the author of “Pakistan’s Perpetual Crisis and Civil-military Relations (2008-2012),” critically analyzes the relationship between the civilian governments and the military in Pakistan. She examines the history of Pakistan’s civil-military relations and explains how and why the state’s military became involved in the political sphere.
PTI vs PDM: Why Imran Khan Will Win Whether He Stays PM or Not
All eyes were on Imran Khan during his historic jalsa in Islamabad on the 27th of March. In Pakistan’s recent political history, Imran Khan’s party has been the only one that has consistently garnered massive numbers, and this jalsa exceeded expectations. It transcended others not just because of the sheer volume of people but due to the impetuous political context that surrounds it. The author, Sarmad Ishfaq, believes that in either case, Imran Khan will win — and that the vote against him could embolden him more.
Assessing the Political System in Pakistan Amid the No-Confidence Vote
Prime Minister Imran Khan’s public support holds great promise, but it might not be enough to survive the vote of no-confidence. The author, Muhammad Mustafa Ahmed Khan, examines PTI’s failures, the opposition’s attempts, the apprehensive public, and the untended democratic infrastructure.
Pakistan’s Politics: A Tedious History of Affections & Defections
The political instability in Pakistan, evident from the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan, has a long-winded history dating back to the Mughal era. The author, Afifa Iqbal, notes that the Mughal dynasty and the British rule in the sub-continent embedded a personalist element and heavy reliance on patron-client networks into the political institutions of post-independence Pakistan. For centuries, defectors have benefited from the political imbalance created by the nature of politics in the sub-continent, while simultaneously consolidating it. The author argues that the current situation of politics in Pakistan is not a new phenomenon, rather, it’s a common occurrence that won’t collapse the political structure of Pakistan.
The No-Confidence Motion Against Imran Khan: Pakistan’s Political Tribulation
The author, Afifa Iqbal, illustrates the process of the no-confidence motion in Pakistan before delving into PM Imran Khan’s miscalculations. The uncertainty in the domestic political arena is disquieting as it is, but what will become of the democratic framework if the no-confidence resolution were to pass?
Animal Farm by George Orwell (Book Review)
George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” is a symbolic representation of the pre and post-revolution Soviet Union. Through the characters of the book, Orwell has aptly captured the corruption, propaganda, and power politics that exist in human society. He depicts how even after the Russian Revolution, the cycle of exploitation continued – only the actors had changed.
Implementing the Chinese Economic Model in Turkey
President Erdogan is seeking to incorporate the Chinese economic model in Turkey. As such, Turkey will abandon high-interest rates and turn to production and exports. Opposing parties have cited this proposal to be unquestionably authoritarian. The author, Necati Demircan, explores Turkey’s abandonment of the neoliberal economic model and the new slogan of production in the country’s orientation towards Asia.
The Non-democratic yet Democratic State Led by the Communist Party of China
Though China considers itself to be a “socialist democracy”, it is not a democratic state in the eyes of the West. The authors, Alyan Waheed and Muskan Moazzam, note that while the West is busy contemplating the state of democracy in China, it has failed to realize that despite being “non-democratic”, China is a better leader, and more beneficial for the international community, under the control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). As per their argument, the CCP has ensured that the nationalist element in the Chinese does not become overpowering and that China remains a pragmatic and rational status quo power.
The Idle No More Movement in Canada: A Case Study of Contentious Politics
Contentious politics is the use of confrontational and unconventional tactics against political authorities to make a social or political point. Such advocacy has transformed the national political landscape in Canada since the announcement of the White Paper policy. The author, Hurain Sheikh, addresses the definition of contentious politics, the use of social movements and protests in Canada and its contributions to indigenous peoples, especially during the “Idle No More” movement.
Political and Economic Growth of Pakistan Vis-à-vis Bangladesh
The economic and political growth of Pakistan and Bangladesh after 1971 can be seen as a reflection of their political culture. The author, Hurain Sheikh, explains that the political culture of Pakistan and Bangladesh is not new to elitism, nepotism, and corruption. She notes that while both states have a history of political instability, the economy of Bangladesh has flourished as compared to Pakistan. Keeping in mind how Bangladesh has managed to lower its unemployment and poverty rate, and improved its economy, she suggests a few measures to help Pakistan develop.
United States vs Russia: An Unabating Security Dilemma
The long history of hostility and rivalry between Russia and the United States has internalized mutual suspicion. US political actors use the rhetoric of insecurity and ‘attack on democracy’ by Russia, while Putin builds on the anti-American sentiment. The author discusses how the United States is likely to keep considering Russia a threat due to the ongoing security dilemma, perceptions of identity and security, and implications of human rights violations.
Pakistan Peoples Party: Zardari’s New Survival Strategy
Although the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has witnessed a shift in its leadership, the party’s reins are still controlled by Asif Ali Zardari. The author notes that the policies implemented by the former president have pushed Bilawal Bhutto to the shadows. He further explains that Zardari’s new strategy has landed the party in a tight spot; it now stands to lose its value to the ruling party and in the Pakistan Democratic Movement.
The Dynamics of Civil Society in the Kyrgyz Republic
Civil society organizations (CSOs) are crucial for every state, and especially important where democracy is visibly lacking. The paper explores the growth and role of CSOs in the turbulent history of the Kyrgyz Republic. It explains how two important events — the Tulip Revolution and the Kyrgyz Revolution of 2010 — shaped the CSOs of Kyrgyzstan.