The Warrior State: Pakistan in the Contemporary World

It possesses over a hundred nuclear weapons that could easily fall into terrorists' hands. Why, in an era when countries across the developing world are experiencing impressive economic growth and building democratic institutions, has Pakistan been such a conspicuous failure? Paul untangles this fascinating riddle. Paul argues that the "geostrategic curse"--akin to the "resource curse" that plagues oil-rich autocracies--is at the root of Pakistan's unique inability to progress.

Since its founding in , Pakistan has been at the center of major geopolitical struggles: No matter how ineffective the regime is, massive foreign aid keeps pouring in from major powers and their allies with a stake in the region. The reliability of such aid defuses any pressure on political elites to launch the far-reaching domestic reforms necessary to promote sustained growth, higher standards of living, and more stable democratic institutions. Paul shows that excessive war-making efforts have drained Pakistan's limited economic resources without making the country safer or more stable.

Indeed, despite the regime's emphasis on security, the country continues to be beset by widespread violence and terrorism. In an age of transnational terrorism and nuclear proliferation, understanding Pakistan's development, particularly the negative effects of foreign aid and geopolitical centrality, is more important than ever. Painstakingly researched and brilliantly argued, The Warrior State tackles what may be the world's most dangerous powder keg and uncovers the true causes of Pakistan's enormously consequential failure.

War and Development 2.

A Short History 4. The Garrison State 5. The Geostrategic Urge 6. Religion and Politics 7. The Warrior State Today. His 15 published books include: South Asia's Weak States: He has also published over 55 journal articles and book chapters and has lectured at research institutions internationally. Oct 14, Nishant Nikhil rated it liked it. Insights about geostrategic curse drawing parallel from resource curse of oil producing nations Comparisons to similar countries provokes thought on why isn't Pakistan doing anything for it's current condition But after a while the book becomes repetitive.

V Paul has done a tremendous job in highlighting the issues faced by Pakistan. This book is in my view a bit misleading. The author has painted a wrong picture of Pakistan.

• Warrior State: Pakistan in the Contemporary World by T.V. Paul.
• The Ghosts of Carmen De Santo.
• One Dead Seagull.
• 50 Great Ways to Celebrate Valentines Day: Cheap and Easy Ways to Please and Impress Your Loved One (Holiday Entertaining).

I am in complete agreement that Pakistan is warrior state and has engaged in wars with India from time to time. The solution to Pakistan's problem is to become an industrial state no doubt. However, the only bulwarks for such status attainment are India, West and International donors. Paul has solicited that Pakistan sh T. For this Pakistan must forget the animosity nurtured against India since independence. Well it takes two hands to clap. This can only be done if India relinquishes the malevolent attitude towards Pakistan. India still does not recognise Pakistan as a separate country and continues to dream about "united India".

RAW incessantly concocts plans to destabilize Pakistan. As goodwill gesture Pakistan released Kashmir Singh and he repaid his gratitude by confessing to terrorist and spying activities soon after setting foot on Indian soil. Sarabjit Singh expired while in prison awaiting his release. Muhammad Ali Jinnah is claimed to be secular by Mr.

This book explains all misconceptions regarding Jinnah. India played dirty to fuel hatred among Bengalis and abetted Mukti Bhani in East Pakistan's succession. When there is civil war like situation crimes are committed and humanity suffers. I would not disavow that Pakistan Army personal were involved in crimes against fellow countrymen. There were accounts of rape but the magnitude is blown out of proportion. Opportunists were active on both sides to grab any available chance and that they did.

Seminar with T.V. Paul

America employed Pakistan in the war against Soviet Union and the nation is paying the price till today. All the logistics and funds were rendered by US and Saudi Arabia. Lawlessness flourished soon after Soviet Invasion. After the collapse of USSR the freedom fighters were viewed as terrorists. US is now engaged against its creation and Pakistan is paying a heavy price. Taliban who are striking in Pakistan are disowned by Taliban leadership in Afghanistan. Fazlullah who is most wanted by Pakistan law enforcing agencies is living a snug life in Afghanistan.

He is not handed over to Pakistan despite incessant demands.

Prophet Muhammad May Peace Be Upon Him said that education is the right of every human being regardless of gender and age. The Taliban destroyed many schools in Pakistan. Discouraging women education can be attributed to Pashtun culture but linking it to Islamic values is ignominious. Balouchs who are fighting for independence are kept illiterate and deprived of basic living needs by the tribal lords. The tribal heads charge Government of Pakistan heavily and live like kings both in Pakistan and in exile.

I must say the author has not researched for this book as he should have in my view. He has only highlighting the negatives while just projecting a few positives. I would still recommend this book to anyone. A harsh, clear-eyed analysis of the many factors that have kept Pakistan in a state of tragicomic dysfunction from its origins to the present day.

The argument goes, roughly: The military and other elites, spared from having to carry out major reforms thanks to US, Chinese and Saudi aid, has consistently learned the wrong lessons from both its victories and its defeats. While other national security states have overcome arguably even more dangerous geostrategic circumstances to achieve prosperit A harsh, clear-eyed analysis of the many factors that have kept Pakistan in a state of tragicomic dysfunction from its origins to the present day.

• Top 10 Spanish Tapas. How to Cook Spanish Cuisine.
• Les métamorphoses du droit : Hommage à Jean-Marie Rainaud (French Edition).
• Dans le secret dune photo (Lun et lautre) (French Edition).
• Waverly Songs II: Time, Timing, Change: Poetry by Robert Sonkowsky.

While other national security states have overcome arguably even more dangerous geostrategic circumstances to achieve prosperity and transition to democracy however imperfect , Pakistan has been in thrall to overzealously interpreted security imperatives that have stood in the way of development. This has spawned a poorly secured, recklessly implemented nuclear program, as well as an alphabet soup of militant groups meant to destabilize Kashmir, Afghanistan and India, but ultimately tearing Pakistan itself apart. It's a sobering read, with little in the way of silver linings, but definitely worthwhile.

Apr 01, Anuya rated it liked it. The book is well written book on Pakistan and describes all the points elaborately. Also giving details on what might be the future and impact on the neighbouring countries. After few chapters, there is repetitive points described in different context. You overall understand the history, reasons within first few chapter.

The comparison with other countries give real insight on how can a good leader can make or break the country. Nov 30, Kevin Warman rated it really liked it. This text provides excellent information on Pakistan and its failure to democratize. I appreciated how Paul was able to elaborate on the role a geostrategic curse plays in hindering reform in Pakistan. It was illuminating to read. However, at times the text was tedious and dry. I felt lost at several sections. Overall, though, educational and I am glad to have read it.

But suffers from lack of original research, misinterprets Pakistan's formative history, draws ineffective comparisons with other cases, such as South Korea and Turkey, and mischaracterizes Pakistan's political development by putting all the emphasis on the so-called geopolitics. Does look at various factors and dwells well on them.

Biswas Rasaily rated it it was amazing Mar 16, Sujeesh rated it it was amazing May 23, Mmirza rated it it was amazing Oct 16, Steve rated it liked it May 18, Antony Joseph rated it really liked it Feb 16, Conrad Barwa rated it liked it Apr 09, Hafiz rated it it was ok Aug 16, Shiraz Ali rated it liked it Jul 06, The book offers a historical insight into how the military elite continue to hold a dominant role since the inception of the Pakistani state While other military dominated Muslim majority states like Turkey and Indonesia have engaged in policies that favored inclusive growth and development, the Pakistani military elite have sadly not engaged in pro-growth policies.

Unlike their Pakistani counterparts, the militaries of Indonesia and Turkey have also wisely avoided consorting with radical Islamist organizations to achieve foreign policy objectives. Any liberal political actor or organization in Pakistan that stands for sweeping reforms faces mortal danger. The murder of liberal Muslim politicians and journalists by extreme right wing groups supported by the ISI sheds light on the grim situation of the country that resists attempts to change the status quo.

The reader is introduced to the concept of a garrison state; one that is preoccupied with national security where the military economically and also by promoting its values enjoys high standing in society Pakistan is an example of a garrison state because of its primitive obsession of protecting its land borders rather than ensuring the welfare of its citizens. This insecurity moulds its behavior. Instead of focusing on export-oriented development, it saw fit to import high tech weaponry from its Western allies and China, looking for a window of opportunity to humiliate India militarily as it tried in and The Warrior State also provides a glimpse of how political Islam has played a role in shaping Pakistan The champions of democracy, the United States, preferred an allied, stable Pakistan much more than a democratic Pakistan and hence made no conscious effort to democratize the state Also, the most vocal state when it comes to matters of nuclear proliferation, it is curious to note why the U.