In a nuclear-armed subcontinent, Pakistan has emerged in recent years as a major source of instability. For the past decade and more, it has struggled with an under-performing economy and debilitated political institutions. It is not a "failed state," but many of the ingredients of potential state failure are present. Pursuing antiterrorism operations, reducing the risk of nuclear conflict, and preventing nuclear transfer to other countries are central U.S. objectives in Pakistan, along with combating narcotics trafficking and violent radicalism. And these objectives are intimately connected with internal pressures on Pakistan. This study is intended to help U.S. policymakers and others concerned with one of the world's most volatile regions understand how Pakistan's internal dynamics relate to the region's peace and stability and to identify the tools the United States has to try to influence developments in a constructive way.
Teresita C. Schaffer is director of the CSIS South Asia Program. Previously, she was with the U.S. Foreign Service, with postings in Tel Aviv, Islamabad, New Delhi, Dhaka, Sri Lanka, and Washington, D.C.
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