The Political Ecology of Pakistan

Book excerpt: Pakistan is about to play a pivotal role in global politics. Serving as a gateway to the Middle East and a conduit to Central and South Asia, it will be a crucial partner as the United States contends with China’s rise as an emerging global superpower and seeks to maintain its hegemony in the region. The problem is, for many people in the West, Pakistan is somewhat of a black box, with few Westerners understanding the country’s complex history and current political reality. The Political Ecology of Pakistan aims to change this by outlining the geopolitical history of Pakistan since the country gained independence in 1947, focusing in particular on the military’s ongoing role in state affairs and the struggle for democracy to take root in the region. In addition, this book outlines Pakistan’s improved economy, internal security, religious harmony, equality of opportunity, corruption-free society, and growing transparency and accountability, all of which will make the country a vital partner in securing and maintaining peace in the region. This information will be of interest to policymakers as well as those who are seeking to understand Pakistan’s geopolitical significance.