Power Dynamics in Indian Ocean: US Indo-Pacific Strategic Report and Prospects for Pakistan’s National Security

Abstract

If there is anything contemporary world reflecting with full intensity, it’s the never-ending, extreme relevance of realism and realpolitik. However, around the shores of Indian Ocean, in South Asia, the picture being painted requires different brushes than those present in balance of power logic. This paper argues that instead of going towards balancing, band wagoning or buck-passing, smaller states of South Asia, in our case Pakistan, needs to adopt the strategy of Hedging. The rationale for this is present in contemporary geopolitical landscape of the region and the rising surge of non-traditional security threats for Pakistan. While using qualitative research methodology and delving deep into already present literature, this paper articulates that instead of opting for extreme poles, Pakistan needs to maneuver through the uncertain political order focusing upon both strategies of conflict and cooperation simultaneously.