Q.7 Why did Pakistan join Western Defense Pacts? What cost does it have to pay for that? Explain. 2022
Pakistan’s decision to join Western defense pacts, such as the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) and the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), was driven by a combination of strategic, economic, and ideological factors.
Strategically, Pakistan saw these pacts as a means of enhancing its security and deterring potential adversaries, particularly India. By aligning itself with the United States and other Western powers, Pakistan hoped to bolster its military capabilities and reduce its dependence on traditional allies such as China.
Economically, Pakistan saw these pacts as a means of attracting foreign investment and aid, which was seen as critical for the country’s economic development. Joining Western defense pacts was seen as a way of demonstrating Pakistan’s commitment to the global security order and attracting investment from Western countries.
Ideologically, Pakistan’s decision to join Western defense pacts was influenced by its Cold War-era alignment with the United States and its anti-Soviet stance. Pakistan saw itself as a key player in the global struggle against communism and saw aligning with the West as a way of furthering this goal.
However, there have been significant costs associated with Pakistan’s decision to join Western defense pacts. One of the main costs has been a loss of strategic autonomy and increased dependence on external powers. By aligning itself with the West, Pakistan has become increasingly enmeshed in global power politics and has had to navigate complex relationships with competing powers such as the United States, China, and Russia.
Moreover, Pakistan’s alignment with the West has often put it at odds with its neighbors and other regional powers, leading to tensions and conflicts. For example, Pakistan’s membership in CENTO and SEATO contributed to its tense relationship with India and its isolation within the broader South Asian region.
Additionally, joining Western defense pacts has also come at a financial cost, as Pakistan has had to contribute resources and manpower to support the alliance’s goals. This has put a strain on the country’s limited resources and contributed to its ongoing economic challenges.
In conclusion, while Pakistan’s decision to join Western defense pacts was driven by a complex mix of strategic, economic, and ideological factors, it has come at significant costs to the country. Going forward, Pakistan will need to carefully balance its strategic relationships with external powers while maintaining its strategic autonomy and pursuing its own national interests.
