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Begin New Search Content Type Journal Article Publishing Institution Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab Publication Year within 5 Years

91. Muhammad Bin Salman’s Vision 2030: Strategy of the Kingdom in the Facade of Modernization

Author:
Sadia Rafique and Khalid Manzoor Butt
Publication Date:
12-2021
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Political Studies
Institution:
Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab
Abstract:
In the aftermath of Arab Spring, the Middle East (ME) by and large underwent various political upheavals. This change was palpable in some countries particularly where it resulted in a new political dispensation. However, in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the state opted to placate the antagonists by some economic concessions and social flexibility. Under the leadership of Muhammad bin Salman, the Crown Prince of KSA, the country is now following an approach of modernization which has two dimensions: first, moving towards social liberalization and secondly, initiating new sources of revenue and reducing dependence on oil revenue. Behind all initiatives, there is a long-term strategy to maintain loyalty of their people and enhance influence of KSA in the ME particularly. This article evaluates goals of Muhammad Bin Salman’s Vision or Saudi Vision 2030 and strategies which require substantial changes in social setup and developments to the Kingdom’s fiscal and budgetary measures and policies. This study reflects the political, religious, family and institutional challenges that can antagonize the Vision and its probability of accomplishment. While theorizing the study, it will be evaluated that a re-drawing of the ‘social contract’ in the Kingdom seems necessary. This means not only more effective strategic communication and consultation with the stakeholders, but also a greater focus on inclusive growth and social safety.
Topic:
Reform, Arab Spring, Institutions, Fiscal Policy, Modernization, Liberalization, and Muhammad bin Salman (MBS)
Political Geography:
Middle East, Saudi Arabia, and Gulf Nations

92. Political Information Sharing through Facebook: A survey of Pakistani Netizens

Author:
Muhammad Sajid, Khalid Mahmood, Nosheen Fatima Warraich, and Humera Akhtar
Publication Date:
12-2021
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Political Studies
Institution:
Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab
Abstract:
People engage in online political debates through Facebook and online political information sharing leads to offline political participation. This study aims to analyse the use and influence of Facebook on the information-sharing practices of Pakistani netizens. A quantitative research design based on an online questionnaire survey was used to collect data from Pakistani netizens who were also active users of Facebook. Data showed that the majority of the respondents positively used Facebook during an election to enhance their political knowledge and participation. They also forwarded political information and influenced their friends to vote for a specific candidate in the election. The Facebook campaign had a positive influence on election results as well as the turnout of the election. Findings also revealed that demographic factors of respondents did not have any effect on their information sharing practices during a general election. Moreover, caution should be exhibited to avoid posting derogatory and appalling comments and fake news. The use of Facebook among educated netizens in the Pakistani General election may fill the gap in the psephology and context of a developing country. Findings may apply to other developing countries with similar contexts.
Topic:
Politics, Democracy, Citizenship, Social Media, and Facebook
Political Geography:
Pakistan and South Asia

93. China’s Objectives in Afghanistan in the Geo-Strategic Dynamics

Author:
Saima Parveen and Syed Akhtar Ali Shah
Publication Date:
12-2021
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Political Studies
Institution:
Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab
Abstract:
Afghanistan is important to China not only for curbing religious extremism to prevent its further spread into and beyond Xinjiang, but also for serving its economic interests and making the region safe for the One Belt One Road Initiative now briefly called Belt Road Initiative (BRI). Chinese current engagement in Afghanistan is mainly based on resource exploitation and infrastructure development. With its fast-growing economy, political stability at home and increasingly successful foreign policy, China is in a good position to create the image of projecting stability in this troubled region. Indeed, geo-strategically, China is now in a position to play a decisive role in regional affairs. It has become a solid, stabilizing influence with the power to materially impact the region. This research is conducted through sequential mixed method design with three major phases namely, an initial data gathering stage, a questionnaire survey, and a qualitative data gathering phase. The study concludes that Afghanistan is significant for China because of investment in economic projects and for the success of China Pakistan Economic Corridor and BRI. And next important to it is to counter terrorism for the safeguard of Xinjiang
Topic:
Terrorism, Natural Resources, Political stability, and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
Political Geography:
Afghanistan, China, South Asia, Asia, and Xinjiang

94. Early Days of Sino-Pakistan Relations

Author:
Muhammad Tariq and Adnan Saleem
Publication Date:
07-2021
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
South Asian Studies
Institution:
Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab
Abstract:
Pakistan and China got independence one after another. China of Chiang-Kai-Shek had very little interest in Indo-Pakistan Subcontinent. However, they were hostile to the division of Subcontinent on religious ground. When Pakistan got independence, it did not receive any felicitations from China; on the other hand Pakistan took no interest in Chinese revolution. Pakistan only got activated when India became the floor-runner in recognition of China. After Indian recognition, Pakistan also recognized China. The real test of relationship was, when India stopped supply of coal for Pakistani trains and Chinese helped Pakistan, Pakistan on the other hand refused to condemn China in 1950s Korean War. The start of the relationship was neither warm nor cold. Pakistan had assumed that China was a neighbor and neighbor can not be changed. Moreover in case of Chinese assumption of Security Council seat, Pakistanis realized that Kashmir question would be discussed at UN, therefore, close and friendly relationship with China was necessary but Pakistan also needed economic and military assistance which could only come from Western block. However, maintaining normal relations with China was considered necessary. Therefore, Pakistan strongly supported Chinese‟ entry into UN Security Council and at Bandung Conference.
Topic:
NATO, Bilateral Relations, History, and Buddhism
Political Geography:
Pakistan, China, South Asia, and Himalayas

95. China’s Policy towards South China Sea and its GeoPolitical Impact (2009-2020)

Author:
Khadeeja Ahmad, Sadia Rafique, and Khalid Manzoor Butt
Publication Date:
07-2021
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
South Asian Studies
Institution:
Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab
Abstract:
China‟s policy of strategic ambiguity towards the territorial dispute in South China Sea has altered the geopolitical architecture. China‟s use of delaying tactics to appease ASEAN states and methods of distraction in its bilateral relations with competing states has improved the security in the region. However, the Chinese leadership is simultaneously conducting domineering activities in the disputed waters of South China. In this context, the study explores China‟s policies in the South China Sea. Additionally, there is a general understanding of the external motives and domestic sources being behind China‟s policy towards South China Sea, however, these factors are often analyzed and studied in isolation. This research article examines both the factors simultaneously and draws conclusions on the potential of armed conflict in the region, especially with respect to the claimant littoral states and the American pivot.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Territorial Disputes, Geopolitics, ASEAN, and Strategic Ambiguity
Political Geography:
Pakistan, China, South Asia, United States of America, and South China Sea

96. The Relationship between Democracy and Economic Growth of Pakistan: A Cointegration Analysis

Author:
Hafiz Muhammad Qasim
Publication Date:
07-2021
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
South Asian Studies
Institution:
Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab
Abstract:
Institutional quality is considered the major cause of income difference among the nations of the world. The primary objective of this research work is to analyze the nexus between institutional quality with a special emphasis on democracy in the economic growth of Pakistan. Economic growth is measured by Real Gross Domestic Product (RGDP), and democracy is quantified by democratic accountability (DA). Time series data on democratic accountability (DA), human capital (HC), infrastructure (INF), inflation (DEF), and RGDP from 1984 to 2018 have been utilized. Using the Johansen Cointegration approach, the results showed a long-run cointegration between the variables. Johansen Normalized results showed that democratic accountability, infrastructure, and human capital have a direct and statistically significant effect on Pakistan‟s economic growth. Similarly, Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) exhibits that the computed value of ECT (-1) is statistically significant, negative, and less than 1, these results confirm the convergence of the variables towards its mean position. The VECM confirmed the existence of a long-run relationship between democratic accountability and the economic growth of Pakistan. Moreover, the results showed the short-run relationship between the variables. Granger causality showed a unidirectional causality is running from democratic accountability to economic growth. The results of diagnostic tests also revealed the absence of autocorrelation and heteroscedasticity with the normality of residuals. Based on the econometric results, this study recommends that elected governments should establish such procedures and mechanisms that strengthen and support the democratic system and respond to people‟s problems to achieve sustainable economic growth in Pakistan.
Topic:
Democracy, Economic Growth, Accountability, and Institutions
Political Geography:
Pakistan and South Asia

97. Cyber Warfare as an Instrument of Hybrid Warfare: A Case Study of Pakistan

Author:
Tahir Mahmood Azad and Muhammad Waqas Haider
Publication Date:
07-2021
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
South Asian Studies
Institution:
Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab
Abstract:
This research paper analyses the employment of cyber warfare as a tool of hybrid warfare by focusing on the case study of Pakistan. The changing domains of war in hybrid regimes complemented by the ambiguity of cyber warfare, becomes a real destructive instrument of power. Pakistan is a developing country and the cyber space of Pakistan has numerous vulnerabilities which are exploited by our adversaries time and again. Cyber space is closely linked with hybrid warfare and it is employed by both state and non-state actors as an effective instrument of hybrid warfare. The paper begins by the challenging task of defining and briefly analysing the terms such as cyberspace, cyber warfare and hybrid warfare. The research argues how cyber warfare is being linked with hybrid warfare in contemporary times. Subsequently, it attempts to analyse the existing cyberspace of Pakistan to identify its cyber vulnerabilities and how those vulnerabilities have been exploited to undermine the national security of Pakistan through cyber warfare in a hybrid domain. Additionally, the paper highlights the major findings to underpin the requirements of guarding cyber space and concludes by underpinning the need to protect the cyber space from exploitations by multiple actors.
Topic:
Science and Technology, Cybersecurity, Hybrid Warfare, and Cyberspace
Political Geography:
Pakistan and South Asia

98. Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD): Reflection and Resistance against Dictatorial Regime in Punjab

Author:
Yawar Haroon and Mahboob Hussain
Publication Date:
07-2021
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
South Asian Studies
Institution:
Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab
Abstract:
The Movement for Restoration of Democracy (MRD) emerged when General Zia-ul-Haq could not fulfill the promise of conducting elections and prolonged his dictatorial regime instead of fulfilling his promise. He drew his power from a controlled system of government. In those circumstances, the democrats formed an alliance against the martial law administration. They neglected their internal differences and focused on their goal to achieve freedom of expression and liberty which was snubbed by the regime. MRD main demands were the restoration of democracy, under 1973 Constitution, conduction of election and handing over the system of administration to representatives of people. MRD continued struggled till the end of dictatorial regime in 1988.
Topic:
History, Democracy, Dictatorship, and Zia-ul-Haq
Political Geography:
Pakistan, South Asia, and Punjab

99. Belt and Road Initiative of China: Implications for South Asian States

Author:
Khushboo Ejaz and Fiza Jamil
Publication Date:
07-2021
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
South Asian Studies
Institution:
Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab
Abstract:
Belt and Road Initiative is China’s global infrastructure program. This long-term investment strategy is aimed at improving regional cooperation, increased trade and economic integration by linking Asia with Europe and Africa through maritime and land networks. South Asia is vital for Belt and Road Initiative of China. China views South Asia as a priority zone because its geostrategic location will contribute a lot in the preferment of the BRI. This research intends to highlight the geo-strategic and geo-economic implications of BRI on security and economy of South Asian states. This study is carried out using qualitative research methodology. Data was collected through primary and secondary sources including books, journals, research papers, articles and videos of seminars and conferences on the concerned topic and interviews of experts of BRI and CPEC were also conducted. According to the research, BRI is the manifestation of Mackinder’s heartland theory. BRI fortifies intra-state transport connectivity, improves international connectivity, will help to ease power shortages and facilitate economic modernization and industrialization in South Asia. The findings of this research show that China is expanding its diplomatic influence through its economic presence in South Asia causing serious challenges to India’s power in the region and USA’s status of global hegemon. Along with the opportunities of BRI, there are a number of risks of political instability, poor law and order situation, corruption, terrorism and extremism in South Asia, hindering the smooth functioning of BRI projects. Also there is a fear of Chinese debt trap and loss of sovereignty in South Asian states making them reluctant to fully permit the execution of Chinese led projects on their land.
Topic:
Foreign Policy, Debt, Sovereignty, Infrastructure, and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
Political Geography:
China and South Asia

100. China’s Foreign Policy and Strategic Stability towards South Asia: An Analysis

Author:
Muhammad Muzaffar and Imran Khan
Publication Date:
07-2021
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
South Asian Studies
Institution:
Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab
Abstract:
This study analyzes the China‟s foreign policy towards South Asia with the phenomena of strategic stability. South Asia has emerged as progressively vibrant interest to China‟s foreign policy. Chinese administration has showed consent to continue its harmonized policies towards regional states like India and Pakistan. Following the realistic approach, it is quite possible that China may not prove helpful in resolving the chronic regional territorial disputes however; it will be cooperative in bringing peace and stability in this region along with economic boom. The outcome of discussion reflects that the imperatives of regional security added new dimensions such as China‟s peaceful rise under Xi Jinping and China‟s role of strategic balance between India and Pakistan. Due to diverse Chinese interests in this region, it is expected that Beijing will pay more attention towards South Asian affairs in future and will play a role of more responsible stakeholder.
Topic:
Security, Foreign Policy, Nuclear Weapons, Economy, and Strategic Stability
Political Geography:
China, South Asia, and Asia