Faced with the risk of a nuclear conflict between Pakistan and India, the Western powers have tried to exert a measure of control upon events in South Asia; they urged those two countries to start bilateral negotiations, promoted non-proliferation, and from time to time applied sanctions. Pakistan is very sensitive to Western policies, above all those of the United States, but it never gave up two fundamental criteria of its foreign policy: the demand of self-determination for Kashmir and nuclear deterrence. The United States now shows unmatched power and influence, but after the Iraqi crisis the unity of the great powers became shaky. At the same time the return to a civilian and parliamentarian regime in Pakistan added strength to the nationalist and Islamic parties, which want to contain United States influence and favour increased links with France, Germany, Russia, and China. In this new, fluid political environment, the evolution of Indian-Pakistani relations will have a strong impact on Western strategies for South Asia and for the world at large.
Pakistan; India; United States; Great Powers; Kashmir; Wars in South Asia; Nuclear Deterrence; Pre-emptive Attack