THE TWIN SECURITY PARADOX: HOW PAKISTAN AND AFGHANISTAN REMAIN BOUND BY CONFLICT AND DEPENDENCE

Abstract

Despite sharing wide cultural and religious similarities, the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been constantly marked by instability and tension, which heeds the call for further investigation. Despite the deep historical and geographical linkages, the two countries struggle to revitalize their security relations. This reflects the pressing need for a deeper examination of the historical grievances, external influences and the power dynamics that hamper the path of the two countries. Hence, this study explores how securities of state for both Pakistan and Afghanistan are interlinked while underlying the reasons both states have not been successful in reconciling their security issues. A qualitative methodology has been adopted to collect data. Interviews have been carried out, with the help of which thematic analysis is carried out. In total, 9 themes have been identified which directly or indirectly contribute to the Pakistan and Afghanistan state security. There are theoretical implications as well due to the critical understanding being obtained using the structural conflict theory. The study also has wide policy implications as it contributes to crucial future decisions for both the countries contributing towards future policy synergies, and a possible joint counterterrorism framework.