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Research Proposal

Introduction to International Relations (International Islamic University Islamabad)

Studocu is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university

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Research Proposal
The Centrality of Non-State Actors in Promoting
Disputes between Pakistan and India

Submitted by Submitted to
Duaa Javed Mr. Kaleem Ullah
312-FSS-BSIR/F-15

Faculty of Social Sciences

International Islamic University Islamabad
Fall, 2017

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Declaration

I hereby declare that the work in this proposal entitled, “The Centrality of Non-State

Actors in promoting Disputes between Pakistan and India” is my own work, and that all

sources I have used o quoted have been indicated or acknowledged by means of complete

references. This work is done by me under the supervision of Mr. Kaleem Ullah.

December 29, 2017 Duaa Javed

312-FSS-BSIR F/15

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Acknowledgement

I thank Almighty God for everything, without His grace all these could not be possible. I

also greatly conveys my sincere gratitude to all those who participated by one way or

another for an accomplishment of my research proposal. I would like to express my deep

and sincere gratitude to my research methodology teacher Mr. Kaleem Ullah for giving

me the opportunity to do research and providing valuable guidance throughout this

research. His dynamism, vision, sincerity and motivation have deeply inspired me. He

has taught me the methodology to carry out the research work as clearly as possible. It

was a great privilege and honor to work and study under his guidance. Also I would to

thank my fellow students, friends and family for their moral support and contributing

much for my success.

Duaa Javed

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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to highlight the role of Non State Actors in destabilizing the

relations between Pakistan and India. The goal is to show that how from 1947 till present

the non state actors have played their role in promoting disputes and undermine the

relations between Pakistan and India. Pakistan and India have been involved in enmity

for almost seven decades and have fought four wars during this period. The failure of

both countries to solve their mutual conflicts, especially Kashmir issue, resulted in the

provocation of non-state actors. Due to the non-state actors the relations between

Pakistan and India have been worsen at several times and there were continued tensions

between both states. This research highlights Non State Actors role in politics and foreign

policy shaping of both the states and it also deals with that why non state actors are

cultivated, who are behind their back and what is the agenda behind their creation.

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Table of Contents

Introduction……………………….………………………………………..………...page

Literature Review…………..…………………………...…………………………..page v

Problem Statement……………………………………………………………..…...page v

Scope of Study………………....……………………………...……………………page v

Research Questions………………………………………...………………………page v

Hypothesis…………………...…………………………….……………….………page v

Objective of Study…………………………………………………………….…....page v

Research Methodology………………………...………………………...………..page v

Scheme of Study…………………………………………………………………...page v

Bibliography………………………………………………………………………..page v

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The Centrality of Non-State Actors in Promoting Disputes between

Pakistan and India

1. Introduction

In international relations, there are no permanent friends, no permanent enemies. There

are only permanent interests. But, in modern norms of international relations, it is

necessary for all states to use only the appropriate, internationally-recognized and

acceptable tools, tactics and strategies to pursue their national interests. Their policies and

actions must be legitimate and should also be in accordance with the international law.

However, sometimes the states violate the sovereignty of others in pursuing their own

national interests. One such example is the use of non-state actors. Since the World War

II, the idea of nation-sate emerged as the strongest political entity, state was started being

seen as ultimate authority and which, according to Max Weber, had monopoly over the

use of force. Right from there, international as well as domestic politics have been

strongly affected and shaped by Non State Actors (NSAs) as entities that participate or

act in international organizations. They have long influenced the political structure of a

state by using violence, mobilized masses by invoking social norms, and accordingly

claimed the distribution of wealth. They increasingly challenge the traditional state

system and underlying structure of international politics. The Non State Actors in the

present context of conflicts play a central role in bilateral relations with neighboring

countries. The VNASs make use of different violent and unfair and illegal means to reach

to their goals, they do not care for peace and security issues; they have just become a

threat for international peace and security. In a cursory survey it is being suggested that

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role of VNSAs is increasing day by day and becoming a grave threat to peace and

stability. NSAs begin to challenge nation-state borders and sovereignty claims. In

Pakistan, these non state actors are either because of the inability of the country to

manage its political affairs or because they are sponsored by some Intelligence agencies

or certain government institutions in other countries in order to fulfill their short term

goals. The ISI is believed to be aiding these organizations in Pakistan in eradicating

perceived enemies and those opposed to their cause, including India. Pakistan is being

believed to be involved in supporting separatist militias and giving shelter and training to

different Jihadist organizations in order to fight in India and raise insurgencies on Indian

land. And no just Pakistan, India too is blamed to use these non state actors to create

instability in Pakistan, but these NSA would only cause more issues and problems and it

will only worsen the relation between both the states. Pakistan and India have history of

harsh relations of about seven decades and they fought four wars with each others. In this

case both countries use Non-State actors for their national interest and then these non-

state actors become hazardous for their own national interests. During “Anti Soviet

Afghan War” in 1980s Pakistan had made many Islamist organizations for Jihad in

Afghanistan. But after Afghan War these extremist organizations supported Jihad in

Indian Occupied Kashmir. World did not care for these Non State actors who are crossing

their limits and exploiting peace in the world. But 9/11 international Organizations started

operations against these organizations. In 2001, some extremists attacked on Indian

Parliament. But India started blaming on Pakistan and extremist Organizations “Lashkare

Taiba and Lashkare Jhangvi” who are fighting against Indian Army in Kashmir. India also

blamed on Pakistan Intelligence Agency (ISI) for its support to these extremist

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organizations. But on the other hand Pakistan condemned these attacks on Indian

Parliament. Pakistan also banned these extremist organizations like Lashare Taiba,

Lashkare Jhanhvi and harkatul Mujahidin. In 2008, again terrorists attacked on Mumbai

and India started blaming on Pakistan that Pakistan supported attacks on Mumbai by

Hafiz Saeed through Jamate Dawa. India also blamed Pakistani Intelligence agency ISI

against its support for these attacks. But Pakistan again condemned these attacks. But this

time attitude of Indian Media had changed and they started blaming Pakistan on

International forums. India Diplomats also started blaming Pakistan. But India could not

give evident against these attacks. Pakistani media remained supporting Pakistan on its

stance against these attacks. After these attacks, India was ready to attack on Pakistan.

But international organizations stopped India from doing this blunder and starting nuclear

war in this region. At that time, Pakistan was engaged in its war against terrorist with its

full power and then to disturb Pakistan was very dangerous for India and this region.

Pakistan for sake of Indian satisfaction started taking actions against Jamatu Dawa by

putting Hafiz Saeed under house arrest and detained Zakiur Rehman Lakwi with other six

members. But Anti-Terrorism Court in December 1, 2014 gave bail to Lakhwi . But

Lakwi was again detained under “Maintenance of Public Order”. But on April 2015,

Pakistani court released Lakhwi due to lack of evidence against him. Due to this Indian

Media again started blaming Pakistan for its support to these extremist organizations. It is

also understood by India that Judiciary in Pakistan is independent, because it released

Lakhwi due to lack of evidence. It might take action against Lakhwi if they succeeded to

provide evidence against them. It is also evident that India is destabilizing Pakistan

through its terrorist activities especially in Baluchistan by supporting separatist. It is also

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admitted by US defense secretary Mr. Chuck Hagel said that India is supporting separatist

in Baluchistan. He also admitted that India is using Afghanistan for destabilizing Pakistan

and also supporting different terrorist activities to destabilize Pakistan. He also said that

TTP is also supported by India. Indian National Defense Advisor also said, “Taliban are

their supporters and they can be used to destabilize Pakistan and we can break Pakistan

any time we want”. So, it shows that Non-State actors are playing their active role in this

region and they can destabilize peace in South Asia. It is a time of need that South Asian

countries should have to sit together against these extremists. Especially Pakistan and

India should have to forget their harsh history and sit together against these non-state

actors, because they are not friend of anyone. South Asian countries should have to use

their regional forums like “SAARC” to solve their problems otherwise it may be

dangerous for this region and for all over the world. Because in South Asia there are two

neighbor enemies that have nuclear power. So, war between these two neighbors means

nuclear war which can change into world war and will be dangerous for all over the

world.

2. Literature Review

Iqbal, W. (2015, June 13). Non-State Actors & India-Pakistan Relations. Jahangir's World Times.

Mr. Waqas Iqbal is a young journalist. He is passionate about exploring the potential of

Pakistan's relations at international level. He had the honor of highlighting the work of

institutions, organizations and individuals. He looks forward to fortify the image of

Pakistan through his writings and communications at different forums and through

various media techniques. He analyzed the article in qualitative approach.

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Among his findings, I found the most fascinating that in international relations, there are

no permanent friends or permanent enemies. There is only permanent interest. Sometimes

states violate the sovereignty of others in pursuing their own international interests. One

such example is the use of non-state actors. Pakistan and India have been involved in

enmity for almost seven decades and have fought four wars during this period. The

failure of both countries to solve their mutual conflicts, especially Kashmir issue, resulted

in the provocation of non-state actors. These extremist who are, at present, among the

major threats to world peace were largely cultivated during the anti-Soviet Afghan War in

the 1980s. But, when they started to openly participate in activities of Mujahedeen in

Indian-held Kashmir, the tensions between both countries began to soar. The non-state

actors continued with their activities but hardly any attention or a serious effort by the

international community was made to stop them. Due to these non-state actors the

relations between Pakistan and India have been worsen at several times and there were

continued tensions between both states. These actors are very powerful and they can

wage a war in which can result in exchange of nuclear weapons that can destroy both the

states completely. Throughout the article, the author discusses other findings and then

conclude with ways that South Asian states should cooperate with each other to handle

these non-state actors either at the forum of SAARC or by some other agreement SCO

type agreement along with other nations. By resolving the issue of non-state actors, a lot

of threats to security to these South Asian nations would be eliminated.

Among his suggestions, I found that his tip South Asian states should cooperate with each

other at different forums like SAARC or at SCO and more agreements like this should be

signed between the states especially between Pakistan and India to promote peace process

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between both states. The peace between both the states is necessary to create harmony in

the region. Proper actions should be taken against non-state actors by both the states and

these non state actors should be held accountable. These tips would help the states to

eliminate a lot of threats to security and maintain peace.

Overall, the author does a good job of highlighting different aspects and impacts of non

state actors in Indo-Pak relations, and reveals some good information that everyone

should be aware of. His research seemed very valid.

Abidy, S. M. (2017). Non State Actors in Pakistan-Their Destablizing role in Political crisis faced by the Region. Imperial Journal of

Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR) Vol-3, Issue-4 , 1534-1537.

This article was written by Mr. Syed Maqbool Hussain Abidy, who is a young journalist.

He is passionate about exploring different social phenomena and causes which include

politics, human rights, poverty alleviation etc. his publications include Security Forces

insecurity politics in Kashmir, Who will govern Kashmir in Rising Kashmir, Victory Of

blood Over Sword. He analyzed the article in qualitative approach.

Among his findings, I found that the non state actors have long influenced the political

structure of a state by using violence, mobilized masses by invoking social norms, and

accordingly claimed the distribution of wealth. They increasingly challenge the

traditional state system and underlying structure of international politics. These diverse

and combo of Non State Actors have not any specific role but each have its implications

for domestic and international politics. The policies, decisions of the sovereign state are

more affected and influenced by Non State Actors rather by State Institutions. The Non

State Actors in the present context of conflicts play a central role in bilateral relations

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with neighboring countries. In Pakistan, these non state actors are either because of the

inability of the country to manage its political affairs or because they are sponsored by

some Intelligence agencies or certain government institutions in other countries in order

to fulfill their short term goals. The ISI is believed to be aiding these organizations in

Pakistan in eradicating perceived enemies and those opposed to their cause, including

India. Pakistan is being believed to be involved in supporting separatist militias and

giving shelter and training to different Jihadist organizations in order to fight in India and

raise insurgencies on Indian land. And no just Pakistan, India too is blamed to use these

non state actors to create instability in Pakistan, but these NSA would only cause more

issues and problems and it will only worsen the relation between both the states. The

VNASs make use of different violent and unfair and illegal means to reach to their goals,

they do not care for peace and security issues; they have just become a threat for

international peace and security. In a cursory survey it is being suggested that role of

VNSAs is increasing day by day and becoming a grave threat to peace and stability.

Among his suggestions, I found that since the World War II, the idea of nation-sate

emerged as the strongest political entity, state was started being seen as ultimate authority

and which, according to Max Weber, had monopoly over the use of force. This claim,

however, did not go unchallenged. Right from there, international as well as domestic

politics have been strongly affected and shaped by Non State Actors (NSAs) as entities

that participate or act in international organizations. The NSAs can be defined as an

organized political actor not directly connected to the state but pursuing aims that affect

vital state interests. There is a wide variety of Non State Actors such as warlords, Private

military corporations (PMCs) criminal and terrorist networks, organized crime groups

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both domestic and transnational youth gangs, multinational corporations, and the United

Nations, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are some of them. These NSAs are

increasingly challenging the traditional state system and underlying structure of

international politics. These diverse and combo of Non State Actors have not any specific

role but each have its implications for domestic and international politics. The policies,

decisions of the sovereign state are more affected and influenced by Non State Actors

rather by State Institutions. The Non State Actors in the present context of conflicts play a

central role in bilateral relations with neighboring countries. Thus create conflict and

disputes between the states and destabilize the whole region for their purposes.

Overall, the author does a good job of highlighting positive and negative the role of non

state actors and the destabilizing role of violent non state actors in the Pakistan politics

creating crisis in the region. The author revealed some good information and the research

seemed very valid.

Ghani, D. F. (n.d.). Role of Cohesive Non- State Actors in India-Pakistan Relations: A case study of SAARC as a Regional

Organization. Pakistan Vision Vol. 17, No. 2 , 16-30.

The author of this article is Dr. Fauzia Ghani, who is assistant professor in GC University.

She holds a doctorate degree and her area of interest or expertise include leadership,

ethnicity and conflict, comparative politics and political development in Pakistan.

Among her findings, I found that the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

(SAARC) is the largest regional organization. SAARC is the true representative

organization of its region containing all the members of the region. SAARC in

comparison is an organization that has a yawning difference between its promises and

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performance. The main obstacle behind forging an effective regional bloc has been Indo-

Pak relations. This enmity between the two major regional powers is the reason that

hinders peace and stability in the region. Up till now only 18 SAARC summits have

taken place but only few achievements could be attributed to SAARC otherwise its

performance is highlighted with disappointments and failed attempts of forging cordial

relations among the member countries especially between Pakistan and India. Despite its

failed approach to bring peace between the warring countries: India and Pakistan,

SAARC has provided both the countries ample opportunities to reconcile their

differences and to act towards regional cooperation.

Among her suggestion, I found that although SAARC was failed in fulfilling its purposes

but despite its failure, SAARC’s greatest achievement is the summit meetings in which

India and Pakistan despite ongoing tensions could initiate back channel diplomacy.

Pakistan and India have wanted 69 years in a state of hostility. They have fought four

wars with each other. Both countries could not resolve their conflicts, especially Kashmir

and other issues. There are various factors working to normalize their relations and some

are responsible to aggravate the situations. Among them are non-state actors who are

cohesive and coercive in their working. Cohesive non state actors may include

international and regional and non-governmental organizations. South Asian Association

for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as a regional organization in South Asia could not

achieve its objectives to integrate the region. South Asia remains the only place where

despite the existence of a regional organization SAARC since 1985, regional integration

still seems a distant dream. It has been cited as the most dangerous place with the ever-

present threat of terrorism, escalation of a nuclear war, civil wars, intractable boundary

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disputes, unending bloodshed and ethnic and sectarian violence. The analysis is confined

to two states of South Asia i.e. India and Pakistan.

Overall, the author does a good job of highlighting the role of cohesive non state actors in

India-Pakistan relations by explaining the role of SAARC in Indo-Pak relations. The

author revealed some good information and research seemed very valid.

The article Non-State Actors & India-Pakistan Relations by Waqas Iqbal analyzed that

South Asian states should cooperate with each other at different forums like SAARC or at

SCO and more agreements like this should be signed between the states especially

between Pakistan and India to promote peace process between both states. The peace

between both the states is necessary to create harmony in the region. Proper actions

should be taken against non-state actors by both the states and these non state actors

should be held accountable.

The article Non State Actors in Pakistan-Their Destabilizing role in Political crisis faced

by the Region is written by Syed Maqbool Hussain Abidy. The central theme of the

document is that the NSAs are increasingly challenging the traditional state system and

underlying structure of international politics. These diverse and combo of Non State

Actors have not any specific role but each have its implications for domestic and

international politics. The policies, decisions of the sovereign state are more affected and

influenced by Non State Actors rather by State Institutions. The Non State Actors in the

present context of conflicts play a central role in bilateral relations with neighboring

countries. Thus create conflict and disputes between the states and destabilize the whole

region for their purposes.

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The article which has been reviewed is Role of Cohesive Non- State Actors in India-

Pakistan Relations: A case study of SAARC as a Regional Organization is written by Dr.

Fauzia Ghani. The central theme of document is that Pakistan and India have wanted 69

years in a state of hostility. They have fought four wars with each other. Both countries

could not resolve their conflicts, especially Kashmir and other issues. The regional

organization SAARC tried to normalize the relations between Pakistan and India but

remained failed. Although SAARC was failed in fulfilling its purposes but despite its

failure, SAARC’s greatest achievement is the summit meetings in which India and

Pakistan despite ongoing tensions could initiate back channel diplomacy.

3. Problem Statement

In this study, the problem statement is the centrality of non state actors in promoting

disputes between Pakistan and India. The non state actors of both states have severely

hampered the bilateral relations between the two states. The main focus of the study

would be the role of non state actors in destabilizing the foreign relation of Pakistan and

India and its impact on both the states.

4. Scope of Study

Non state actors establish the most serious threat to the peace process. The menace of

non state actors has to be wiped out at any cost. The purpose of this study is to highlight

the role of Non State Actors in destabilizing the relations between Pakistan and India. The

goal is to show that how from 1947 till present the non state actors have played their role

in promoting disputes and undermine the relations between Pakistan and India. Pakistan

and India have been involved in enmity for almost seven decades and have fought four

wars during this period. The failure of both countries to solve their mutual conflicts,

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especially Kashmir issue, resulted in the provocation of non-state actors. Due to the non-

state actors the relations between Pakistan and India have been worsen at several times

and there were continued tensions between both states.

5. Research Questions

 What steps should be taken by both the states to eliminate the role of violent non-

state actors in bilateral relations between Pakistan and India and in state policies

and politics?

1. Is there any significant contribution by cohesive non state actors in resolving

conflict between Pakistan and India?

2. Which forces or institutions are behind the cultivation of non state actors?

3. What are the threats faced by Pakistan and India because of non state actors?

6. Hypothesis

“Pakistan-India bilateral relations and peace process halts because of destabilizing role

played by non state actors.”

This study will explain the bilateral relations between Pakistan and India and the

centrality of non state actors in promoting disputes between both the states. This

hypothesis falls into the category of relational hypothesis.

7. Objective of Study

The overall aim of the study was to collect valid and reliable information on the role of

non state actors in destabilizing the relations between India and Pakistan.

Within this theme, the research had a number of specific objectives:

 To understand the role of non state actors in destabilizing the bilateral relations

between Pakistan and India.

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 To understand the impact of volatile non state actors in disrupting bilateral

relations between both states.

 To make recommendations to improve the relations and minimizing the risk of

disestablishing the relations between both states.

 The main aim of the research is to discover the damage caused by non state actors

to Pakistan and India.

 The goal is to show that how from 1947 till present the non state actors have

played their role in promoting disputes and undermine the relations between

Pakistan and India.

8. Research Methodology

This research will be a qualitative type of research. It is an explanatory type of research.

This study falls into the category of basic research because this research is part of

academics. Collection of the material and information shall be through primary and

secondary sources like books, journals, reports, documents, articles and some help would

also be taken from internet.

9. Scheme of Study

The study includes following four chapters:

Chapter One

 Introduction

Chapter Two

 Historical Background

 Bilateral Relations between Pakistan and India

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 Role of Non State Actors

Chapter Three

 Theoretical Framework

Chapter Four

 Conclusion

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Bibliography

Abidy, S. M. (2017). Non State Actors in Pakistan-Their Destablizing role in Political crisis faced by the

Region. Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research (IJIR) Vol-3, Issue-4 , 1534-1537.

Ganguly, S. (1995, September 01). Wars without End: The Indo-Pakistani Conflict.

Ghani, D. F. (n.d.). Role of Cohesive Non- State Actors in India-Pakistan Relations: A case study of SAARC as

a Regional Organization. Pakistan Vision Vol. 17, No. 2 , 16-30.

Iqbal, W. (2015, June 13). Non-State Actors & India-Pakistan Relations. Jahangir's World Times .

Sandhu, K. S. (2016, March 21). India-Pakistan Relations: A Brief Survey of the Evolving Conflict Terrain.

Shafique, A. (2011, September 07). The Case for Constructivism In Analysing the India-Pakistan Conflict.

Shapoo, S. F. (2016, November 16). How Non-State Actors Could Cause War in South Asia.

Wojczewski, T. (December 11, 2014 ). The Persistency of the India–Pakistan Conflict: Chances and

Obstacles of the Bilateral Composite Dialogue. SAGE Journalks .

Zoaib, M. A. (2015, May 08). Impact of militants on Indo-Pak relations.

Ayoob, M. (1995). The Third World security predicament: state making, regional conflict, and the

international system. Boulder: Lynne Rienner

Hussain, R. (2006). The India–Pakistan peace process. Defense & Security Analysis, 22(4), 409–419.

Patil, S.S. (2008). Indo-Pak composite dialogue: An update. IPCS Special Report No. 53. New Delhi:

Institute of Peace & Conflict Studies.

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