How not to oppose hegemony
No country however weak likes to be told what it needs to do by another country, be it a super power or a neighbouring country. With the deterioration of relations between Pakistan and the US the issue of opposition to hegemony is taking a new turn. The US is seen to be pressing Pakistan to do more without giving due consideration to the problems Pakistan faces while fighting terrorism. The US has to help resolve the problems that Pakistan faces. Islamabad too has to avoid raising the level of confrontation. Clinton’s remarks in Chennai, egging on India to expand its sphere of influence to Southeast Asia and Pacific Rim as well as Central Asia, have added to Islamabad’s grievances. India in fact needs little advice from Washington to assert leadership. It is already using its economic strength to project soft power in the region. New Delhi has taken up a number of development projects in the region. Bhutan has traditionally been the biggest recipient of Indian aid but is likely to be replaced by Afghanistan where by May 2011 India’s pledged aid had reached $2 billion. New Delhi also has extended large grants to Nepal. Projection of soft power might not make these countries subservient to India but it is bound to strengthen New Delhi’s influence over their governments. Any government in Afghanistan would be more friendly to Pakistan if it sees relations with Islamabad to be beneficial in economic terms. Lecturing it against Indian hegemony would be of lesser use.
Opposing Indian hegemony must not lead to bad relations with New Delhi. On the contrary, Pakistan must enhance economic and trade ties with its neighbour for mutual benefit. This would act as a disincentive for India to put pressure on Pakistan. Despite its border disputes with China, India’s trade volume with Beijing in 2010 surpassed $60 billion target. Trade has, however, stopped them from resolving issue through war.
A Hermetic Kingdom may cater to the whims of a dictator but it is bound to impoverish its people and isolate the country. Hina Rabani Khar has returned from the 43rd ASEAN ministerial meeting where Pakistan is desperately lobbying for an FTA. An improvement in trade with India would be even more beneficial for the country and the common man.
