Bubble . T's Key Ideas from Pakistan
by Anatol Lieven

From a Western perspective, Pakistan is seen as politically unstable with economic crises, insurgency, terrorism, and national disintegration. Despite these challenges, Pakistan’s resilience prevents it from being classified as a failed state. Comparisons with Somalia, Afghanistan, and India highlight that while India faces similar issues, it has built a positive international image, unlike Pakistan. This leads to the perception of India strides towards becoming a developed country and Pakistan as a failed state, though this view oversimplifies the complexities.

The factors which makes Pakistan resilient are primarily Federalism and the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. NFC award is a constitutional mechanism in Pakistan designed to distribute financial resources between the federal government and the provinces.  It also crucially addressed the issue of power centralization that had plagued the country for years. This problem of excessive centralization of power was ultimately resolved after the NFC award and the 18th amendment, granting provinces their economic and political rights.

Additionally, Pakistan's resilience is upheld by its stalwart military. Throughout periods of democratic turmoil, the army has consistently emerged as a stabilizing force, coming to the nation's aid. In times of national calamity such as the 2005 earthquake and the 2010 floods, the military's constructive interventions have garnered widespread public approval and appreciation.

This disciplined army also led to Pakistan’s downfall mainly because of its obsession with Kashmir. Despite being the most disciplined institution, it supports jihadi movements in Kashmir, hoping for liberation similar to Afghanistan. The Siachen and Kargil wars are pointless conflicts that bring no benefits to the Pakistani people. The funds spent on the army should be spent on human development instead.

The West is worried that Islamist insurgents might hijack Pakistan’s political system and even its nuclear program. However, a writer stated that this is not possible. In 2011, FATA was under the influence of the Taliban, but only 5 percent of its population supported them. The people of FATA were loyal to the Pakistani state, its people, and its Constitution. This proved that the Taliban, or any other Islamist extremist group, cannot take over Pakistan

Pakistani culture is characterized by feudalism, patronage and kinship, which are integral to its identity. Big feudal lords become part of the electoral process in Pakistan; they spend money, hijack it, and come into power through elections. They provide their supporters with lucrative deals and facilitate them.

This feudal system is counterproductive but necessary; without it, Pakistan cannot be integrated. If you want to create harmony and ensure integration in Pakistan, then these feudal lords, the caste system, and kinship that bind people together must coexist. If we eliminate them, Pakistan will break down into many pieces, fueling the rise of various ethnicities. This feudalism is so influential that it mobilizes large masses and binds them together, preventing any separatist movements from being successful in Pakistan.

Therefore, the gist of this book is that Pakistan is Janus-faced. The factors that make it resilient, such as its disciplined army and feudal society, have also contributed to its challenges. Funds that should be allocated to human development often go to the military. Additionally, the feudal system has plagued Pakistan’s political landscape with corruption and nepotism. Unfortunately, these factors are seen as necessary for its survival; without them, Pakistan might become disorganized and face potential breakdown.