PAKISTAN-RUSSIA EMERGING COOPERATION: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Bilateral relations between states have always been dynamic and can go in either direction. For much of history, Pakistan and Russia have remained in a contained relationship, particularly during the Cold War. However, post 9/11, due to changes in Pakistan's pro-Taliban policy, gradual ground for re-engagement has risen into prominence between Russia and Pakistan. But, because of the troubling history, both sides remained distant. However, for the past ten years, due to the change in the international order, both countries found each other in the convergence of bilateral relations. The research paper intended to employ the commercial liberalism branch of neoliberal institutionalism to evaluate emerging bilateral ties between Russia and Pakistan. Based on Immanuel Kant’s principle of universal hospitality, commercial liberalism sheds light on the importance of economic interdependence and free trade in sustaining peace. The impending challenges and compelling opportunities were discussed in this paper. The nature of bilateral relations sprouted from opportunities and challenges and was categorised into complementary and non-complementary bifurcation. Based on this division, the research has argued that the trajectory of emergent bilateral relations has ample space to grow and head upward. The study suggests that institutional mechanisms such as JMCC, JMC, and JWGs, with their potential to navigate challenges, offer reassurance in the face of potential obstacles in bilateral relations. Bibliography Entry Ali, Usman and Tauseef Javed. 2024. "Pakistan-Russia Emerging Cooperation: Opportunities and Challenges." Margalla Papers 28 (1): 141-160.

Keywords

• Bilateral Relations
• Commercial Liberalism
• Neoliberal Institutionalism
• National Interest
• Geopolitical Environment
• Cold War