Changing global geo-political scenario: Pakistan, China and Russia nexus

Abstract

Contemporary global politics is witnessing certain geo-political and geo-strategic changes. The world is in a phase of new and shifting alliances. The regions or states which in last century were aligned, in 21st century are moving towards opposite poles. As per realist and neo-realistic perspective, national interest is the prime objective of state and it determines state behavior and with this stated goal, there exist no permanent friends and foes in global politics, yesterday’s rival can be the best partners of today. It is not only regional geo-political and geo-strategic changes that are playing role in growing relations between Russia and Pakistan but the global politics also have share in it. The episode of 9/11 brought both the countries closer to each other and Russia supported Pakistan’s role as front line ally in global war on terror. Russia’s concern over NATO expansion in its region, the Ukraine and its presence in Afghanistan and CAR’s and on the other hand Pakistan is worried about the growing ties of India and US. In both scenarios, US is involved and both Russia and Pakistan are worried about these unilateral designs of US and consider it as a threat to their security which would result in the emergence of Russia-China-Pakistan as a counterbalance force against west. This global arrangement is not only limited to Pakistan and Russia but it also include the potential China. Russia is practicing “look east” policy since 2014 and striving for new friends or alliances in the east and at first stance approached China. Russia supported China’s stance on South China Sea case and both were at same page in Syrian crises. On the other hand, the Russia-China nexus is heading towards Pakistan in the form of CPEC. Same arrangements are taking place on the western side as US is approaching India and want to make India as a regional power and on this end there is growing Indo-US-Israel nexus. This dimension of global politics also has spillover effect on the region, particularly the South Asia. The two great powers of South Asia, Pakistan and India, are struggling for balance of power and resulting in the said alliances, Pakistan heading towards China and Russia and India towards US and Israel.