BEYOND CONSTRAINING ALLIANCES: RE-THINKING PAKISTAN-RUSSIA TIES IN A MULTIPOLAR WORLD

Abstract

It is often argued that in the realm of international relations and foreign policy, there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests. However, a state’s interests do not exist in a vacuum and are constantly shaped and reshaped by changing dynamics in the international system. The world has shifted from unipolarity and bipolarity to multipolarity, and each countries interests should be reexamined in this changing system. Pakistan is no exception to this rule. While historically allied with US, it has often found itself at odds, especially in terms of foreign policy, with other countries who have hostile relations with the US. Russia is the prime example of one such country. Since the end of the Cold War, the dynamics of Pakistan-Russia relationship have been influenced by a multitude of factors, including global geopolitics, alliances with other major powers and regional security concerns. Now, with a need to establish more alliances, especially in Asia, both Russia and Pakistan need each other, and it serves their interests to develop better relations with each other. This research looks at the historical evolution of relations between the two countries to argue that they have been heavily influenced, and limited, by their respective alliances and changing dynamics in the international system and been characterized by periods of ups and downs. The article also explores avenues for cooperation between Pakistan and Russia, focusing on areas such as trade, defense, security, and energy. By assessing past challenges and opportunities, this article seeks to inform future policy directions to enhance bilateral cooperation and mitigate longstanding constraints in Pakistan-Russia relations.