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This article delves into the intricate connection between societal identity markers and the politico-socio-economic conditions of the Baloch people in Pakistan and Iran. It explores the structural conditions of identity that contribute to oppressive dichotomies in centre–periphery relations, ultimately fuelling internal conflicts. Balochistan, historically marginalized and overlooked, endured a complex geopolitical history as it shifted between empires, notably the Persian and British Empires. In the nineteenth century, agreements between the Persian and British Empires outlined the modern-day borders, fragmenting the Baloch nation into regions now administered by Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The aftermath of this partition led to permanent societal tension, impacting the internal security of these states. The article highlights the struggle of the divided Baloch people for equal politico-socio-economic rights, emphasizing the states' challenges in legitimizing their authority. The Baloch, residing in divided borders, express their grievances against Iran and Pakistan, each grappling with identity-based conflicts rooted in sectarianism (Iran) and ethnicity (Pakistan). The narrative explores the complex relationship between the Baloch people and the respective states, shedding light on diverse perspectives regarding marginalization and discrimination.
Khan et al. (Fri,) studied this question.