What question did this study set out to answer?

The research analyzes the impact of the US-Pakistan security partnership on Pakistan's domestic political stability post 9/11.

February 9, 2026Open Access

US-Pakistan Relations Post 9/11: Impact on Domestic Political Stability

Key Points

The research analyzes the impact of the US-Pakistan security partnership on Pakistan's domestic political stability post 9/11.
In-depth analysis of the US-Pakistan relationship post 9/11
Exploration of foreign security alliances and military authority
Examination of governance system developments and public opinion shifts
Increased operational capabilities of the Pakistani state were observed
Political vulnerability and civil-military imbalance were exacerbated
Extreme societal polarization emerged as a consequence of the alliance

Abstract

The security partnership that the United States and Pakistan developed following the events of September 11, 2001, is one of the most consequential and controversial bilateral relationships in the 21st century. This paper represents an in-depth analysis of the way in which the restructured alliance based on mutual military assistance and engagement in the war on terrorism conditions the intra-Pakistani political stability. The paper explores the foreign security alliances, military authority entrenchment, development of the governance systems, militant uprising, and changes in public opinion. It brings into view the paradoxical consequences: on the one hand, this alliance contributes to the increase of survival chances and operational capabilities of the state, yet on the other hand, it strengthens the political vulnerability, the pattern of civil-military imbalance, and extreme polarization of the society.

Mark Helpful

Bookmark

Relay

View Full Paper