RMR BOOK SERIES: Global Geopolitical Dynamics

Geopolitical Conflicts:
A Quest to Understand the
Struggle for Influence
Dr. Muhammad Akram Zaheer
 Geopolitical
Conflicts:
A Quest to Understand
the Struggle for Influence

Dr. Muhammad Akram Zaheer

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With Technical Assistance from With Academic Consultation from

“Geopolitical Conflicts: A Quest to Understand the Struggle for Influence”,
Dr. Muhammad Akram Zaheer
ISBN: 978-969-23876-0-6

Copyright © 2024 by Dr. Muhammad Akram Zaheer

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believe that it exemplifies these values.

Embark on a profound exploration of global geopolitics with

“Geopolitical Conflicts”. Authored by Dr. Muhammad Akram
Zaheer, this comprehensive analysis unravels the complexities
of our contemporary world, marked by shifting alliances, rising
powers and emerging challenges. The book’s 27 essays
investigate various facets of the geopolitical landscape, from
historical theories shaping current realities to a comparative
analysis of major powers such as the United States, China, Russia
and India.
Covering interesting case studies like China and Russia in Central
Asia, the growing influence of the Shanghai Cooperation
Organization, and the strategic significance of Gwadar, the book
provides a critical analysis of contemporary trends. It extends to
regional issues, addressing dynamics in the Arab Gulf States, Palestine, Syria, Jammu and Kashmir,
and the impact of the Hindu nationalist regime in India. “Geopolitical Conflicts” is an essential read,
offering a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead. Dr. Muhammad Akram
Zaheer navigates major powers and emerging trends, providing valuable insights for policymakers,
scholars and enthusiasts interested in understanding the details of contemporary global politics.
Subjects: Politics | International Relations | Strategic Studies | Foreign Policy |

First eBook Edition: January 2024

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DEDICATED TO

FOR THE ONE WHO TAUGHT ME TO

DREAM, BELIEVE, AND ACHIEVE;
MY INCREDIBLE MOTHER
‫یتلچرھپیتوہیئآوھکنںےساذاںدیھکیےہ‬
‫ںیمےنتنجوتںیہندیھکیےہامںدیھکیےہ‬
Contents

FOREWORD I

PREFACE III

PRAISE FOR GEOPOLITICAL CONFLICTS V

INTRODUCTION VI

PART 1 1

GEOPOLITICS: A THEORATICAL FRAMEWORK

APPROACHES AND THEORIES 2

PART 2 ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

FROM NEWSPAPER ARTICLES TO CONTEXT

AUKUS ALLIANCE AND CHINA ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
PAK-RUSSIA RELATIONSHIP ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
CHINESE FOREIGN POLICY TOWARDS PAKISTAN & INDIA ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.
TWISTING OF US FOREIGN POLICY ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
CHINA-RUSSIA A STRANGE CASE IN CENTRAL ASIA ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.
STRATEGIC VISTA OF GWADAR ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
ARAB GULF STATES AND THE UNITED STATES ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
THE BALANCE OF POWER BETWEEN IRAN AND THE ARAB WORLD ERROR!
BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
SAUDI ARABIA AND IRAN ARE EAGER TO REDUCE BILATERAL AND REGIONAL
TENSION ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
IRAN’S STRATEGY TO REDUCE THE EFFECT OF ECONOMIC SANCTIONS DURING THE
TRUMP REGIME ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
CHINA-INDIA MILITARY TENSION ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
THE GROWING INFLUENCE OF SCO ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
CENTRAL ASIA: POTENTIAL AND OPPORTUNITIES OF INVESTMENT ERROR!
BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
THE ELUSIVE STRATEGY OF CHINA ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
GEOPOLITICAL REALITY OF MAJOR POWERS ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
THE HYBRID GEOPOLITICS AND CONTEMPORARY GEOPOLITICAL LANDSCAPE OF
THE WORLD ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
PALESTINE ISSUE AND WORLD ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
TAJIKISTAN IS FLOURISHING ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.
THE HINDU NATIONALIST REGIME & THE MUSLIM MINORITY IN INDIA ERROR!
BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
AN EVALUATION OF US STRATEGY TOWARDS TALIBAN-CONTROLLED
AFGHANISTAN ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
TAIWAN: POTENTIAL FLASHPOINT BETWEEN CHINA AND US ERROR! BOOKMARK
NOT DEFINED.
IRAN-SAUDI DEAL: A NEW DAWN BREAKS IN PERSIAN GULF ERROR! BOOKMARK
NOT DEFINED.
CHINA’S INCREASING ROLE IN PERSIAN GULF: IMPLICATIONS FOR REGIONAL
SECURITY ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
PAKISTAN IN THE ERA OF GLOBAL GEOPOLITICAL SHIFTS ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.

PART 3 8

CONCLUSION 9
Foreword

It is with great pleasure and a sense of intellectual fulfillment that I

commend Dr. Akram Zaheer for his outstanding contribution to the field of
geopolitics through the meticulously curated volume, “Geopolitical Conflicts: A
Quest to Understand the Struggle for Influence”. This compendium, born from
Dr. Akram Zaheer’s erudition and passion for exploring the complexities of the
contemporary geopolitical landscape, serves as a testament to his scholarly
acumen and dedication to unraveling the intricate tapestry of global affairs.

Having had the privilege of sharing academic pursuits and traversing

geopolitical terrains alongside Dr. Akram Zaheer during our doctoral studies, I can
attest to the depth of insight and commitment reflected in this collection. Our
joint academic ventures, including visits to Iran, Iraq (including the autonomous
Kurdistan region), Azerbaijan, the Russian Federated States of Dagestan and
Chechnya, and the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan provided us with firsthand
experiences that have undoubtedly influenced the intellectual fabric of this book.
His capacity for nuanced analysis, honed through these shared experiences, is
evident throughout the pages of this volume.

As the global stage witnesses unprecedented geopolitical

transformations, Dr. Akram Zaheer’s work offers a panoramic view of the
multifaceted challenges and opportunities that define the current era. The
collection of 27 essays embarks on a journey through historical theories of
geopolitics, comparative analyses of major powers, and intricate case studies,
providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the geopolitical
dynamics shaping our world. From the nuanced examination of China and
Russia’s entanglement in Central Asia to the strategic implications of Gwadar,
each essay delves into the complex web of global affairs with scholarly precision.

The thematic breadth of this volume encompasses diverse regions, from

the Arab Gulf States and Palestine to the Hindu nationalist regime in India and
the volatile cross-strait tensions between Taiwan and China. Dr. Akram Zaheer
navigates these geopolitical intricacies with a critical lens, shedding light on
hybrid geopolitics, human rights violations, and emerging alliances such as
AUKUS. This work is not merely an academic exercise; it is a guide for
policymakers, scholars, and all those intrigued by the ever-evolving landscape of
contemporary global politics. Dr. Akram Zaheer’s intellectual prowess and

i
dedication to scholarly rigor are evident on every page, making “Geopolitical
Conflicts” an invaluable contribution to the discourse on global affairs.

Dr. Muhammad Asim

Assistant Professor, Department of
Political Science,
Government Graduate College Asghar
Mall, Rawalpindi
Author: Romanticizing Afghanistan, Iran
and Pakistan: A Region through the Lens
of Resistive Economy (2023)
asimsheikh62@yahoo.com

ii
Preface

While crafting “Geopolitical Conflicts: A Quest to Understand the Struggle

for Influence”, I made a conscious effort to articulate my scholarly journey in
dissecting the profound shifts within the global geopolitical landscape. At a
juncture where alliances are in flux, new powers are ascendant, and
unprecedented challenges are surfacing, this book investigates the complicated
web of geopolitical transformations, offering a comprehensive examination of
their implications on major powers, emerging trends, and the overarching global
order.

Comprising 27 meticulously crafted essays, each dedicated to unraveling

a distinct facet of the contemporary geopolitical tableau, this book stands as a
testament to the collective intellectual prowess of its contributors. At this stage,
I want to share my academic experiences with Dr. Muhammad Asim, a
distinguished class fellow during my doctoral pursuits, who opened my ways
various times in shaping the trajectory of this work. Together, we ventured across
regions that would later become focal points of analysis, including Iran, Iraq
(including Iraqi Kurdistan), Azerbaijan, Russian Federated States of Dagestan and
Chechnya, and the Wakhan corridor of Afghanistan. These shared experiences
not only enriched our academic collaboration but also infused a nuanced
understanding into the narratives that unfold within these pages.

The foundational essay initiates a journey through the historical theories

of geopolitics, providing readers with essential context to comprehend the
complexities of the contemporary geopolitical reality. Subsequent chapters
undertake a comparative analysis of major powers, presenting insightful
examinations of the United States, China, Russia and India. The diverse yet
interconnected essays traverse through specific case studies, untying the
intricate dynamics of China and Russia in Central Asia, the strategic significance
of Gwadar, and the burgeoning influence of the Shanghai Cooperation
Organization.

Regional particulars are dissected with precision, encompassing the Arab

Gulf States, Palestine, Jammu and Kashmir, and the impact of the Hindu
nationalist regime in India. I meticulously navigate through the labyrinth of
contemporary challenges, offering critical analyses on hybrid geopolitics, human

iii
rights violations, and the delicate balance of power between Iran and the Arab
world. The exploration extends to potential flashpoints and alliances shaping the
future global order, notably the AUKUS alliance and China’s increasing role in the
Persian Gulf.

At this point, I also unfold the narratives surrounding major powers and
emerging trends, “Geopolitical Conflicts” offering a distinctive vantage point,
providing readers with a discerning lens to comprehend the challenges and
opportunities that lie ahead. Tailored for policymakers, scholars, and those
intrigued by the intricacies of global politics, this compendium emerges as an
indispensable resource.

In this book, I endeavored to create a work that not only informs but also
inspires nuanced discourse and critical engagement. This book, with its breadth
and depth of analyses, stands poised to contribute significantly to the ongoing
dialogue on the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary global politics.

The ensuing pages reveal a narrative precisely molded through academic

rigor, shared experiences, and a steadfast commitment to unknot the details of
geopolitical complexity. Readers, as they are going to read, would be encouraged
to navigate the elaborate tapestry of global affairs, acquiring insights that extend
beyond conventional boundaries. Additionally, I also credited this book to my
parents, family and friends, by their efforts; I enabled to show my respective
academic and research work before you, first, in the shape of newspapers’
articles, and now, in the shape of a book. And, I believe, this book will cultivate a
more profound comprehension of the geopolitical challenges and opportunities
shaping our evolving world.

Dr. Muhammad Akram Zaheer

January 14, 2024

iv
 Praise for GEOPOLITICAL CONFLICTS

Grigol Uznadze In the thorough construction of

Research Associate at the Ilia State “Geopolitical Conflicts: A Quest to
University, and Virtual Research Understand the Struggle for Influence”,
Associate at the Young Women for Dr. Akram Zaheer adeptly steers the
Change in Caucasus (Tbilisi Office) involved currents of the global
ywcc.writers@gmail.com geopolitical landscape with a scholarly
Authored:
acumen marked by profound consistency
▪ Unveiling the Depths of
Augustine’s Theology: A
and an unwavering commitment. Within
Critical Review of John C. an epoch defined by the fluidity of
Cavadini’s ‘The Theology of alliances, the ascendancy of new powers,
Augustine’s Confessions and the emergence of unprecedented
▪ Morality and Ethics in Light challenges, his opus stands as a
of Kinsey’s Findings: comprehensive exploration, examines
Examining Religious the complex drapery of geopolitical
Responses to “Sexual transformations. Comprising 27
Behavior in the Human meticulously curated essays, each
Female”
dedicated to disentanglement distinct
▪ Exploring the Multifaceted
Dimensions of Rural Life: A
facets of the contemporary geopolitical
Comparative and tableau, the work stands as unequivocal
Interdisciplinary Analysis ofevidence of his intellectualism. His
Grigol Uznadze’s Poem shared experiences spanning diverse
within the Framework of regions such as Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan,
Mystic or Sufi Studies Russian Federated States of Dagestan
and Chechnya, and the Wakhan corridor of Afghanistan, enriches the narrative
with a nuanced and profound understanding. That’s why, I recommend every
student and research scholar of international relations to consult with this
academic contribution. It will obviously help in developing deep understanding
of contemporary global politics.

v
Introduction

In this book, the in-depth exploration of geopolitical theories forms the

foundation for comprehending the intricate interplay between geography,
politics and international relations. We all know that the “Geopolitics”, as a
discipline, seeks to unravel the complex interactions that shape the behavior of
nations on the global stage. It involves thorough analyses of the relationships
among countries, the distribution of resources and power, and the impact of
global and regional factors on political decision-making. Essential considerations
encompass borders, natural resources, military capabilities and economic
strength, converging to determine a nation’s strategic interests and foreign
policy. Additionally, historical, cultural and ideological factors are incorporated
into geopolitical analyses, recognizing their profound influence on international
relations. Similarly, we all, as the student of political and social sciences, realize
that the Geopolitical theories serve as frameworks facilitating an understanding
of why nations cooperate or compete and unveil the stability or volatility of
specific regions.

During describing distinct geopolitical approaches and theories, this book

also looks at one prominent geopolitical theory, the Heartland Theory posited by
Sir Halford Mackinder. This theory propounds that control over Eastern Europe,
or the Heartland, translates to global dominance. Despite its historical
significance, the theory faces limitations in the contemporary era due to
technological advancements and shifts in global power dynamics. Likewise, this
book also finds another seminal theory, Sea Power, which emphasizes a state’s
influence derived from its ability to utilize the sea for military and civilian
purposes. Alfred Thayer Mahan’s insights, in this regard, underscore the
significance of naval power in shaping geopolitical dynamics, offering a lens to
analyze historical struggles and predict future conflicts. Furthermore, the Rimland
Theory introduced by Nicholas Spykman delineates the coastal regions around
the Eurasian landmass as pivotal geopolitical areas, challenging the centrality of
the Heartland and reinforcing the importance of maritime influence.

Moving beyond theoretical frameworks, the discourse extends to

contemporary geopolitical issues, such as the AUKUS alliance and its implications
in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region. AUKUS, a trilateral
security agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United
States, signifies a strategic alignment aimed at bolstering security, technological
capabilities and intelligence sharing. However, this alliance introduces
vi
geopolitical challenges, potentially fueling a Cold War mentality and exacerbating
ideological divisions.

In the context of South Asia, the evolving Pak-Russia relationship presents

a paradigm shift with geopolitical ramifications. Traditionally viewed as
adversaries, both nations are recalibrating their ties to capitalize on shared
interests and regional stability. Pakistan seeks strategic diversification amid its
evolving relationship with the United States, while Russia aims to counterbalance
alignments between India and the West. The multifaceted dynamics of this
emerging partnership reflect a broader geopolitical chessboard where states
navigate opportunities and challenges in pursuit of national interests.

In essence, the evolving landscape of global geopolitics demands deep

analyses and critical examinations of theoretical frameworks and contemporary
alliances. This book tries to unveil these complexities, offering a scholarly journey
through geopolitical theories, major power dynamics, and emerging trends that
define the complex embroidery of our ever-changing world.

vii
 Part 1
Geopolitics: A
Theoretical Framework

1
Approaches and Theories

Geopolitics is the study of the interactions between geography, politics,

and economics, and how they shape international relations and the behavior
of nations. It involves the analysis of the relationships between different
countries, the distribution of resources and power, and the influence of
global and regional factors on political decisions. Geopolitics considers
factors such as borders, natural resources, military capabilities, and economic
strength in determining a nation’s strategic interests and foreign policy. It
also takes into account historical, cultural, and ideological factors that can
affect international relations. Geopolitical analysis is used to comprehend
global events such as conflicts, alliances, and economic partnerships. It is also
employed by policymakers to formulate strategies and policies that advance
national interests while considering the interests of other countries and
global trends.
Theories of geopolitics provide a framework for comprehending the
relationships between countries and the factors that influence their behavior.
They assist in understanding why some countries cooperate while others
compete, and why some regions are more stable than others. These theories
also inform foreign policy decisions by providing insight into the strategic
interests and vulnerabilities of different countries. Policymakers use this
information to develop strategies that promote national interests while
avoiding conflict or destabilization. Moreover, geopolitical theories can be
utilized to predict potential conflicts and crises based on the interactions
between countries and the distribution of power and resources. This can help
governments and organizations prepare for and mitigate the effects of these
events.
Geopolitical theories can also be employed to promote cooperation and
stability by identifying shared interests and areas of mutual benefit between
countries. By understanding the geopolitical landscape, policymakers can
develop strategies that promote peace and prosperity for all parties involved.
Overall, the theories of geopolitics provide valuable insights into the complex
interactions between countries and the factors that shape international
relations. By studying and applying these theories, policymakers can make
informed decisions that promote national interests while also contributing to
global stability and cooperation.

2
 The Heartland is a form of geopolitics, proposes that whoever controls
Eastern Europe, also known as the Heartland or Pivot Area, would ultimately
control the world. This theory was proposed by Sir Halford Mackinder in his
1904 essay “The Geographical Axis of History”. Mackinder believed that
Eastern Europe has vast resources in terms of raw materials and agriculture,
which are the basic ingredients needed to command a large army. Thus,
whoever controls Eastern Europe would have the means to conquer the rest
of the world. Mackinder also asserted that land power, rather than sea
power, could lead to world power.
However, the Heartland Theory has some limitations. Mackinder failed to
account for various technological advancements, such as nuclear weapons
and high-tech missiles, which complicate any scheme to take over the world
through the Heartland Theory. He also did not anticipate the rise of the
United States as a global superpower, which makes the idea of America’s easy
fall to the global power of the island more challenging than Mackinder initially
thought. Despite its limitations, the Heartland Theory remains a significant
theory in geopolitics, having influenced major historical figures such as Hitler
and played a role in the politics of the World Wars, the Vietnam War, and the
Cold War.
There is a question as to why Mackinder employs the term “heart” to
depict Eastern Europe. A depiction of the location of Eastern Europe on the
map presents it as the upper middle part of Eurasia. The heart is situated in
the upper part of one’s chest, also in the middle, albeit a tad more towards
the other side. Similarly, the heart pumps much-needed blood to our bodies,
and Eastern Europe abounds in numerous valuable resources that could feed
an army, just as blood fuels our bodies. Without a heart, our bodies cannot
continue to be fed by our minds. Our minds control all of our body functions,
including the heart. Without controlling the heart, it was believed that a
single power could not control the entire world. In our analogy, the body
endures this concept of the heart for a while
It is said that the heart pumps blood from it to the rest of the body, even
to the fingers and toes. In the Heartland Theory, if someone were to gain
power over Eastern Europe, then their power would radiate from there and
cover the entire world, much like blood flowing to nourish the rest of the
body. Just like the Heartland Theory, our bodies are vulnerable to weapons
that may prevent the heart from controlling the rest of the body, such as a

3
nuclear bomb in the Heartland Theory. A single bullet to the heart is sufficient
to challenge the notion that the heart is the outcome of a higher power than
everything else.
Sea Power, it denotes the power exerted by a state through its capacity
to utilize the sea for both military and civilian purposes. The ability to use
oceans for transportation and other urban uses, such as fishing and, more
recently, the exploration of resources on or beneath the seabed, has sparked
much debate. The sea is like a “great highway” and a “wide common ground”
with “trade routes” that men traverse in all directions. Several strategic
straits or “bottlenecks” have been identified, the control of which
contributed to Britain’s maritime supremacy. Sea power encompasses six
fundamental elements: geographic location, physical structure, territorial
expanse, population size, character of the people, and character of
government. Based on these factors, Alfred Thayer Mahan envisioned the
United States as the geopolitical successor to the British Empire.
Alfred Thayer Mahan wrote an article in The Atlantic Monthly titled “The
United States Looking Outward” (1890) in which he urged American leaders
to recognize that their security and interests are influenced by the balance of
power in Europe and Asia. He regarded the United States, like Great Britain,
as a geographically distant island from the Eurasian landmass whose security
could be threatened by a hostile power or coalition of powers gaining
effective political control over key power centers. He further believed that
dominant Anglo-American sea power was the key to ensuring Eurasian
geopolitical pluralism in its broadest sense. In The Influence of Sea Power on
the French Revolution and Empire, he wrote that Britain’s navy stood
between Napoleon and world domination.
Mahan’s geopolitical insight was profound, based on his understanding
of the impact of geography on history. Later, he examined the successive
moves toward continental European hegemony by the Spanish and Austrian
Habsburgs, Louis XIV’s France, and Revolutionary and Napoleonic France, and
the great alliances supported by sea power, which he effectively countered.
In his subsequent essays and books, Mahan reimagined the geopolitical
struggles of the 20th and 21st centuries. In America’s Interest in International
Conditions (1910), Mahan predicted the basic geopolitical conditions leading
up to World War I and World War II. He recognized that Germany’s central

4
position in Europe, on the continent, with its unmatched industrial and
military power, and its pursuit
In his work titled “The Asia Problem”, Mahan described a forthcoming
struggle for power in the Central Asian region as a “contentious and disputed
arena”, and identified China’s “vast covert power” as a potential geopolitical
adversary. In a similar vein to Germany prior to World War I, China in the 21st
century has taken up the ideas of Mahan. Professors Toshi Yoshihara and
James Holmes from the Naval War College examine the writings of
contemporary Chinese military thinkers and strategists in this regard, and
their seminal work, “Chinese Naval Strategy in the 21st Century”, references
Mahan. In terms of Mahan’s principles of sea power, China is situated in the
heart of East and Central Asia, has a lengthy coastline, a sizable population, a
growing economy, expanding military and naval power, and now boasts a
stable government. China’s political and military leaders have been
transparent about their desire to replace the United States as the dominant
power in the Asia-Pacific region. Given these circumstances, China’s adoption
of Mahan is sufficient cause for Americans to become familiar with the
writings of this distinguished American strategic thinker.
As the geopolitics is the study of the interplay between geography,
politics, and international relations, it concentrates on how geographical
factors, such as land, water, resources and population, impact political
decision-making and global power dynamics. Several geopolitical theories
endeavor to clarify the relationship between geography and politics.
The Rim land theory is a geopolitical concept proposed by American
political scientist Nicholas Spykman in the 1940s. The theory asserts that the
coastal regions around the Eurasian landmass, known as the Rim land, are the
most crucial geopolitical areas in the world. Spykman argued that whoever
controls the Rim land would be able to contain the power of the Heartland,
which refers to the central region of Eurasia, as proposed by the Heartland
theory of Halford Mackinder. Spykman believed that the Rim land was more
strategically important than the Heartland since it had greater access to the
sea and could control global trade and commerce. The Rim land includes
Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia, and is characterized by high
population density, abundant resources and diverse cultures. Spykman
believed that the Rim land was a vital geopolitical battleground since it served
as a buffer zone between the Heartland and the sea.

5
 According to Spykman, the United States had a critical stake in controlling
the Rim land since it was the only way to prevent the Soviet Union from
dominating Europe and Asia. He contended that the United States should
support the development of democratic states in the Rim land and provide
economic and military assistance to contain Soviet influence. The Rim land
theory had a significant influence on shaping US foreign policy during the Cold
War and remains pertinent today in discussions concerning the role of the
United States in the Middle East and East Asia. However, the theory has been
criticized for oversimplifying the complex geopolitical dynamics of the region
and underestimating the importance of other factors, such as ideology and
culture.
The United States implemented a strategy of containment, which aimed
to prevent the spread of Soviet influence by supporting democratic states in
the Rim land and providing economic and military assistance to contain Soviet
influence. The US also engaged in numerous conflicts and interventions in the
Rim land region, including the Korean War, the Vietnam War and various
Middle Eastern conflicts, to protect its strategic interests and prevent Soviet
expansion.
Even after the conclusion of the Cold War, the United States continues to
have strategic interests in the Rim land, particularly in the Middle East and
East Asia. The US has maintained a military presence in the region and has
engaged in various military interventions and operations, including the Gulf
War, the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan. These actions have been
justified on the grounds.
Certain analysts contend that China’s investments in the Rim land form a
constituent part of a more comprehensive strategy to establish a sphere of
influence in the region and obtain control over strategic sea lanes and
resources. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has received criticism from some
countries and analysts for creating debt traps and advancing China’s strategic
interests at the expense of other nations. Nonetheless, others argue that
China’s investments in the Rim land are impelled by economic interests and
a yearning for regional stability and development. Chinese officials have
affirmed that the BRI is an all-encompassing initiative that aims to promote
cooperation and mutual benefits among the participating countries. The Rim
land theory serves as a valuable framework for comprehending China’s
strategic interests and geopolitical stance in the region. As China continues

6
 to ascend as a global power, its influence in the Rim land will likely remain a
primary concern for policymakers and analysts alike.
Other countries, such as Russia and various European powers, have also
been influenced by the Rim land theory to varying degrees. For instance,
Russia has traditionally attempted to expand its influence in the Rim land by
creating alliances and controlling strategic ports in the region, whereas China
has endeavored to augment its influence in the Rim land through its Belt and
Road Initiative, which aims to develop infrastructure and trade routes in the
area.

All three theories are significant since they offer diverse perspectives on the
factors that influence geopolitics. Whereas the Heartland theory underscores
the importance of land power, the Sea power theory highlights the significance
of naval power, and the Rim land theory underscores the importance of coastal
areas. By comprehending the insights and limitations of each theory,
policymakers can devise more refined and efficacious strategies to advance
national interests and uphold global stability.

7
 Part 3
Conclusion

8
Conclusion

During concluding in-depth remarks about this book, it is domineering to

reflect on the complex dynamics of global geopolitics, with a specific focus on
Pakistan’s role in this ever-evolving landscape. The geopolitical canvas, as
explored in this compendium, illustrates the complexities of alliances, emerging
trends, and the delicate balance of power that shapes the international order.

Pakistan, strategically positioned at the crossroads of South Asia, the

Middle East and Central Asia, emerges as a pivotal player in the shifting
geopolitical tides. Its engagement with major powers, including China, the United
States and Russia, underscores its efforts to navigate a multifaceted diplomatic
terrain. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a transformative initiative
linking China to the Arabian Sea through Pakistan, exemplifies the nation’s
strategic endeavors to enhance economic prosperity and regional influence.

However, within this narrative of geopolitical maneuvers, it becomes

imperative to critically examine internal dynamics that have shaped Pakistan’s
foreign policy and, at times, compromised its national interests. The involvement
of the military in dictating foreign policy decisions has been a persistent
challenge, leading to malpractices and corruption. Such malfeasance not only
distorts the nation’s strategic priorities but also undermines its standing on the
international stage.

The recurring theme of territorial losses, the degradation of Pakistan’s

reputation in international political arenas, and the challenges faced by Pakistani
passport holders on the global stage are indicative of the consequences of
geopolitical decisions influenced by factors beyond the nation’s welfare. The
implicit role of Pakistan’s military as a proxy for external powers, notably the
United States, raises questions about the autonomy of the nation’s foreign policy.

A stark example of this external influence is evident in recent events

surrounding the ousting of the Imran Khan government. The alleged involvement
of the military in this political maneuver, in response to the denial of hosting US
military stations within Pakistan against Afghanistan, underscores the complexity
and vulnerability of Pakistan’s geopolitical positioning.

As the nation grapples with these challenges, it is paramount to reassess

and recalibrate its foreign policy framework. Embracing a more transparent,
accountable, and nationally-driven approach can help Pakistan overcome the

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pitfalls of external manipulation and shape a trajectory that aligns with its
genuine interests. The conclusion of this book calls for a rigorous introspection,
encouraging a discourse that strives for a geopolitically informed yet nationally
oriented foreign policy paradigm for Pakistan, free from the shadows of proxy
engagements.

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