Pakistan: Frontline state again. Master`s thesis

Thesis/Dissertation · Fri Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:273148

Rivard, D S

The objective of this study is to determine Pakistan`s place in contemporary U.S. national security strategy. Today, U.S.-Pakistan relations are strained due to the Pressler Amendment to the Foreign Assistance Act. The Pressler Amendment prohibits arms transfers from the United States to Pakistan in response to Pakistani efforts to develop a nuclear weapon capability. This thesis provides a historical background to the current impasse by examining Pakistani foreign policy since 1947. Next, the study examines the evolution of U.S. interests and security objectives in South and Southwest Asia. Current security objectives analyzed are the U.S. strategies to contain Iran and Iraq and to prevent nuclear proliferation in the region. In order to attain security objectives in the region, the author concludes that the U.S. needs a close cooperative relationship with Pakistan. Since the Pressler Amendment stands as the greatest obstacle to improved U.S.-Pakistan relations, the amendment should be repealed.

• Research Organization: Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA (United States)
• OSTI ID: 273148
• Report Number(s): AD-A--305908/6/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

35 ARMS CONTROL
ARMS CONTROL
FOREIGN POLICY
HISTORICAL ASPECTS
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
PAKISTAN
PROLIFERATION