Pakistan: the struggle within

Does democracy have a chance in Pakistan? In the sixty years of its existence, Pakistan has experienced four military coups and has been ruled by the military for more than half the period. Even during the interludes of democracy, Pakistan's military exercised considerable power and influence. It also supported various militant groups in their causes, thus abetting terrorism. Ill-conceived policies of the military dictatorship in the country and failed intermittent civilian governments fuelled internal turmoil and branded Pakistan as a refuge for Islamic terrorists and a haven for the Taliban. Pakistan: The Struggle Within documents and analyses, among other things, the geopolitical scenario, the ethnic conflicts and civil-military relations in Pakistan, and explores its immediate future, all of which have a great and immediate relevance-not only to India but also to the international community. This book is a collection of essays written by some of the world's best-known scholars and analysts on Pakistan. It highlights how Pakistan continues to battle multiple challenges to its sovereignty, identity and survival as a nation-state.