Pakistan-India after Pulwama Attacks: Theoretical Assessment

Abstract

This research paper analyses the impact of the Pulwama attacks on reshaping Pakistan
and India relationship through the lenses of major theories of International Relations:
Realism, Liberalism and Constructivism. Pakistan and India have deep rooted territorial
disputes due to which their relations remained in a state of flux since partition. The
relations between Pakistan and India remain at the centre stage of the international
arena both being nuclear powers. However, the recent rise in tensions following the
Pulwama attacks 2019 gave new dimensions to the relations. The paper gives a brief
overview of the recent history of relations between the two countries leading to a short
description of the Pulwama attacks. Furthermore, the situation has been assessed by
laying out the theoretical dimensions of the essay and explains the key tenets of these
theories: Realism, Liberalism and Constructivism. Then, the paper focuses on the
impact of incidents on inter-state relations in the light of key assumptions of these
theories. Additionally, the research predicts future relations based on discussion in
light of theories and recommends a way forward for peaceful relations between the
two nuclear neighbours.