US-China Power Contestation: Pakistan’s Balancing Paradox

Abstract

The research aims to analyze and address the repercussions of past missteps and forthcoming challenges in Pakistan's foreign policy in the wake of the US-China power contest and emerging realities. To understand the complex incidents that create stress for Pakistan in meeting foreign policy challenges, multiple secondary sources, including books and journal articles, were analyzed. The world is battling ongoing and complex global issues. The ongoing technological competition between China and the United States has created challenging times for regional stability in South Asia, particularly for Pakistan. Pakistan is struggling to balance its relationships with these superpowers, and this has resulted in a downward spiral for the country. Domestic issues and external pressures are contributing to this crisis, and the increasing polarization in society alters the country's security apparatus. The US and China are vying to control the world through an offense-defense balance. Pakistan is caught in a security dilemma. It is recommended to address and prioritize domestic issues. Either to prepare the nation to bear the challenges of opting for a clear policy or going with the flow rather than trying to control the controversial environment