Assessment of U.S.-Pakistan Strategic Dialogues

Abstract

Forged in the wake of September 11, 2001, the last decade of the U.S.-Pakistan partnership has been plagued by tension and setbacks. As U.S. forces commence a drawdown in the Afghanistan-Pakistan theatre, the perceived reduced importance of Pakistan to U.S. interests creates the opportunity for China to be a strategic alternative. Furthermore, Pakistan continues to advance its nuclear weapons program with new military doctrines and weapons systems that will shape the strategic landscape. The research project will assess the recent and ongoing dialogues between a range of U.S. and Pakistani representatives, scholars, host institutions, and dialogue sponsors. The findings provide multiple U.S. Government agencies and research organizations with valuable insight on the status and trajectories of the Pakistani nuclear program. Importantly, this assessment will also inform the agendas and areas of focus for future dialogues.