OPINION Vol.1, No.1 June 2013 - National Defence University

Relative versus Absolute Gains. The Neo-Liberals stress on the absolute gains from
international cooperation, while the Neo-Realists emphasize relative gains. 43
Priority of State Goals. Both agree that national security and economic welfare are important,
but they differ in relative emphasis on these goals. 44
Intentions versus Capabilities. Neo-Realists emphasize on the capabilities more than
intentions; whereas, Neo-Liberals maintain that capabilities count only insofar as they affect the
preferences and intentions of states. 45
International Institutions and Regimes. Both recognize international regimes and institutions;
however, differ in their significance and role in world politics. 46
Is Globalization Causing Demise of Nation-State There are two opposing views among the
contemporary theorists; some argue that globalization is a direct threat to the sovereignty of the nationstate,
while others believe that globalization has no effect on the autonomy of independent states.
Depending on how these approaches are viewed, “the glass can be seen as half full or half empty”. 47
Changes linked with globalization have substantial effects on the states; however, the argument of the
demise of the nation-state doesn’t seem to be happening at-least in foreseeable future. 48
Regionalism vis-à-vis Globalization 49 . As opposed to Old Regionalism based on the concept of blocs
siding super powers New Regionalism is an outcome of post-cold war era and is continuously shaping in
the emerging multi-polar world order. In the globalized economies, IFIs policies and agreements make
member countries limit their ability to follow macroeconomic policies at domestic levels. On the
contrary, Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) provide secure markets and bring more stability in
economic policies through raising mutual stakes. Globalizing market system affords less leverage with
independent states to control capital exchanges, which limits their role in managing internal economies.
Conversely RTAs give enough time to domestic industries to first adapt and then gradually move towards
global free trade in a graduated manner. Another dimension to the complete argument is that regionalism
is made only possible by wide dimensions of globalization and it cannot replace the overall system in
which it breaths. Thus it wouldn’t be wrong to conclude that regionalism is a by-product of globalization
and a building block of achieving a successful globalized world.
Terrorism and Globalization. Globalization and resultant proliferation of technology affords terrorist
groups greater access worldwide, thus making terrorism easier and deadlier. Socio-economic deprivation,
cultural assaults and insensitivities to religious sentiments perpetuated by certain dimensions of
Globalization are some of the major influencing factors thriving extremism in poor countries. 50 It can be
concluded that negativities of Globalization give reason to terrorism, while technological advancements
facilitates terrorist activities.
Effects of Globalization on Nature of Warfare. Globalization’s effect on nature of warfare has been
significant in following aspects:-
Varied Dimensions of War. Warfare has expanded to include the fields of diplomacy,
economics, finance, cybernetics, media, and information. Modern wars involve full spectrum of
conflict. 51
Effects of Alliances. In their quest for their own interests, bigger powers often force smaller
aligned states to join a conflict even though the later might not be directly affected by it. 52
Short and Intense. Involvement of stakes of other players has made Wars short and intense
with both sides making their best effort to achieve maximum gains in minimum time.
Transparency. Due to the information blitz and penetration of international actors a fair degree
of transparency exists in conduct of wars. 53
Challenges and Opportunities for Pakistan
The South Asian Environment. South Asia has peculiar geo-political, economic and social dynamics
which are diverse and intricate in nature. The region is home to 1/5 th of the world population yet
contributes meagrely towards the world economic activity. The serenity of the region is plagued by
legacy of un-resolved issues, making peace and prosperity an elusive proposition. Most of these issues
are between two nuclear–armed states; India and Pakistan which have fought two all-out wars over the
OPINION Vol.1 No.1 70 June 2013