The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series A Reckoning for Pakistan || Peter Zeihan
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Oct 31, 2025 Recent border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan reveal deep-seated ethnic and political fractures. The historical partition created divisions that still impact stability today. In contrast, India's Punjab achieved political dominance, illustrating a stark difference in governance. The militarization of Pashtuns by Punjabi leaders has influenced ongoing conflicts. As global economic shifts occur, Pakistan faces increased pressures to redefine its social contracts amidst internal discord. This volatile landscape poses significant challenges for the country's future.
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Partition Created Persistent Divisions
- Partition arose because religious and regional groups were split across the same fertile plains during British rule.
- The 1947 territorial divorce created India and Pakistan to resolve violent communal tensions.
Plurality Power Breeds Instability
- Pakistan's Muslim Punjabis are the largest group but not a majority, creating chronic political instability.
- Military coups recur because Punjabis control the military but lack consistent electoral dominance.
Pashtun Cross-Border Ties Matter
- Pakistan's Pashtun population straddles the Afghanistan border and has long fought alongside Afghan Pashtuns.
- Cross-border ethnic ties turned regional wars into internal security problems for Pakistan.