The Seen and the Unseen - hosted by Amit Varma Ep. 111: The India-Pakistan Conflict
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Mar 11, 2019 Srinath Raghavan, a historian and foreign policy analyst with deep insights into South Asian geopolitics, unpacks the intricate dynamics of the India-Pakistan conflict. He explores the historical roots and current tensions, particularly focusing on Kashmir and nuclear strategies. Raghavan discusses deterrence concepts, the delicate balance between military might and diplomacy, and the implications of recent events like the Pulwama attack. He highlights the narratives shaping both nations' identities, offering a nuanced perspective on this complex rivalry.
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Pakistan's Nuclear Shield Explained
- Pakistan's nuclear capability and insurgency support started strongly in the late 1980s.
- Pakistan uses nuclear deterrence to continue supporting insurgency without fearing Indian retaliation.
Two Forms of Deterrence
- Deterrence works by punishment or denial, affecting cost or benefit calculations.
- Deterrence by denial is stronger but more costly than punishment-based deterrence.
Nuclear Deterrence Dynamics
- India aims to deter Pakistan's nuclear use; Pakistan uses nukes to deter India's conventional superiority.
- Pakistan's nuclear posture enables asymmetric escalation and subconventional warfare.
