Economist Podcasts

On warhead be it: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan

36 snips
Sep 24, 2025
In this discussion, Shashank Joshi, a defense editor with expertise in Pakistan and nuclear strategy, delves into the newly formalized defense partnership between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. He explains the implications of Pakistan’s nuclear umbrella and the historical context of their military cooperation. Joshi also shares insights on how recent regional tensions pushed this agreement into the spotlight, along with the economic and diplomatic motivations for Pakistan. Plus, there’s a glance at how authoritarian regimes handle comedians who mock them.
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INSIGHT

Nuclear Umbrella Beyond NPT

  • Pakistan may be the first non-NPT nuclear state to extend deterrence to another country.
  • If true, Saudi Arabia would shelter under Pakistan's roughly 170 warheads according to Shashank Joshi.
ANECDOTE

Oil For Confidence In 1998

  • Saudi Arabia helped Pakistan after India tested in 1998 by offering 50,000 barrels of oil a day.
  • Pakistani officials have long denied formal help, but evidence and accounts signal deep covert cooperation.
INSIGHT

Volatility Spurs Deterrence Moves

  • Regional strikes and missile exchanges have raised Gulf states' fear of attack and proliferation.
  • Saudi Arabia may view Pakistan's umbrella as a deterrent signal to Iran, Israel or others.
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