Revisiting strategic culture of Pakistan in the changing South Asian security dynamics

The underlying research study examines the strategic culture of Pakistan in the context of changing South Asian security dynamics, shifting from a state-centric and military-oriented paradigm to a people-centric security paradigm. This research study addresses a critical gap in the existing literature on Pakistan's Strategic Culture, which lacks a comprehensive understanding of its emergence, evolution, and adaptability. The current literature predominantly focuses on historical perspectives, neglecting the importance of inclusivity and pragmatism. This study contends that non-traditional threats can escalate into traditional conflicts if not adequately addressed, necessitating a comprehensive and cooperative security perspective to examine Pakistan's strategic culture. To fill this gap, this research employs qualitative research methods using a case study approach to revisit Pakistan's strategic culture and make an original contribution to the existing literature. It introduces a conceptual framework of analysis that explores the cognitive, environmental, and relational aspects of Pakistan's strategic culture. By doing so, it sheds light on the need for Pakistan to adapt to emerging security threats and proposes a shift towards a comprehensive, adaptable, and inclusive strategic culture. Emphasizing continuous learning, evidence-based decision-making, and national consensus, this revised strategic culture will enable Pakistan to effectively address emerging challenges while safeguarding its national interests and contributing to regional stability and global governance. This study challenges the Western notion of Pakistan's strategic culture as military culture by drawing upon Jack Snyder's and Snerberg's conception of strategic culture entailing Pakistan's military culture is a subculture of Pakistan strategic culture and only took up the pertinent role from other subcultures of Pakistan strategic culture to only deal with the extraordinary situation in the strategic environment until the status quo returns which in case of Pakistan never returned. The study anticipates that Pakistan's military culture adapts to existing reality and coexists with other subcultures to strengthen the overarching strategic culture. By addressing this interplay of cultures, the research provides valuable insights into Pakistan's strategic behavior and fosters a deeper understanding of its evolving strategic culture. Keywords: Pakistan, Strategic Culture, South Asia, Emerging Security Threats, Strategic Environment