A HISTORICAL REVIEW OF PAKISTAN-U.S. RELATIONS 1947-1999: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Background: The relationship between the United States and Pakistan has remained one of the most strategically significant yet volatile bilateral partnerships in modern geopolitical history. The interaction between the two states has been shaped by shifting global power dynamics, regional security challenges, and evolving national priorities, making it an important subject of study within international relations and political history. Understanding these fluctuations provides valuable insight into broader patterns of alliance behavior and foreign policy adaptation.

Objective: This narrative review aims to examine the historical trajectory of U.S.–Pakistan relations from 1947 to 1999, with emphasis on the political, military, and strategic developments that shaped periods of cooperation and discord.

Main Discussion Points: The review highlights that bilateral relations were initially strong in the post-independence years, marked by multiple security agreements and mutual strategic alignment. Tensions emerged during the wars of 1962, 1965, and 1971, reflecting mismatched expectations and divergent security priorities. A significant revitalization occurred during the Cold War era (1979–1989), when both states collaborated against Soviet expansion in Afghanistan. However, relations deteriorated again in the late 1980s and 1990s following U.S. sanctions linked to Pakistan’s nuclear program, illustrating the cyclical nature of the partnership.

Conclusion: Overall, the review finds that U.S.–Pakistan relations are characterized by recurrent shifts between strategic convergence and conflict, driven largely by changing geopolitical interests rather than stable long-term commitments. Further research is needed to understand the deeper structural factors underpinning these fluctuations and their implications for future policy.