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Religion, Culture, and Public Life
Pakistan at the Crossroads: Domestic Dynamics and External Pressures
In Pakistan at the Crossroads , top international scholars assess Pakistan's politics and economics and the challenges faced by its civil and military leaders domestically and diplomatically. Contributors examine the state's handling of internal threats, tensions between civilians and the military, strategies of political parties, police and law enforcement reform, trends in judicial activism, the rise of border conflicts, economic challenges, financial entanglements with foreign powers, and diplomatic relations with India, China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, and the United States.
In addition to ethnic strife in Baluchistan and Karachi, terrorist violence in Pakistan in response to the American-led military intervention in Afghanistan and in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas by means of drones, as well as to Pakistani army operations in the Pashtun area, has reached an unprecedented level. There is a growing consensus among state leaders that the nation's main security threats may come not from India but from its spiraling internal conflicts, though this realization may not sufficiently dissuade the Pakistani army from targeting the country's largest neighbor. This volume is therefore critical to grasping the sophisticated interplay of internal and external forces complicating the country's recent trajectory.
In addition to ethnic strife in Baluchistan and Karachi, terrorist violence in Pakistan in response to the American-led military intervention in Afghanistan and in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas by means of drones, as well as to Pakistani army operations in the Pashtun area, has reached an unprecedented level. There is a growing consensus among state leaders that the nation's main security threats may come not from India but from its spiraling internal conflicts, though this realization may not sufficiently dissuade the Pakistani army from targeting the country's largest neighbor. This volume is therefore critical to grasping the sophisticated interplay of internal and external forces complicating the country's recent trajectory.
360 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2016
59 people are currently reading
873 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 28, 2018
One line reaction: "One of the best book on Pakistan; highly recommended for those who want to understand inner dimensions of Pakistani sociopolitical landscape and how it sees rest of the world".
It is a common perspective that Pakistan is treading its way towards being a 'failed state', becoming, day by day, fragile and is under clandestine authoritarianism of military. This book explains why this common perspective is based on superficial understanding of the facts.
Book is divided into two potions,
First part contains essays about the 'Domestic Dynamics' of the country, covering topics from civil-military relations to security challenges; from judiciary to economical challenges it is currently facing.
Second part (I personally found this more revealing) deal with the foreign relations of Pakistan. It elucidates why Pakistan, despite the differences with Afghan government, is indispensable for Afghanistan; Why US-Pakistan relations experience severe ups and downs every decade or so. It also sheds light on why China is more dear to Pakistan and its people than US despite the fact that US has provided more aid and support to Pakistan.
I totally endorse comment of Anatol Lieven: "Pakistan at the Crossroads is a fresh and important contribution to the understanding of Pakistan."
It is a common perspective that Pakistan is treading its way towards being a 'failed state', becoming, day by day, fragile and is under clandestine authoritarianism of military. This book explains why this common perspective is based on superficial understanding of the facts.
Book is divided into two potions,
First part contains essays about the 'Domestic Dynamics' of the country, covering topics from civil-military relations to security challenges; from judiciary to economical challenges it is currently facing.
Second part (I personally found this more revealing) deal with the foreign relations of Pakistan. It elucidates why Pakistan, despite the differences with Afghan government, is indispensable for Afghanistan; Why US-Pakistan relations experience severe ups and downs every decade or so. It also sheds light on why China is more dear to Pakistan and its people than US despite the fact that US has provided more aid and support to Pakistan.
I totally endorse comment of Anatol Lieven: "Pakistan at the Crossroads is a fresh and important contribution to the understanding of Pakistan."
February 27, 2020
This book brings together a plethora of articles, addressing different key issues, and external and internal challenges faced by modern day Pakistan. After reading several books on Pakistan's political and Military history, this book presented fresh facts from the current scenario of political atmosphere in Pakistan. The 10 Chapters, written by different authors, shed light on Pakistan military and it's stance towards democracy, political parties (specifially PPP, PMLN, PTI, JI & their ways), Judiciary, terrorism and turmoil happening in the frontier province, internal security issues, economy, Pak-Afghan Relations, US- Pakistan relations under Obama, and foreign policy towards China, Iran and Saudi Arabia.
The book deserves much praise for it is written in simple language, delineating the various facets of Pakistan. However the book should have an essay about India and Pakistan dealing with various facets.
The book deserves much praise for it is written in simple language, delineating the various facets of Pakistan. However the book should have an essay about India and Pakistan dealing with various facets.
July 1, 2020
Finally finished Pakistan at the Crossroads by Christophe Jaffrelot.
Rating: 5/5
The book is basically a compilation of different essays/research papers/articles. Experts from different backgrounds wrote about the external and internal dimensions of Pakistan's politics.
Pakistan at the Crossroads is divided into two parts:
1 - The Domestic Part: Everything related to domestic politics is discussed in this part. The role of the military, judiciary, political parties, and other internal actors is thoroughly discussed (not in great detail but makes the point).
You can call the first part a trip down the memory lane for us because we had experienced almost everything that's written in the first part. Nothing much to learn in this section but definitely worth reading. Pakistan came a long way defeating some of the major threats Alhumdulillah.
2 - The International Part: This discusses the relations and a brief history with Afghanistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United States. This is my favorite part of the book and I hope to revisit it soon. Highly informative!
This is a book especially for those who are interesting in learning about Pakistan and do not want to study volumes of history. A 300 pages book is enough for them to understand how Pakistan came into being. What happened in the initial years and then in the 70s, 80s, and 2000s and why we are here.
Excellent read and highly recommended. I would call it a masterpiece!
Rating: 5/5
The book is basically a compilation of different essays/research papers/articles. Experts from different backgrounds wrote about the external and internal dimensions of Pakistan's politics.
Pakistan at the Crossroads is divided into two parts:
1 - The Domestic Part: Everything related to domestic politics is discussed in this part. The role of the military, judiciary, political parties, and other internal actors is thoroughly discussed (not in great detail but makes the point).
You can call the first part a trip down the memory lane for us because we had experienced almost everything that's written in the first part. Nothing much to learn in this section but definitely worth reading. Pakistan came a long way defeating some of the major threats Alhumdulillah.
2 - The International Part: This discusses the relations and a brief history with Afghanistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United States. This is my favorite part of the book and I hope to revisit it soon. Highly informative!
This is a book especially for those who are interesting in learning about Pakistan and do not want to study volumes of history. A 300 pages book is enough for them to understand how Pakistan came into being. What happened in the initial years and then in the 70s, 80s, and 2000s and why we are here.
Excellent read and highly recommended. I would call it a masterpiece!
August 14, 2019
To review a book akin this is not easy, the complexity of internal affairs mixed with mired external relationships have made the state a more complex tinderbox, and in a cyclic manner it keeps on repeating itself again and again.
The instability of successive civilian governments and ineptness caused the overthrow by military which imposed and inducted Pakistan state in a unintended quagmire.
The need of Pakistan is to produce parity in relationship with other states and rely on exports rather aid. Because a State that is economically sovereign has more standing point among nations.
Its an excellent piece of work and recommend book for critically thinking and thinking beyond national propaganda.
The instability of successive civilian governments and ineptness caused the overthrow by military which imposed and inducted Pakistan state in a unintended quagmire.
The need of Pakistan is to produce parity in relationship with other states and rely on exports rather aid. Because a State that is economically sovereign has more standing point among nations.
Its an excellent piece of work and recommend book for critically thinking and thinking beyond national propaganda.
July 14, 2018
You cannot say Christophe Jaffrelot has authored the book rather it is a compilation of research papers arranging them chapter-wise. A prolific book on understanding nature of Pakistani state being an ideological state to garrison state, and terror to client and pivotal state. A chapter is devoted to explain how it became client of America, then Middle East and now China. It also helps in understanding different social dynamics of different regions determining political developments... A worth reading book on Pakistan; its institutions, society and politics.
October 7, 2019
well researched and somewhat unbiased. some sections are analytically binary and inconclusive.
September 3, 2021
Book: Pakistan At The Crossroads.
Edited by: Christophe Japherlot.
Review: Pakistan is the country blessed with the strategic location. And from time to time, it has taken advantage of this factor. First by assisting United Sates againt the Russian invasion of Afghanistan. Then through its participation as a linchpin in global war against terrorism.
As a result, it has been exposed to many grave problems, both the international and domestic.
Pakistan At The Crossroad is the book that presents a detailed study of such problems faced by Pakistan and also the driving factors and grave repercussions caused by them. Edited by Christophe Jafferlot, it contains essays by veteran scholars on various topics like role of judiciary and law enforcement agencies, problems at the frontier, role of poltical parties and Pakistan's relation with superpowers like China and U.S.
After reading the book, one will definately find it as an encyclopedia of problems and threats faced by Pakistan from it's inception to modern times.
Edited by: Christophe Japherlot.
Review: Pakistan is the country blessed with the strategic location. And from time to time, it has taken advantage of this factor. First by assisting United Sates againt the Russian invasion of Afghanistan. Then through its participation as a linchpin in global war against terrorism.
As a result, it has been exposed to many grave problems, both the international and domestic.
Pakistan At The Crossroad is the book that presents a detailed study of such problems faced by Pakistan and also the driving factors and grave repercussions caused by them. Edited by Christophe Jafferlot, it contains essays by veteran scholars on various topics like role of judiciary and law enforcement agencies, problems at the frontier, role of poltical parties and Pakistan's relation with superpowers like China and U.S.
After reading the book, one will definately find it as an encyclopedia of problems and threats faced by Pakistan from it's inception to modern times.
July 20, 2017
It is a compilation of articles on domestic and international dimensions of Pakistan. A must read for those who want to comprehend the various areas of Pakistani state ranging from civil-military relations to media and it's relations with the US, Afghanistan, China and India. A chapter is also allocated to Pakistan's relations with Saudi-Iran rather who is influencing more Pakistan in domestic and international arena. A great read, indeed. Peace.
November 30, 2025
This book provides a great explanation of the history of pakistan. While you can disagree with its recommendations on how to fix problems in the country it does provide a good account of how things are. What it’s missing is the anthropological angle to see language, culture and “baradri” or kinship affect the country. For this I recommend “a hard country” by Anatol. With these two books together l, you and your bros are sure to learn a lot about Pakistan.
March 19, 2021
I wanted to read this book to get a comprehensive as well as objective overview of Pakistan. Before reading it, my knowledge on the topic has been based on local and international newspaper and some state-owned narrative I had read in my student life. Because of the lack of my exposure to some of the facts, this book at times became hard to swallow for me given that I grew up there and have a strong affinity for the country.
From comprehension point of view, the book deserves 5 stars. The books discusses various topics from various angles, examples being domestic politics in light of democracy vs military rule, internal struggles of power between institutions such as judiciary, democratic governments and military, and structural issues in institutes responsible for law and order. It also goes in the depth of long standing border conflicts with Afghanistan and India and how regional and international politics is impacting the policies of the establishment. Therefore 5 stars for the breadth.
Objectivity is difficult as every writer (or every human for that matter) has intrinsic biases and they also could be observed in the each essay (yes, the book is a collection of essays written by various writers). In fact, one can easily see the lens through which each writer approaches the topic and which topic he/she addresses. That being said, it was still much more objective than what I have been used to reading in private and public media outlets, both national and international. Here the long list of references with each writing was my measure of writer’s credibility. I would give it a four for objectivity.
Some of the writings are not very reader friendly and have been written in an academic tone (which was a pain for me to follow while reading late at nights and I wonder if the writers take some sort of joy out of such misery they bring upon their readers, if not also to themselves. So a 3 star for a few essays with hard-to-follow writing styles.
All in all, I would recommend it to readers who want to get a bigger picture of country’s current and future challenges and the complexities behind them.
From comprehension point of view, the book deserves 5 stars. The books discusses various topics from various angles, examples being domestic politics in light of democracy vs military rule, internal struggles of power between institutions such as judiciary, democratic governments and military, and structural issues in institutes responsible for law and order. It also goes in the depth of long standing border conflicts with Afghanistan and India and how regional and international politics is impacting the policies of the establishment. Therefore 5 stars for the breadth.
Objectivity is difficult as every writer (or every human for that matter) has intrinsic biases and they also could be observed in the each essay (yes, the book is a collection of essays written by various writers). In fact, one can easily see the lens through which each writer approaches the topic and which topic he/she addresses. That being said, it was still much more objective than what I have been used to reading in private and public media outlets, both national and international. Here the long list of references with each writing was my measure of writer’s credibility. I would give it a four for objectivity.
Some of the writings are not very reader friendly and have been written in an academic tone (which was a pain for me to follow while reading late at nights and I wonder if the writers take some sort of joy out of such misery they bring upon their readers, if not also to themselves. So a 3 star for a few essays with hard-to-follow writing styles.
All in all, I would recommend it to readers who want to get a bigger picture of country’s current and future challenges and the complexities behind them.
March 14, 2023
Plot ⭐⭐⭐
Phraseology ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Theme⭐⭐⭐
Diction ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pakistan at the Crossroads by Christophe Jaffrelot is a comprehensive and insightful analysis of Pakistan's political, social, and economic history since its inception in 1947. The author, a renowned expert on South Asian politics, provides a critical examination of the country's major political events and power struggles, as well as its complex social and religious dynamics.
The book begins by discussing the factors that led to the creation of Pakistan and the subsequent challenges faced by the country. It then delves into the political history of Pakistan, examining the various military coups, democratic transitions, and the rise of Islamic extremism. Jaffrelot also provides an in-depth analysis of Pakistan's civil-military relations, the role of the judiciary, and the country's foreign policy.
One of the most significant strengths of the book is Jaffrelot's exploration of the complex dynamics between Pakistan's different religious and ethnic communities. He provides a nuanced analysis of the role of Islam in Pakistani society and politics and how it has influenced the country's politics and society. Additionally, Jaffrelot delves into the various sectarian and ethnic conflicts that have plagued the country, including the Baloch insurgency and the ongoing Kashmir conflict.
The writing style is clear and engaging, and he supports his arguments with a wealth of data and evidence. The book is well-researched and draws on a variety of sources, including interviews with key political players and intellectuals. Overall, "Pakistan at the Crossroads" is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding Pakistan's complex political, social, and religious dynamics. Jaffrelot's insights and analysis are invaluable for policymakers, academics, and anyone interested in South Asian politics.
Phraseology ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Theme⭐⭐⭐
Diction ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pakistan at the Crossroads by Christophe Jaffrelot is a comprehensive and insightful analysis of Pakistan's political, social, and economic history since its inception in 1947. The author, a renowned expert on South Asian politics, provides a critical examination of the country's major political events and power struggles, as well as its complex social and religious dynamics.
The book begins by discussing the factors that led to the creation of Pakistan and the subsequent challenges faced by the country. It then delves into the political history of Pakistan, examining the various military coups, democratic transitions, and the rise of Islamic extremism. Jaffrelot also provides an in-depth analysis of Pakistan's civil-military relations, the role of the judiciary, and the country's foreign policy.
One of the most significant strengths of the book is Jaffrelot's exploration of the complex dynamics between Pakistan's different religious and ethnic communities. He provides a nuanced analysis of the role of Islam in Pakistani society and politics and how it has influenced the country's politics and society. Additionally, Jaffrelot delves into the various sectarian and ethnic conflicts that have plagued the country, including the Baloch insurgency and the ongoing Kashmir conflict.
The writing style is clear and engaging, and he supports his arguments with a wealth of data and evidence. The book is well-researched and draws on a variety of sources, including interviews with key political players and intellectuals. Overall, "Pakistan at the Crossroads" is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding Pakistan's complex political, social, and religious dynamics. Jaffrelot's insights and analysis are invaluable for policymakers, academics, and anyone interested in South Asian politics.
December 27, 2021
In Pakistan at the Crossroads, top international scholars assess Pakistan's politics and economics and the challenges faced by its civil and military leaders domestically and diplomatically. Contributors examine the state's handling of internal threats, tensions between civilians and the military, strategies of political parties, police and law enforcement reform, trends in judicial activism, the rise of border conflicts, economic challenges, financial entanglements with foreign powers, and diplomatic relations with India, China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, and the United States.
one of the best books I read. the author very keenly divided it into two parts. first part deals with national affairs and second part deals with international affairs and relations of the country
one of the best books I read. the author very keenly divided it into two parts. first part deals with national affairs and second part deals with international affairs and relations of the country
November 24, 2025
A really good book as an introduction to Pakistan's politics, internal dynamic and foreign relation. The chapters which especially stood out to me were the Afghanistan one and the Us one
but it still had two problems which are usually found with books on Pakistan. It tends to show on the last chapter only Indian perspective and its clearly not neutral. It treats modi as a neutral stoic leader although he is a far-right politician who did not stop Gujrat riots. and it quite literally ignores Pakistans internal nationalist issues.
but it still had two problems which are usually found with books on Pakistan. It tends to show on the last chapter only Indian perspective and its clearly not neutral. It treats modi as a neutral stoic leader although he is a far-right politician who did not stop Gujrat riots. and it quite literally ignores Pakistans internal nationalist issues.
April 7, 2018
Book deals with pakistan internal and external issues. In Internal issue it discusses judiciary and police he highlights valid problems but his solution to the problems are not that much sound. In external issues as for as pak-Afghan and Pak -india his approach is slightly biased. How ever if some one wants to know the problems which pakistan are facing i will recommend pakistan at the cross roads.
June 1, 2024
Just finished reading this book. It is a really good book to understand the internal and external dynamics of Pakistan after independence. It highlights the initial challenges of Pakistan, military coups, foreign relations and other important aspects. Moreover it provides detailed information about Soviet-Afghan war and US war on terror characterising different challenges associated with it.
I recommend this book for everyone to understand different aspects challenges and dynamics of Pakistan.
I recommend this book for everyone to understand different aspects challenges and dynamics of Pakistan.
December 19, 2019
It’s the masterpiece in which specialised authors points out the factors that shape politics,economy and administration of Pakistan. Some writers suggested how Pakistan can overcome its perennial economic and political problems by investing energy and time on the fronts that aren’t yet exploited to its potential.
May 22, 2018
A compilation of some of the best essays on the critical issues Pakistan is facing in recent times. Nearly every essay has been written precisely with solid material and excellent composition.
A must read for current affairs enthusiasts.
A must read for current affairs enthusiasts.
April 2, 2019
This is a collection of academic works by different authors. Academic books are normally not so easy to read if you do not have interest in the subject. This book is good refresher guide for anyone (especially social science scholars) wanting to know about contemporary Pakistan vis-a-vis politics, military, and economics.
January 11, 2024
Though a little dated; but an excellent and balanced account on Pakistan. I really enjoyed learning the genesis of Pakistan becoming a client state to US. China’s relationship with Pakistan has been very well explained. A great read
November 14, 2025
An informative collection of Essays on topics like civil-military relations, operational dynamics of political parties, judicial organ and it's activism (especially under Iftikhar Chaudhry's court of law), internal security issues, economics and relations with neighboring states.
Want to read
November 10, 2019It's A great book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2020
Great book, great efforts, Jaffrelot nailed it.
June 23, 2020
A collection of articles from scholars possessing a deep understanding of and insights into Pakistani affairs.
November 12, 2020
Undoubtedly it is a great book to understand how Pakistan has been acting domestically and developing relationships internationally.
January 6, 2022
Great criticism on the foreign policy of Pakistan
March 7, 2022
Good read. Gives s good insight into Pakistan. However Indo-Pak relations is barely touched upon
July 1, 2022
Understanding Pakistan at External and Internal fronts through the lens of nationalism, regionalism, religion, domestically and internationally sometime militarial rule.
January 17, 2023
Quite a good explanation of everything that's wrong with Pakistan
October 22, 2023
Very well written.
October 8, 2024
Beautifully written book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews