Time to evolve a strategic culture in Pakistan

Pakistan’s strategic significance is an avowed reality but despite its edge over other South Asian countries in terms of its geographical and geopolitical location, one doesn’t see the evolution and formation of strategic culture which can deal with issues and challenges faced by this country in the economic, political, security and environmental arenas.

According to renowned British strategic thinker and international relations theorist Ken Booth, “The concept of strategic culture refers to a nation’s traditions, values, attitudes, patterns of behaviour, habits, symbols, achievements and particular ways of adapting to the environment and solving problems with respect to the threat or use of force.” Strategic culture also means an approach to identify and achieve short- and long-term goals and the methodology to protect one’s vital interests. Viewing in the landscape of Pakistan, which is strategically located and remained a frontline state for the United States all the way since 1950s till 9/11, one can observe naiveness, confusion and bewilderment in identifying the country’s national interests and national security. The absence of a coherent, clear and consistent strategic thinking on domestic and foreign policy matters reflects the lack of strategic culture in Pakistan where decision-makers in the domain of economy, security, education, environment and foreign policy are unable to meet challenges today.

Strategic culture cannot be established in a vacuum unless there is a meaningful thought process at the state and non-state levels on issues which are termed critical and vital for the survival, development and progress of a country. When an ordinary person is equipped with the power of imagination, clarity and goals to be accomplished in a tactful manner, it reflects his or her strategic mind. In societies where the pursuit of education, information and knowledge is entrenched and the process of research is sustainable, quality of life is guaranteed and the state is not fragile, failing or failed.

Strategic culture reflects how competent, intelligent and perceptive the leadership of a country is. A mediocre or below mediocre leadership reflects a lack of strategic culture of that state. When the focus is not on following proper work ethics and there is a lack of a professional approach to deal with issues, it means there is an absence of strategic minds. The secret of success of the developed world and some developing countries is the pursuit of an approach by people and the leadership which adheres to the principles of time management, tact, courage, risk taking, right kind of decisions, intelligence and vision.

If a country is blessed with people and state actors who are not only educated but also intelligent, honest, responsible, bold and tactful in their way of doing things, one can be sure of economic vibrancy, political stability and comprehensive security being assured to the people. A sound strategic culture is reflected in the country’s GDP, vibrant exports, per capita income, the quality of life of people in terms of their access to clean and safe drinking water, electricity, respectable public transport, and better educational and health facilities.

As far as Pakistan is concerned, there exists a myopic view about strategic culture — a lack of proper awareness at the grassroots and other levels about establishing a culture which should ideally reflect a strategic mind in terms of seeking a robust economy, political stability, good governance and a positive sense of understanding about bright future of the country. Rampant corruption, inefficiency, political polarisation, extremism, violence and terrorism means the absence of a strategic culture in Pakistan which augments a sense of pessimism about the present and the future of the country.

To transform the positives of Pakistan in the form of a strategic culture is an uphill task and would have three requirements to be fulfilled.

First, the role of education and institutions is fundamental in creating a strategic mind particularly among the youth so that they are able to deal with and resolve issues which tend to deteriorate their social and economic conditions. Institutions dealing with domestic and foreign policy issues and challenges should be led by people who are competent, honest, clear-headed, professional and visionary in their approach and can effectively cope with crises which have engulfed Pakistan today. There are policy-oriented think tanks, particularly in Islamabad, which could have made a difference in dealing with issues of governance, economic crisis, political instability, environmental challenges and threats to the country’s security emanating from inside and outside. But the reality is just the opposite. Universities and think tanks can certainly play a leadership role in giving knowledgeable and analytical input to policymakers on how Pakistan can deal with its economic predicament and emerge as an economic power house. The linkage between strategic culture and economy is fundamental because no country can progress and emerge as a successful state unless its economy is in good shape. Strategic minds can certainly help in suggesting practical measures to quadruple the exports of Pakistan in the coming five years; double GDP, per capita income and remittances from overseas Pakistanis; and remove impediments which obstruct economic growth.

Second, a peaceful and conducive work-oriented environment is imperative to promote strategic culture in Pakistan. In a situation where there is a lack of focus, commitment and ownership for the country, one can expect mediocre and below mediocre people gaining influence thus ruining the country’s economy, business, education, politics and foreign policy. The right kind of environment imperative for a vibrant strategic culture in Pakistan would require emphasis on running institutions related to governance, rule of law, economy, foreign policy, education, communications and medicine by maintaining a higher degree of standard, accountability and proper work ethics.

Third, strategic culture should not only be limited to national interest and national security but should be tandem in nature by incorporating all segments of security encompassing domestic and foreign policy issues. It is time a prejudiced view of security is discarded and a scientific approach to address core human security issues, namely the quality of life of people by ensuring clean and safe drinking water, uninterrupted supply of utilities, respectable public transport, better educational and health facilities is the goal. Affordable costs of electricity and gas along with items of daily use namely wheat, sugar, vegetables, fruits and medicines to the people of Pakistan will ensure a healthy mind and body of people.

Such requirements are achievable provided the culture of Pakistan is work-oriented where the focus is on economic growth, progress and development along with a sense of responsibility, accountability and the rule of law. Had there been a vibrant strategic culture in Pakistan, the country would not have disintegrated in 1971; would have got Jammu & Kashmir; and effectively addressed the issues of extremism, violence and terrorism. The mess in Pakistan which is reflected in wastage of time and non-serious and non-professional attitude in different organisations has badly damaged not only the country’s economy, governance and education but also in the realm of foreign policy. Pakistan, in view of its serious economic, political, educational, governance and political crises cannot afford the luxury of periodic public meetings and strikes.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23^rd, 2020.

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