The Consortium for Asia Pacific Studies (CAPS) in Pakistan is established to realign academic and policy discourse with the shifting dynamics of global power. A transition which is characterized by the shift of global center of gravity from West to the East. Yet, Pakistan’s foreign policy and academic discourse in international relations have not corresponded to this tectonic transformation. Despite a multitude of statements on the importance of Asia-Pacific in our foreign policy, including the Vision East Asia initiative declared in 2003, these commitments have largely been rhetorical.
As far as national research focus is concerned, the only time ASEAN finds a mention in our academic discourse is when it is contrasted with SAARC as a success story. We must admit that even within our own research eco-system, the emphasis on Asia-Pacific studies remains peripheral. Such limited academic attention reflects our general tendency to overlook the Asia-Pacific region.
This neglect becomes more striking when we look at the narratives emerging from our state-funded think tanks and academic institutions. Too often, they oscillate between focusing on the high-politics between the United States and China, thereby missing the essential roles of middle and small powers within the Asia-Pacific. These nations play critical parts in the fabric of the region, from economic cooperation to security alliances, and hold keys to regional stability. To ignore small and middle powers in the Asia Pacific is to overlook potential partnerships and avenues for Pakistan in a region of vital global significance. see more…
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