The Idea of Pakistan Book

When the British partitioned their India, the Muslims purported to believe in what was known as the "Two-nation theory:" the idea that the Muslims of the subcontinent, because of the sharp differences between them and the majority Hindu communities, constituted a separate nation, which would be founded in the Muslim-majority regions of India. Hence today, we have Pakistan: a country which barely functions on the civil or political level, somewhat riven by ethnic and regional divides, but supported by a very capable military, which is indeed the only really competent component of the Pakistani state. A veritable army with a country. Professor Cohen closely examines the historical background of this weak yet powerful nuclear-armed entity, with emphasis on the roles of the army, politics (highly corrupt and basically inept), Islam and how demographics (the country already has a population of 200 million), education (weak and almost non-functional, except for the religious schools) and the economy (flat-lining, except for the textile sector) impinge on Pakistan's future. As America's foremost expert on South Asian security affairs, Cohen's assessment is not optimistic, and it is obvious as to why not. While slightly dated, this book will fill in any gaps you might have on the importance and weaknesses of this strategic country.