This article discusses the recent changes in US-Pakistani relations as they have manifested in recent negotiations between the two countries. Recently, the negotiations have become much more productive because Pakistan actually seems committed to fighting the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. As a result, relations between Pakistan and the US have moved away from the "one f-16 in exchange for one Al-Qaeda terrorist" that dominated this relationship in the past. The real concern now is Pakistani and Indian relations, especially Pakistan's use of extremist organizations to achieve foreign policy goals (weakening India, for example).
This article posed another challenge for Realism because of the importance of non-government entities to the relationship between India and Pakistan. Pakistan's use of extremist organizations (like Lashkar-e-Toiba) to achieve foreign policy goals, with their decreased accountability, is an example of this.
I agree that the role of transnational groups in US and Pakistan relations also contradicts Realism. Both in Pakistan's utilization of these groups, and the importance of combating terrorism in US-Pakistan relations. In terms of economic relations, while the US devotes billions to Pakistan, they are not willing to allow economic concessions such as lowering tariffs on Pakistani textiles. To promote prosperity with in Pakistan, developed nations like the US should promote policies that would ensure lasting economic growth. Also, while Pakistan is being more open about their demands, the US is still unwilling to radically change their foreign policy towards Pakistan.
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