Publication

This paper examines the political challenges facing Pakistan since its return to civilian democracy in early 2008. These include 1) the patriarchal political system controlled by a narrow oligarchic elite; 2) the difficulty of establishing effective checks and balances and civilian control of the military; 3) the problems arising from a regionalization of politics; 4) the consequences of a perpetual financial crisis and dependence on external financial assistance; 5) rising militancy and sectarian violence; and 6) a shrinking state authority.