THE CHALLENGES OF CONTEMPORARY ERA IN PAK-US RELATIONS

Abstract

Pakistan–United States (Pak–US) relations have long been characterized by fluctuating patterns of cooperation and conflict shaped by shifting global priorities, security concerns, and economic interests. In the contemporary era, new geopolitical realities, technological transformations, and security challenges have further complicated this bilateral relationship. This study aims to examine the key challenges affecting Pak–US relations in the 21st century, focusing on political, economic, and strategic dimensions to better understand the evolving nature of their partnership.

Despite historical alliances, the relationship between Pakistan and the United States remains fragile due to mutual distrust, policy divergences on regional security, and changing global alignments. The problem addressed in this research is the identification and quantification of the major factors contributing to the instability and challenges in Pak–US relations in the contemporary period.

This study adopts a quantitative research approach using a structured survey administered to 150 respondents, including scholars, policymakers, and international relations experts. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were applied to analyze the data, measuring perceptions of political trust, economic cooperation, counterterrorism collaboration, and diplomatic engagement.

The results indicate that strategic mistrust, inconsistent foreign policies, and imbalance in economic cooperation are the most significant challenges in contemporary Pak–US relations. The data also reveal a moderate level of optimism among respondents regarding the potential for improved relations through enhanced diplomatic dialogue and mutual policy alignment.

The findings underscore the need for renewed diplomatic frameworks and policy consistency to foster sustainable engagement between Pakistan and the United States. The study contributes to the understanding of modern bilateral challenges and provides empirical evidence to guide future policy and academic discourse.