Levers the US Can Pull in Pakistan

James Critique

The minimally acceptable end state is satisfactory, and the optimal end state indicates sufficient application of objectives to the issue. To enhance the optimal end state, some discussion on the severance of Pakistani-Chinese relations might be warranted. The questions, as you note, however, are a matter of what levers the US might pull to steer Pakistan away from China.

The fact is that the US has a complicated relationship with Pakistan. On the one hand, Pakistan is an important ally in the fight against terrorism. On the other hand, Pakistan has been accused of harboring terrorist groups and supporting attacks on US troops in Afghanistan. In recent years, Pakistan has also been cozying up to China, which has led to concerns about Chinese influence in the region.

There are a number of ways that the US can steer Pakistan away from China and back into the fold. First, the US could provide more economic assistance to Pakistan. This would help Pakistan to improve its infrastructure and boost its economy, making it less reliant on China. Second, the US could increase military assistance to Pakistan. This would help Pakistan to feel more secure and less likely to turn to China for help. Finally, the US could work with India to improve relations between the two countries. This would put pressure on Pakistan to choose between its two allies, and it is more likely that Pakistan would choose the US over China if given the choice.