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Synopsis
If Pakistan is to preserve all that is good about its country - the generosity and hospitality of its people, the dynamism of its youth - it must face the deterioration of its social and political institutions. Sidestepping easy headlines to identify Pakistan's true dangers, this volume revisits the major turning points and trends of Pakistani history over the past six decades, focusing on the increasing entrenchment of Pakistan's army in its political and economic arenas; the complex role of Islam in public life; the tensions between central and local identities and democratic impulses; and the effect of geopolitical influences on domestic policy and development. While Ian Talbot's study centres on Pakistan's many failures - the collapse of stable governance, the drop in positive political and economic development, and, most of all, the unrealised goal of securing a separate Muslim state - his book unequivocally affirms the country's potential for a positive reawakening. These failures were not preordained, Talbot argues, and such a fatalistic reading does not respect the complexity of historical events, individual actors, and the state's own rich resources.
While he acknowledges grave crises still lie ahead for Pakistan, Talbot's sensitive historical approach makes it clear that favourable opportunities still remain for Pakistan, in which the state has a chance to reclaim its priorities and institutions and reestablish political and economic sustainability. New & Used
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What Reviewers Are Saying
'Understanding Pakistan's complicated past is integral to grasping why long-standing observers of Pakistan such as Talbot are still able to identify the opportunities within the country alongside the obstacles that need to be overcome before Pakistan's potential can be fully realized. As Pakistan's troubles seem to be getting worse, this timely volume not only helps shed light on some of the reasons why that is, but also explains in depth how Pakistan can still steer itself into a more positive direction through much needed structural reforms.'--International Affairs 'In this work of interpretation Talbot builds on his earlier historical analyses of Pakistan. He reflects on the entrenchment of the army in politics; the issues surrounding the role of Islam in public life; the tensions between centralising tendencies and local identities; and the impact of geopolitics on internal development. In doing so he lays bare failures of governance, economic and political development. He concludes that the security crisis may not be the worst that Pakistan will have to face; more serious threats lie in population and environmental pressures. Talbot's judgements are balanced and his words authoritative.' - - Francis Robinson, Professor of the History of South Asia, Royal Holloway, University of London 'An invaluable guide for navigating and understanding Pakistan's complex, byzantine politics. Talbot brings extraordinary understanding and empathy in analysing the trials and tribulations of Pakistan's political experience. No other contemporary history of Pakistan comes anywhere near Talbot's understanding and detail of its challenges and missed opportunities.' - Maleeha Lodhi, former Pakistani Ambassador to the US and editor of Pakistan: Beyond the 'Crisis' State 'This is an excellent overview of Pakistan's troubled past and uncertain future. Professor Ian Talbot provides a judicious, informed and incisive account of a polity that has defied standard explanations. A work of exceptional quality that is a must read for everyone seriously interested in Pakistan's history and politics.' - - Gurharpal Singh, Dean , Faculty of Arts and Humanities, SOAS