Pakistan Economic and Social Review Volume 49, No. 1 (Summer 2011), pp. 109-132

SECURITY GAME: SEATO and CENTO as Instrument of Economic and Military Assistance to Encircle Pakistan

M. JABEEN and M. S. MAZHAR*

Abstract. Nations having common interests and objectives are impelled to enter into regional pacts to secure themselves from internal and external threats. A state seeks ways and means of self-defense but, in case of common threats, a state tries to make a common cause to align other states against it. Common ideology is also important factor, sometimes persuades nations to enter into pacts to secure their interests. Common racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds are normally helpful in inducing states to build regional arrangements. In 1950s, SEATO and CENTO were formulated by the US to secure the Asian region from the threat of communism. Pakistan aligned itself with the US and favoured American policies designed to frustrate the objectives of the Soviet Union. Pakistan was primarily interested in settling the Kashmir issue and preserving its security in the face of Indian aggression. Both economic and military aid tempted Pakistan to join these military alliances since India was better off militarily and financially. The paper has explored cast and benefits of these alliances and role of Pakistani leadership under the American sphere of influence. American policy towards the region is also discussed.

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*The authors are, respectively, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations, University of Sargodha, Sargodha (Pakistan), and Director, Centre for South Asian Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore-54590 (Pakistan).