The History of British Diplomacy in Pakistan

This book provides a comprehensive account of the British diplomatic mission in Pakistan from 1947 to the 'War on Terror', highlighting key events and personalities and the influence and perspectives of individual diplomats. It demonstrates that Britain maintained a diplomatic influence out of proportion to its economic and military strength due to colonial-era ties of influence with bureaucrats, politicians, and army heads, sustained by the growth of a Pakistani Diaspora in Britain. Additionally, it illustrates that America's relationship with Pakistan was transactional, as the United States was able to provide Pakistan with the financial, military, and diplomatic support it desired.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 246 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book offers the first in-depth account of the British diplomatic mission in Pakistan, spanning from its establishment at the end of the Raj in 1947 to the 'War on Terror'. Drawing upon original documents and extensive interviews with key participants, the book delves into the pivotal events, influential personalities, and previously unexplored perspectives of individual diplomats. It sheds light on the significant changes in Britain's global standing and the international history of South Asia, highlighting the country's enduring diplomatic influence despite its relative economic and military strength.

The author suggests that Britain's impact in Pakistan was rooted in its colonial-era ties of influence with bureaucrats, politicians, and army heads, which were sustained by the growth of a Pakistani Diaspora in Britain. Additionally, the book illustrates that America's relationship with Pakistan was more transactional in nature, as the United States was better equipped than Britain to provide Pakistan with the financial, military, and diplomatic support it sought from the mid-1950s onwards.

A timely and insightful analysis, this book appeals to scholars and researchers in the fields of South Asian History and Politics, International Relations, British and American Diplomacy, Security Studies, Cold War Politics, History, and Area Studies. It provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of British-Pakistani relations and their broader implications for regional and global security.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367542610