The West and the Birth of Bangladesh: Foreign Policy in the Face of Mass Atrocity

In 1971, Islamabad committed mass atrocities in East Pakistan to suppress autonomy. The West and the Birth of Bangladesh examines the decision-making processes and ethical debates in Washington, Ottawa, and London during the crisis. US president Richard Nixon and national security advisor Henry Kissinger favored appeasement, while the Canadian government refused to risk bilateral ties. Only the UK showed greater willingness to coerce Islamabad.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: University of British Columbia Press

In 1971, a tragic chapter unfolded in East Pakistan, as authorities in Islamabad resorted to widespread atrocities to suppress a struggle for autonomy. Their strategy involved terrorizing the local population, seeking to force submission through fear. This brutal campaign aimed to undermine the aspirations of the people seeking self-determination.

The West and the Birth of Bangladesh delves into the critical decision-making processes and ethical debates that took place in Washington, Ottawa, and London during the initial months of this crisis. US President Richard Nixon and his national security advisor, Henry Kissinger, initially favored appeasement of Islamabad, hoping to resolve the situation peacefully. However, the Canadian government, mindful of the potential risks to bilateral ties with Pakistan, chose a cautious approach. It was only the UK that demonstrated a somewhat greater willingness to coerce Islamabad into ending its oppressive actions under public pressure.

Richard Pilkington, in his comprehensive analysis, explores the interplay of US, Canadian, and British responses toward East Pakistan and the available policy options. This insightful book sheds light on how, even as human rights movements began to gain momentum in the West, government actors there remained preoccupied with safeguarding national interests, often at the expense of taking firm action during the crisis.

The events of 1971 in East Pakistan serve as a stark reminder of the importance of human rights and the need for governments to prioritize the well-being and dignity of their citizens. The book highlights the complexities of international relations and the challenges faced by policymakers when dealing with crises that transcend national boundaries. It encourages readers to reflect on the lessons learned from this historical episode and to advocate for a more compassionate and principled approach to conflict resolution and human rights.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780774861984