From Geopolitics to Geoeconomics: Is Pakistan's Strategic Shift Sustainable?
Abstract
The evolving international system is increasingly characterized by economic interdependence, strategic connectivity, technological competition, and the growing use of economic instruments as tools of statecraft. While traditional geopolitical considerations continue to influence interstate relations, economic resilience, trade integration, infrastructure development, and investment flows have emerged as critical determinants of national power. In response to these changes, Pakistan has sought to recalibrate its strategic outlook by shifting from a predominantly geopolitical orientation toward a geoeconomic framework centered on economic security, regional connectivity, and sustainable development. This transition gained formal expression through Pakistan's National Security Policy (2022–2026), which identifies economic security as the foundation of comprehensive national security.
This article examines the rationale, opportunities, and challenges associated with Pakistan's geoeconomic transformation. It argues that the shift represents a necessary adaptation to changing global realities rather than a departure from traditional strategic concerns. Drawing upon contemporary debates on geoeconomics, economic security, and regional connectivity, the study evaluates the sustainability of Pakistan's geoeconomic agenda in light of domestic constraints, regional security dynamics, and evolving patterns of global competition. Particular attention is given to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), regional connectivity initiatives, economic diplomacy, climate security, and changing security architectures in the Middle East and South Asia. The article concludes that Pakistan's geoeconomic shift possesses considerable potential but requires sustained institutional reforms, political stability, improved governance, and regional cooperation to achieve long-term success.
Keywords: Geoeconomics, Pakistan Foreign Policy, Economic Security, CPEC, National Security Policy, Regional Connectivity, Economic Diplomacy, South Asia.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20580341
