Conference Presentations by Uzma Siraj
Liberal Arts & Social Science Journal, 2020
Pakistan is one among the countries terribly affected by the novel contagious disease named "COVI... more Pakistan is one among the countries terribly affected by the novel contagious disease named "COVID-19". The severe economic shortfall caused by the pandemic is likely to worsen the already frangible situation of political stability. A country of over 220 million people with a fragile democracy, brittle health system, and the sinking economy is vulnerable to the drastic politico-economic implications of COVID-19. Hence, the present study aims to analyze the politico-economic implications of this ongoing pandemic for Pakistan. Mixed-method research design has been employed to investigate the research question, as the only quantitative or qualitative analysis was not much appropriate to develop a better understanding of the problem investigated in the study. The simultaneous application of both the numerical and opinion-based data provided a comprehensive framework to reach logical findings. The study concludes that the inadequate health facilities and less coordinated response, along with a substantial decline in GDP, will make the post-pandemic scenario more challenging and cumbersome. The study suggests an integrated and coordinated approach to cope with this deadly phenomenon presently and to minimize the unfavourable implications in the future.
Eastern Europe Between Constraints, Coercion, and Opportunities: BRI and China Challenging Russia and EU in their Backyard
Books by Uzma Siraj
Pipelines Politics in Central Asia
Pipelines Politics in Central Asia, 2012
Papers by Uzma Siraj
Geo-economic and Geo-political Significance of QTTA in the Context of Regional Connectivity
IPS, 2021
Pakistan’s unique geographical position presents an important alternate route through China. Long... more Pakistan’s unique geographical position presents an important alternate route through China. Long before CPEC, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan signed Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement (QTTA) in 1995 to create a regional trade corridor between Pakistan and Central Asia through Chinese territory. Unfortunately, this project has not played any significant role in enhancing regional connectivity so far. Recently, the member states have shown some enthusiasm to develop this corridor and extend it to more Central Asian states.
Periphery Doctrine and Israel Relations with Central Asian States: A Normalized Perspective from Non-Arab Region
Islamophobia is a concept in which Muslims across the globe are considered vicious, savage, and s... more Islamophobia is a concept in which Muslims across the globe are considered vicious, savage, and second in class to others. Islamophobia was originated in western countries and this concept used by Europeans in various ways for instance, Islamophobia in the late 1990s was used by politicians and activists to draw attention to oratory actions towards the Muslim Community and Islam in general across the democratic west. Islamophobia as a phenomenon has been existing for a long time ago but it has increased since the 9/11 attack. The media showed negativity against Islam and painted a bad image of Muslims all across the globe spreading among the world whereas the media should've acted as a mediator between the Muslim global community and the West and instead they spread fear and hatred against the Muslims. The study is a qualitative based critical analysis of the concept of Islamophobia and the role played by western media in propagating this narrative. The research finds that media is the main forum where these anti-Muslim sentiments are originating and spread all over the world.
A state's national interests in cyberspace are typically expressed in national cyber security pol... more A state's national interests in cyberspace are typically expressed in national cyber security policies, which include cyber diplomacy as a means of achieving such interests. It is important to note that cyber diplomacy involves a wide variety of diplomatic objectives, including the establishment of communication and interaction between government and non-actors, the avoidance of a cyber arms race, and the formation of global standards. On top of that, it discusses changes in the way diplomats do their duties, as well as restructuring of various agencies and ministries in foreign affairs to accommodate new technology in diplomacy, such as cyber security. In the era of the internet and the use of social media, the old diplomatic tactics are replaced by a new and modified form named 'cyber diplomacy.' This qualitative document analysis critically focused on the issues of cyber diplomacy in which the internet and social media are playing their proactive roles in the changing dynamics of international affairs.
Central Asia
As modern world run on oil, the unprecedented rise in oil consumption during last century has gen... more As modern world run on oil, the unprecedented rise in oil consumption during last century has generated daunting energy security challenges for the oil producing states. It is simultaneously important for energy import dependent nations and exporting nations. However, exporting nations face some captious challenges. In former Soviet Republics, Kazakhstan is one of the richest oil producing state whose over reliance on rent generated by oil exports presents daunting energy security challenges for the states at internal and external levels. On the one hand, Kazakhstan’s economic development owes a great deal to the oil rent. On the other hand, it is also responsible for Kazakhstan’s struggle in establishing a strong democratic political system. In addition, generating rent income face severe security challenges at external level. The involvement of external powers in Kazakh oil sector, pipeline infrastructure and threats posed by non-state actors, make the whole scenario a great...
Iran–USA Relations: From Exceptionalism to Containment Policy
Journal of Asian Security and International Affairs, 2022
Since making it out as the most powerful nation following the Second World War, Washington has de... more Since making it out as the most powerful nation following the Second World War, Washington has demonstrated and employed two independent yet interlocking policies of Exceptionalism and Containment in its foreign policy. American exceptionalism is ingrained in its pride as the most powerful military and economic power, and a champion of democracy. While Washington sees itself as exceptional, it also believes that the fruition of its national interest and strategic objectives depends on bestowing friendly states with exceptional code. To place the discussion in perspective, we take Iran as a case study and explore the transition of Iran from being a recipient of American exceptional code, a strategic tool of American containment policy, to becoming an object of containment itself. The article applies George Kennan’s exceptionalism and containment strategy on USA–Iran relations in both Shah’s rule and post-revolution era. We conclude that decades of US exceptionalism in the region have...
American Relations with Kazakhstan during 2001-2012: An Analytical Study
The rise of Central Asian states got special attention from world powers due to their potential e... more The rise of Central Asian states got special attention from world powers due to their potential energy resources and strategic importance. Among the regional states, Kazakhstan is playing a vital role in worldwide politics because of its geopolitical position and richness in oil and gas assets. It is the leading landlocked state in the world and regionally the most developed nation. When the United States announced "War on Terror" after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre, all the Central Asian states strictly condemned those attacks and then became significant for American regional politics, since their borders attached to Afghanistan. Kazakhstan welcomed the US stance and showed cooperation with the U.S. against its War on Terror. Since 1991, U.S. and Kazakhstan collaborated with each other in several fields, especially for the removal of nuclear arms. This research paper analyzes American relations and policies with Kazakhstan in the domain of politics, economics, and security. The study was based on qualitative method. It finds that American relations with Kazakhstan are focused on the promotion of a democratic form of government, policies regarding oil and gas pipelines and weakening the Kazakh dependence on Russia.
Geo-economic and Geo-political Significance of QTTA in the context of Regional Connectivity
Pakistan’s unique geographical position presents an important alternate route through China. Long... more Pakistan’s unique geographical position presents an important alternate route through China. Long before CPEC, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan signed Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement (QTTA) in 1995 to create a regional trade corridor between Pakistan and Central Asia through Chinese territory. Unfortunately, this project has not played any significant role in enhancing regional connectivity so far. Recently, the member states have shown some enthusiasm to develop this corridor and extend it to more Central Asian states.
NUST Journal of International Peace & Stability, 2021
In the wake of the 9/11 'war against terrorism‘, Bush‘s vision of 'Pax Americana‘ and ... more In the wake of the 9/11 'war against terrorism‘, Bush‘s vision of 'Pax Americana‘ and 'Axis of Evil‘ played a crucial role in shaping the global interactions among states. It resulted in the US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) coalition forces, against transnational terrorism. However, almost two decades later, they neither could eradicate terrorism from the global map nor are anywhere close to achieving the Pax Americana. An analytical study in this paper shows that their exit from Afghanistan, even if it is not a complete exit, will not be an easy task without losing a strong geostrategic foothold in this sensitive region where Russia, China, and India are already looking for opportunities to develop their dominance for regional power aspirations. The theoretical model — comprising the theory of complex interdependence and the regional security complex theory — aptly explains the complexity of Afghanistan‘s situation...
Liberal Arts and Social Sciences International Journal (LASSIJ), 2019
The idea of Eurasian integration has come up as a strategic goal of major powers in recent years.... more The idea of Eurasian integration has come up as a strategic goal of major powers in recent years. Russia’s Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the European Union’s (EU) Eastern Partnership Program (EPP) with the objective of expanding a sphere of influence and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to create economic integration through transportation infrastructure and trade are three major strategies for this purpose. This study highlights that China’s growing presence in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is a clear indicator of its growing influence. Therefore, the article aims to appraise China’s rise in Eastern Europe through its BRI and Eurasian integration strategy. Secondly, it presents a comparative analysis of multiple Eurasian integration strategies. Through a prism of “New Regionalism Theory,” this study delves into exploring the factors behind China’s effort to create regional integration in the whole Eurasia. The findings of the study show that the Belt and Road Initiati...
Pakistan Journal of International Affairs, 2021
The role of rich hydrocarbon resources in the political & economic development of the Central Asi... more The role of rich hydrocarbon resources in the political & economic development of the Central Asian states has raised a lot of interest among scholars of international relations and Political Economy. The unsuccessful transition towards the capitalist economy and democratic political system have included them in the category of states affected by the resource curse. The prime purpose of this study is to examine the Resource Curse theory in the context of the Central Asia region to comprehend its impacts on the economic and political transition of the region. The study argues that ever since the region gained independence in 1991, the rich natural resource endowment of the region could not produce any substantial transformation in the political and economic landscape of the region. Despite their GDP and per capita growth, Politics and economy are completely divergent domains. Economic development, democratization, and nation-building are still detached spheres in Central Asia. A high...
Midwest Political Science Association , 2022
Regional connectivity has become an important aspect of Pakistan Central Asia relations. Both reg... more Regional connectivity has become an important aspect of Pakistan Central Asia relations. Both regions complement each other as energy-rich and energy-deficient regions. Pakistan's significance is multi-dimensional for connectivity with Central Asia.' It has emerged as an important option for the landlocked Central Asia region through its deep seaports in Karachi and Gwadar. As an energy-deficient state, it has become a potential buyer of Central Asia's energy reserves. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) are playing a vital role in realizing the dream of regional connectivity. It will greatly enhance the prospects of economic development and the strategic strength of the whole region. However, the situation in Afghanistan remains a stumbling block. Afghanistan's geographic location in between Pakistan and Central Asia and its vulnerable security situation create many challenges. This research specifically focuses on the role of CPEC/BRI, and CAREC in the context of regional connectivity opportunities and challenges. Most importantly, what role will be played by the developing situation in Afghanistan? Especially the post-US withdrawal challenges have lots of repercussions for the economic development projects in the region. This study will be based on qualitative and quantitative assessments. The study will be limited to Pakistan-Central Asian connectivity.
As modern world run on oil, the unprecedented rise in oil consumption during last century has gen... more As modern world run on oil, the unprecedented rise in oil consumption during last century has generated daunting energy security challenges for the oil producing states. It is simultaneously important for energy import dependent nations and exporting nations. However, exporting nations face some captious challenges. In former Soviet Republics, Kazakhstan is one of the richest oil producing state whose over reliance on rent generated by oil exports presents daunting energy security challenges for the states at internal and external levels. On the one hand, Kazakhstan’s economic development owes a great deal to the oil rent. On the other hand, it is also responsible for Kazakhstan’s struggle in establishing a strong democratic political system. In addition, generating rent income face severe security challenges at external level. The involvement of external powers in Kazakh oil sector, pipeline infrastructure and threats posed by non-state actors, make the whole scenario a great...
Geo-economic and Geo-political Significance of QTTA in the Context of Regional Connectivity
IPS, 2021
Pakistan’s unique geographical position presents an important alternate route through China. Long... more Pakistan’s unique geographical position presents an important alternate route through China. Long before CPEC, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan signed Quadrilateral Traffic in Transit Agreement (QTTA) in 1995 to create a regional trade corridor between Pakistan and Central Asia through Chinese territory. Unfortunately, this project has not played any significant role in enhancing regional connectivity so far. Recently, the member states have shown some enthusiasm to develop this corridor and extend it to more Central Asian states.
Afghan Peace Process Regional Complexities and the Role of China, 2021
In the wake of the 9/11 ‗war against terrorism', Bush's vision of ‗Pax Americana' and... more In the wake of the 9/11 ‗war against terrorism', Bush's vision of ‗Pax Americana' and ‗Axis of evil' played a crucial role in shaping the global interactions among states. It resulted in the US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) coalition forces, against transnational terrorism. However, almost two decades later, they neither could eradicate terrorism from the global map nor are anywhere close to achieving the Pax Americana. An analytical study in this paper shows that their exit from Afghanistan, even if it is not a complete exit, will not be an easy task without losing a strong geostrategic foothold in this sensitive region where Russia, China, and India are already looking for opportunities to develop their dominance for regional power aspirations. The theoretical model-comprising the theory of complex interdependence and the regional security complex theory-aptly explains the complexity of Afghanistan's situa...
Global Regional Review
This paper analyzes the role of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an effective instrumen... more This paper analyzes the role of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) as an effective instrument for regional security, cooperation and integration between Central and South Asia. It has the capacity to counter both traditional and non-traditional security threats. The presence of both Central Asian and South Asian states as members actually complement each other. As both face similar security issue i.e. terrorism. Energy Security of both regions is the biggest complementary factor and have bright prospects of cooperation under SCO. Moreover, the presence of China and Russia, two major regional powers having aspiration for regional integration makes it an attractive option for carrying out the regional stability and deeper integration. The role of SCO seems to be expanding in the wake of this regional integration, where cooperation between China and Russia have a spillover effect on the whole region further strengthening through cooperation in security, energy and other economic a...
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Conference Presentations by Uzma Siraj
Books by Uzma Siraj
Papers by Uzma Siraj