Strategic Expediency or Sway: Analysing Pakistan’s Case for Joining the Islamic Military Alliance

Abstract

The Islamic Military Alliance (IMA) of 34 countries, as proposed by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a force with the purpose to defeat the soaring menace of terrorism in Muslim states. Saudi Arabia considers Pakistan a frontline ally and included it as a member of this Alliance, albeit without consultation. Pakistan declined to join. The decision has been made from a foreign policy lens - given the country‟s relationship with Saudi Arabia, Iran (which is not included in the Alliance), other Shiite states and the concept of Muslim Ummah - instead of being considered from a strategic military perspective. Given the importance of this development, the article raises key questions while analysing the benefits, or otherwise, of military alliances from the framework of military expansionism, linking them with the mix of geostrategic complexities faced by Pakistan. It debates the plausibility and practicability of Pakistan joining the Middle Eastern venture.