PAKISTAN’S ROLE AS A LYNCHPIN IN THE “ARC OF AUTOCRACY” AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA

Abstract

This study examines how Pakistan’s strategic location and evolving ties with Russia and China position it as a potential lynchpin in the nascent “arc of autocracy”. Pakistan’s unique geographic position bridging Central Asia and the Gulf historically made it strategically valuable during the Cold War. Today, the growing Sino-Russian partnership seeks to reshape the regional order, fostering greater cohesion between the countries with autocratic tendencies to counter the established Western-led liberal model. Pakistan’s role as a crucial land bridge connecting Central Asia to West Asia has spurred Russia’s recent efforts to build closer ties with Islamabad. Through a descriptive analysis of Russo-Pak bilateral relations and Pakistan’s potential involvement in crucial regional infrastructure projects led by China, this study argues that Pakistan could become a vital player in solidifying an autocratic bloc in the region comprising Russia, China, and Iran. By focusing on the specific case of Pakistan and its strategic significance, this study aims to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing debate on the arc of autocracy by analysing empirical evidence and exploring the potential global implications of such a regional grouping.