9.2.9

Power Case Studies: Pakistan Nuclear Arms

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Pakistan's Nuclear Weapons - Power Case Study

Pakistan's development of nuclear weapons is an example of political, military, and to a lesser extent, economic power.

Illustrative background for When did Pakistan develop nuclear weapons?Illustrative background for When did Pakistan develop nuclear weapons? ?? "content

When did Pakistan develop nuclear weapons?

  • In 1998, both India and Pakistan completed tests on nuclear weapons.
  • Pakistan's Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif said 'today, we have settled the score with India.'
  • India completed their first nuclear weapons tests in 1974. In response, Pakistan invested in developing nuclear weapons to enhance its position of power.
Illustrative background for When was Bangladesh formed?Illustrative background for When was Bangladesh formed? ?? "content

When was Bangladesh formed?

  • In 1971, India and Pakistan went to war, and this led Bangladesh (then called East Pakistan) to split from West Pakistan.
  • This threat to Pakistan led the country to accelerate its development of a nuclear weapons programme.
Illustrative background for How did power affect Pakistan's nuclear development?Illustrative background for How did power affect Pakistan's nuclear development? ?? "content

How did power affect Pakistan's nuclear development?

  • The historian Stephen Cohen says 'Like Israel, Pakistan was founded by a people who felt persecuted... both remain under threat from powerful enemies. Pakistan and Israel have also followed parallel strategic policies’.
  • Under threat after the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, Pakistan developed nuclear weapons to increase its military and political power.
  • On completing their 1998 nuclear tests, Nawaz Sharif commented 'today, we have settled the score with India'.
  • Developing nuclear weapons meant that nations would be scared to invade Pakistan, made them a more powerful partner, and secured their status as an independent nation.

Jump to other topics

1Tectonic Processes & Hazards

2Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

3Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

4Globalisation

5Option 4A: Regenerating Places

6Option 4B: Diverse Places

7The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

8The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

9Superpowers (A2 only)

10Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

11Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

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