BLUE DIPLOMACY AS FOREIGN POLICY INTRUMENT: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS FOR PAKISTAN (2002-2020)

Abstract

This article is looking into Blue Diplomacy and how it can be fit into Foreign Policy of Pakistan. Blue Diplomacy denotes use of strategic maritime resources, in securing national interests, promoting sustainable economic growth and addressing global challenges, including climate change and food security. As the international economy relies more and more on the oceans for their trade and energy, maritime doctrine has evolved into a central piece of the national geopolitical puzzle. Situated at a strategic crossroads for critical maritime trading lanes, Pakistan has substantial as yet unexplored maritime stakes in its 290,000 square km of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), but is still to harness fully maritime diplomacy as a foreign policy tool. This study underscores the role of Blue Diplomacy as an enabler to realize the economic, security, and environmental dividends of Pakistan, in particular by intensifying its collaboration with regional and global stakeholders. The research highlights scope for Pakistan to leverage its maritime wealth, such as fisheries, offshore energy and port infrastructure, to drive its economy and support stability in the region. In addition, Blue Economy ventures can enable Pakistan to strike a balance between sustainable development and maritime security. The manuscript ends by providing policy options for Pakistan to optimise the use of its maritime diplomacy in the pursuit of national and regional goals.

Keywords: Blue Diplomacy, Blue Economy, Maritime Security, Pakistan, Geopolitics, Ocean Resources, Economic Growth