State and Nation-Building in Pakistan

This insightful examination of identity politics reveals how they shape the development of Pakistan, highlighting the complex dynamics of state and nation-building.

Religion, violence, and ethnicity are deeply intertwined in the history of Pakistan. The entrenched interests of landowners, expressed through violence and ethnic identity, have shaped a system of ‘authoritarian clientelism’ across various regimes. State and Nation-Building in Pakistan offers a comparative, historicist, and multidisciplinary examination of how identity politics have influenced the country's development over time.

This book brings together diverse perspectives on state-building dynamics, shedding light on contemporary national contestation processes that are significantly influenced by media portrayal and reactions within a globalized context. It explores the resilience of landed elites in the face of political and social change, particularly focusing on the aftermath of partition and its impact on land ownership due to population transfers. Furthermore, it delves into the complexities of religious identities and their dual role in forming national identity and fostering sectarianism.

State and Nation-Building in Pakistan emphasizes the enduring significance of ethnicity and identity politics in Pakistani governance, illustrating their growing power and influence. This insightful collection serves as a valuable resource for those interested in South Asian Politics, South Asian History, and Islamic Studies, offering a comprehensive look at the intricate interplay of identity and state formation in Pakistan.