ASIAN Journal of International Peace & Security (AJIPS)

Securitization of Climate Change in Pakistan

2025-03-17T14:39:01+00:00

In Pakistan, the focus had always remained on traditional means of security. Although Pakistan signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change at Rio in 1992 and became a member of the two other multilateral agreements in regard to the climate change which were “Kyoto Protocol” of 1997 under UNFCC and “Paris Agreement” of 2016 but the issue of climate change did not receive much attention. This paper explores the securitization of climate change in Pakistan by analyzing how climate-related threats have been transformed from a political to security issue. As described in the “Copenhagen Security Framework”, in international relations and international politics, once the matter is securitized, it gets extraordinary attention. The more attention and discussion an issue receives, the highly securitized the issue gets. By uses qualitative method of study, this paper examines key events and policies, including the 2012 and 2021 National Climate Change Policies formed after devastating floods, the role of international agreements and the integration of climate security into “National Security Policy” of Pakistan.

Strategic Challenges for NATO in an Evolving Global Security Landscape

2025-05-28T15:31:26+00:00

Following the Russia-Ukraine war on February 24, 2022, the post-Cold War international order collapsed and the greatest crisis started in Europe since World War I. It is questionable whether NATO can maintain such a crucial position in the current situation. In light of the dynamically shifting global landscape, this paper explores the internal and external security threats to NATO in the 21st century. This study also examines the future of NATO in the face of new international security threats and critically analyzes what the alliance and its members need to do to stay relevant in the current strategic landscape. To guarantee NATO's continued relevance and efficacy, the paper suggests improving the alliance's technological capabilities, internal cohesion and strategic emphasis in response to emerging international security threats. Otherwise, NATO may gradually disintegrate as a military institution; however, due to the strength of the security community established among the allies, it will continue to exist as a political institution. In this study, a qualitative research approach is used to analyze primary and secondary data, applying both neo-realist and constructivist theories to examine an adaptation of neo-realist power struggles and constructivist institutional structures.

Western Democracy in an Islamic State: Reconciling Ideological Framework through Real Issues

2025-06-06T15:34:37+00:00

The interplay between Western democracy and Islamic governance remains a pivotal yet contentious discourse in political theory. This research examines the compatibility of Western democratic principles—popular sovereignty, secularism, and individual rights—with the foundational tenets of an Islamic state, which emphasize divine sovereignty (hakimiyyah), Shariah-based legislation, and the integration of religion into public life. Through qualitative analysis of scholarly works, constitutional frameworks (e.g., Pakistan, Iran, Malaysia), and historical precedents (e.g., Medina Charter, Rashidun Caliphate), the study identifies key tensions in sovereignty, secularism, theocracy, delegated legislation, and human rights. While Islamic governance shares consultative (shura) and republican values with democracy, irreconcilable differences emerge in the domains of divine vs. popular sovereignty and the role of religion in legislation. The paper concludes that democratic mechanisms, such as elected assemblies and rights protections, can coexist within Islamic frameworks if adapted to prioritize Shariah principles. However, secularism and absolute popular sovereignty remain incompatible with Islamic theological foundations. The findings underscore the necessity of contextualizing democracy within Islamic historical and theological paradigms to foster dialogue rather than ideological imposition.