THE INTERSECTION OF RELIGION AND PAKISTAN'S FOREIGN POLICY DECISIONS: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY

Abstract

This research paper outlines a framework for understanding and analyzing the influence of religion on foreign policy in the context of the 'post-secular' shift in international relations. As religion becomes progressively relevant to statecraft and foreign policymaking, its impact varies significantly across various states. The primary aim of this research is to examine the influence of religion on the foreign policy choices of Pakistan and to compare these influences with those affecting India's foreign policy. By exploring these dynamics, the research seeks to uncover the possible implications for Pakistan and to identify how Pakistan can leverage religion as a tool of soft power in its statecraft methods. Furthermore, this study aims to contribute to the broader discourse on the role of religion in global politics, providing insights that could inform diplomatic strategies and international relations theory. Ultimately, the findings could help policymakers understand the nuanced ways in which religious factors shape international interactions and state behavior.