ABSTRACT
This chapter shows how foreign relations and the consequences of them influenced the course of Pakistan's politics. Until 1971, Pakistan's relations with other countries were largely a function of the Kashmir issue. American foreign policy was an important contributing factor in the confrontation with India over Kashmir, which in turn undermined Pakistan's ability to develop politically. The United States saw Pakistan's participation in the anti-communist alliance system as an indication of acceptance of the American strategic point of view. The Indo-Pakistan relationship assumed altogether different characteristics. While both sides may continue to press their differences and there may be more fighting, India is strategically dominant. Pakistan was critical of India's acceptance of military assistance when it was attacked by China in 1962. This was also interpreted as an attempt by India to mask its intentions of conquering Pakistan. Pakistan was linked with the United States through a second alliance, the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization.
