ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the concept of ontological security, arguing that the security achieved by meeting self-identity needs is equally important to a state’s physical security. It outlines the factors that contribute to Pakistan’s ontological security, and which ultimately impact its foreign policy. The chapter dives into Pakistan’s foreign policy, and the three main pillars that frame it, which are: it’s acrimonious relationship with India, its weakening relationship with the United States, and its stable relationship with China. It provides pathways on how Pakistan can accomplish this shift toward equalizing its economic needs with its security ones, while remaining both physically and ontologically secure. The relationship between the state’s actions and its identity is fluid: actions are dependent on identity while identity is reinforced by actions. Pakistan’s foreign policy has three pillars: Its acrimonious relationship with India, its weakening relationship with the United States, and its stable relationship with China.
