In a thought-provoking analysis of U.S.-Pakistan relations, prominent American scholar Dr. Christine Fair has shed light on how Pakistan manages to maintain strong military and financial ties with Washington—despite widespread concerns over its support for terrorism and nuclear irresponsibility.
Dr. Fair, an expert on South Asian security and Pakistan’s military strategies, offered her insights in response to an Indian Embassy official’s inquiry in Washington. The central question: Why does Pakistan continue to receive billions in aid and military assistance from the United States?
According to Dr. Fair, the answer lies in a calculated duality. “Pakistan functions as a nuclear-armed menace while simultaneously sponsoring terrorism through a network of proxies,” she explained. This paradox, she said, is not only tolerated but, in many ways, rewarded.
A key component of Pakistan’s strategy, she noted, is its effective use of soft power—often underestimated in foreign policy analysis. Pakistan cultivates goodwill in American policy circles through carefully orchestrated efforts that include diplomatic charm, generous hospitality, and curated military tourism for visiting officials.
“These aren’t accidental courtesies,” said Fair. “They are deliberate tactics designed to build a favorable narrative among U.S. policymakers and bureaucrats, many of whom are sincere in their roles but often lack nuanced understanding of the region’s dynamics.”
Fair emphasized that this strategy has allowed Pakistan to mask its more dangerous activities behind a façade of cooperation and shared interests. Her analysis suggests that Islamabad’s success in shaping its image abroad is not due to the strength of its arguments, but rather the weakness of institutional memory and regional expertise in Washington.
In a sharp observation, Fair pointed out that Pakistan’s decades-long effort amounts to a “how-to manual” for influencing U.S. policy—a manual that India’s Ministry of External Affairs might do well to study.
While the debate over U.S. engagement with Pakistan continues, Fair’s remarks serve as a timely reminder that geopolitics is often as much about perception as it is about reality. And in that arena, Pakistan appears to be playing a masterful game.
