> > On Sat, Dec 20, 2008 at 12:00 AM, Perry E. Metzger <[email protected]>wrote: > >> Looking at a higher level, economic theory tells us that the whole >> game is not zero sum. India's economy would be better off if Pakistan >> developed, just as the US and Europe are better off because India and >> China are developing. Increased development leads to increased wealth >> for everyone. Wealth is good, both because of its direct benefits and >> because people who have a lot to lose tend to cooperate more and fight >> less. >> > Agree with that. Also, our problem isn't Pakistan per se, it's Pakistan's military establishment, which has thrived on the conflict with India. The biggest threat to that establishment is Pakistan's civil society. The more the latter is empowered, the more the former is endangered. Increased trade, which seems like a pipe dream now, is a good way to start. High levels of trade would change the incentives of many of the players involved.
I'd written a piece on this in March 2007, when Musharraf was still in charge: http://indiauncut.com/iublog/article/general-pervez-musharrafs-incentives/ Even though Zardari is in charge now, things haven't changed much. He knows the military can topple him anytime. They have a veto power on all important decisions in Pakistan. I don't see any easy solutions to this -- but it's certainly not a zero-sum game, as Perry points out. -- Amit Varma http://www.indiauncut.com
