Pakistan, China and US: The Literary Perspectives
In contemporary international relations, the relationship between dominant and non-dominant states remains a significant factor in shaping global political, economic, and technological landscapes. This dynamic is especially evident in the interactions between China, Pakistan, and the United States, where historical alliances, economic dependencies, and strategic rivalries influence international politics. Literature has long served as a powerful lens to examine these complexities, with works like George Orwell’s Animal Farm and 1984, Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, and Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged offering insights into authoritarianism, ideological control, and the commodification of political power. These themes resonate with modern geopolitics, particularly in the context of China’s rise, Pakistan’s strategic positioning, and the United States’ evolving global role. The emergence of China as a global power has disrupted the established order, challenging Western hegemony and redefining South Asian politics. Pakistan, historically a key player in bridging China with the world, now finds itself at the heart of Beijing’s global connectivity projects, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This strategic alignment is reminiscent of Orwellian narratives where power structures evolve, alliances shift, and propaganda plays a central role in sustaining political dominance. Similarly, Richard Condon’s The Manchurian Candidate explores themes of psychological warfare and ideological manipulation, paralleling contemporary debates over technology’s role in shaping political discourse and statecraft.
Post-politics, characterized by the depersonalization of governance and the commodification of political technologies, is becoming increasingly evident. The works of Frantz Fanon, Paulo Freire, and Antonio Gramsci provide critical frameworks to understand how political narratives are coded, sold, and repurposed to maintain hegemonic structures. In Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury envisions a society where information control dictates public perception—a reality mirrored in modern data surveillance, artificial intelligence, and digital propaganda. As China invests in technological sovereignty, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, the global contest over political technologies intensifies, raising concerns about the future of governance, public agency, and digital authoritarianism.
Pakistan’s role in this evolving order is both strategic and precarious. While Islamabad has historically been a facilitator of China’s global outreach—exemplified by its pivotal role in U.S.-China rapprochement during the 1970s—it now stands at a crossroads, balancing its relations with both Washington and Beijing. President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to China underscores Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, securing technological investments, and advancing energy and security cooperation. The visit, which focused on expanding CPEC, enhancing trade, and fostering winter sports collaborations, reflects Pakistan’s strategic alignment with China amid shifting global alliances. However, this visit also drew scrutiny from Washington, particularly given Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s parallel engagement with U.S. officials and the anti-China lobby, highlighting the competing influences shaping Pakistan’s foreign policy. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s recent visit to the United States, where he attended former President Donald Trump’s second-term inauguration, further complicates this geopolitical equation. Trump’s protectionist policies, aggressive stance on trade, and focus on “America First” economics stand in contrast to China’s advocacy for multipolarity and cooperative development. The divergence is evident in global institutions like BRICS, ASEAN, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), where China champions economic integration while the U.S. pursues a strategy of containment through sanctions, debt diplomacy, and strategic partnerships.
India’s growing economic footprint adds another layer to this dynamic. With its expanding trade relations with China and aspirations for global leadership, New Delhi navigates a complex balancing act. The India-China trade relationship, despite political tensions, underscores the pragmatic interdependence shaping South Asia’s economic landscape. For Pakistan, this necessitates comprehensive reforms to position itself as a viable player in global trade, investment, and technology. Strengthening internal governance, enhancing economic transparency, and leveraging regional connectivity initiatives will be critical in ensuring that Pakistan does not remain a passive observer in the shifting global order.
Trump’s second term is poised to introduce new geopolitical challenges, particularly in areas like climate change, carbon taxation, and resource extraction. His “Drill, Drill” slogan epitomizes the U.S. pivot toward energy self-sufficiency, in stark contrast to China’s renewable energy investments and commitments to sustainable development. The technological race, particularly in artificial intelligence and digital surveillance, will further define the contours of international politics. The rise of tech monopolies, data-driven governance, and the increasing role of private corporations in political decision-making reflect the neoliberal transformations envisioned in Rand’s Atlas Shrugged, where corporate elites dictate global policies. Amid these global shifts, Pakistan must undertake significant reforms to secure its place in the emerging multipolar world. Strengthening economic institutions, enhancing technological capabilities, and fostering a people-centric development model will be crucial in navigating the complexities of U.S.-China competition. Collaborative frameworks, peace-oriented policies, and sustainable development must underpin Pakistan’s strategic direction to ensure long-term stability and prosperity. The combination of literature and politics offers a valuable perspective on contemporary international relations. As China rises, Pakistan recalibrates its foreign policy, and the U.S. adapts to new global realities, understanding the commodification of political narratives and the role of technology in governance becomes essential. Orwell, Huxley, and Fanon provide timeless insights into power, ideology, and resistance—lessons that remain relevant as the world navigates an era of geopolitical transformation. The path forward lies in collaboration, inclusive policies, and a commitment to sustainable development, ensuring that international politics remains a force for collective progress rather than domination and exclusion.
