International Anarchic Structure in Nuclearizing South Asia: An Analysis (1974-98)

This explanatory research aimed at analyzing the nuclearization of south Asia using the framework of 'third level of analysis' named 'international anarchic structure' by Kenneth Waltz. South Asia is the home to 1/3rd of the global population, out of which around 41% population lives under poverty line. Historical intra-state rivalries, personal political ambitions and the crucial geostrategic locality made the region extremely attractive for major powers since the de-colonialization of the sub-continent. The cold war antagonism offered extra space and shelter in acquiring nuclear capabilities to both India and Pakistan. India's first nuclear test in 1974, putting aside all the international nuclear proliferation efforts, provided legitimacy to Pakistan's nuclear designs. Moreover, the global powers once achieved their objectives in 1989, left the region on its own fate. Almost decade long pattern of confrontation-crisis-negotiations resulted in nuclear tests in 1998 by the two south Asian states while ignoring CTBT. Inclusion of nuclear weapons brought about unprecedented threats and the region became 'nuclear flash point.