Nuclear Security Dilemma in South Asia: The Nuclear Arms Race Between India and Pakistan From an International Relations Perspective

Abstract

The region of South Asia is known to have complex dynamics in terms of security challenges. It is largely due to a rivalry between two neighboring states – India and Pakistan – which dates back decades ago. Ever since the two states became nuclear powers in the late 1990s, their confrontation has evolved into a nuclear arms race rather than mere conventional rivalry. This paper aims at identifying the role played by the security dilemma in the arms race between the two South Asian rivals and its implications for regional stability. In order to achieve the goal set out above, the paper employs a qualitative research design using secondary data derived from a review of academic literature, scholarly journal articles and policy reports with a focus on neo-realism. It becomes clear from the findings of the analysis that the defensive nature of actions taken by either side in the name of protecting its national security may be viewed by the other side as a potential offensive move. Thus, the security dilemma continues to prevail, resulting in a situation in which even the presence of nuclear weapons does not necessarily guarantee stability.