Abstract
In pursuit of security, states often employ diplomatic instruments to achieve desired outcomes. Coercion is the preferred modem of defense and diplomacy at the bilateral, regional and global levels. The strategic coercion embodies three factors: demand(s), time, and the threat of consequences. In response, a state can employ a countercoercive diplomacy strategy relying on its political/social/cultural strengths, diplomatic clout, and innovative use of media (traditional and contemporary) to foster linkages within coercer’s domain. Pakistan has been the target of strategic coercion by its neighbors, specifically, India, and the US in various instances. Often, Islamabad walked on the tight rope – trying to balance strategic national interests while facing coercive diplomacy. While Washington used a carrot-and-stick policy, Islamabad relied on asymmetric strategies to respond, often dealing with competing economic and strategic pressures. The present study analyzes the concepts of coercive diplomacy and security dilemma. Secondly, it theorizes a Counter Coercion Diplomacy Model and relates it to Pakistan’s case as a targeted state. It does so by surveying US attempts at coercion and Pakistan’s effort at countering coercion while advancing its strategic interests. The study concludes that when facing US coercion, Pakistan was able to effectively mobilize domestic and diplomatic tools to counter US coercion. Pakistan’s prudent diplomacy allowed it to pushback coercive pressures emanating from the US and register its point across the US audience.