In an era where Pakistan and India have become dominant regional and global forces, it is vital to grapple with the issue of security and stability in South Asia. India and Pakistan have a history of hostile and acrimonious relations spanning seven decades, including three major wars and several serious border skirmishes within the first 25 years of their existence as sovereign states. While there has been no major war between the two neighbors in recent years, their uneasy peace has been tarnished with major clashes across the Line of Control in Kashmir and multiple instances of cross-border terrorism and violence. Additionally, the continued instability and violence in Afghanistan remains a major hurdle to regional peace.
Strategic stability in South Asia remains elusive, but it is a high priority for diplomats in the region and around the globe. Regional and international leaders continue to engage in order to defuse tensions, but a long-term solution to the regional strife has not yet been achieved.
On November 16, 2017, Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhry, Pakistan's ambassador to the United States, illuminated some of South Asia's contemporary security threats and challenges and identify a possible path forward. Ambassador Chaudhry offered his insights on the viability of regional peace from a career in diplomatic service.
This event was co-sponsored by the South Asia Policy & Research Initiative (SAPRI) at the McCourt School of Public Policy and the Georgetown University India Initiative.
Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry is a Pakistani diplomat currently serving as the ambassador of Pakistan to the United States.