International Relations Theory and the India–Pakistan Conflict.

This paper analyzes the nuclear deterrence relationship between India and Pakistan in the context of a larger political conflict, and in the light of contemporary international relations theory. It finds mainstream deterrence theory and neorealist theory defective as the behavior patterns of India and Pakistan do not fit them in three important ways. It then examines the critiques of neorealist theory applied to the developing world and finds that a combination of a subaltern realist perspective and regional security complex theory best fits the India-Pakistan conflict, including its nuclearization. Lastly, it explores the conditions under which nuclear deterrence in South Asia can lead to a broad-based peace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]