**

Trump's Pakistan Reset: A Transactional Approach to Foreign Policy and its Implications

The Trump administration's approach to Pakistan, characterized by a dramatic shift from previous policies, highlights a transactional and short-horizon foreign policy. This approach, marked by a focus on immediate gains and a perceived lack of long-term strategic planning, has significant implications for regional stability, counterterrorism efforts, and the broader US foreign policy landscape. Understanding this reset necessitates examining the key drivers, the specific policy changes implemented, and their potential consequences.

Keywords: Trump Pakistan policy, US-Pakistan relations, transactional foreign policy, short-horizon foreign policy, Afghanistan peace talks, counterterrorism strategy, South Asia strategy, Indo-Pacific strategy, regional stability.

The Drivers of the Reset: A Shift in Priorities

The Trump administration's Pakistan policy departure stemmed from several factors. Firstly, a disillusionment with Pakistan's perceived duplicity in the fight against terrorism. The administration believed Pakistan harbored terrorist groups while simultaneously claiming to be a counterterrorism partner, leading to accusations of "double-dealing" and a lack of trust. Secondly, the administration's focus on withdrawing troops from Afghanistan fueled a desire for a more transactional relationship with Pakistan. Pakistan's potential role in facilitating peace negotiations with the Taliban became a key lever in shaping US policy. Finally, the broader shift toward a more transactional and "America First" foreign policy influenced the approach toward all nations, including Pakistan.

A Focus on Immediate Gains

The transactional nature of the Trump administration's Pakistan policy is evident in its emphasis on immediate tangible results. This approach contrasted sharply with previous administrations' attempts to cultivate a long-term strategic partnership. The focus shifted from building institutions and fostering democratic governance to achieving specific, short-term objectives, such as facilitating the Afghan peace process and counterterrorism operations.

Key Policy Changes Under Trump

Several key policy changes marked the Trump administration's reset with Pakistan:

• Suspension of Security Assistance: The administration repeatedly suspended or withheld security assistance to Pakistan, citing concerns about its support for terrorist groups and its lack of cooperation in the fight against terrorism. This tactic aimed to pressure Pakistan into altering its behavior.
• Shifting Focus to Afghanistan: The administration placed greater emphasis on using Pakistan's influence to facilitate peace negotiations with the Taliban in Afghanistan. This leveraged Pakistan's perceived leverage over the Taliban to advance the US objective of withdrawal from Afghanistan.
• Increased Pressure on Terrorism: While security assistance was curtailed, the Trump administration maintained pressure on Pakistan to crack down on terrorist groups operating within its borders. This pressure involved both diplomatic and covert actions.
• Reduced Engagement: Overall, the engagement with Pakistan under Trump was characterized by a more transactional approach, with a marked reduction in high-level dialogues and a less robust strategic partnership.

The Short-Horizon Approach: Implications and Consequences

The transactional, short-horizon approach had several implications. While it achieved some short-term objectives, it also created long-term challenges:

• Erosion of Trust: The erratic and transactional nature of the policy likely damaged the long-term trust between the two countries. This has made future cooperation on important issues more difficult.
• Regional Instability: The lack of a coherent long-term strategy towards Pakistan could contribute to instability in the region, potentially impacting the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan and escalating tensions with India. The US's fluctuating approach created uncertainty for Pakistan, influencing its regional actions and relationships.
• Counterterrorism Challenges: While pressure on Pakistan to combat terrorism was maintained, the lack of a comprehensive strategic partnership may have hampered counterterrorism efforts. A long-term, collaborative approach might have yielded more sustainable results.

The Broader Context: Indo-Pacific Strategy and Regional Dynamics

The Trump administration’s approach to Pakistan needs to be understood within the broader context of its Indo-Pacific strategy. The growing strategic competition with China shaped US policy towards many countries in the region, including Pakistan. While the US sought to leverage Pakistan's cooperation on Afghanistan, the broader strategic context often overshadowed bilateral relations.

Assessing the Legacy: Successes and Failures

The Trump administration's Pakistan policy can be seen as a mixed bag. The increased pressure on Pakistan to address terrorism and its role in Afghanistan peace talks represent perceived successes. However, the damage to the long-term relationship and the lack of a sustained strategic framework represent significant failures. The legacy of this short-horizon approach remains a topic of debate among experts.

Looking Ahead: The Biden Administration and Beyond

The Biden administration inherited a complex situation in US-Pakistan relations. While the Biden administration has shifted towards a more traditional diplomatic approach, repairing the damage from the previous administration's policies will require significant effort. Rebuilding trust, fostering a more stable and predictable relationship, and developing a comprehensive long-term strategy will be crucial for navigating the challenges in this critical region.

The future of US-Pakistan relations will depend on a balance between immediate security concerns and the need for a durable, strategic partnership. A long-term perspective that acknowledges both cooperation and competition will be essential to managing the complex dynamics of the region and achieving enduring security goals. The challenge for future administrations is to craft a policy that addresses immediate challenges while investing in a sustainable, long-term relationship with Pakistan.