Aid, Politics, and the War of Narratives in US-Pakistan Relations | Virtual Book Event

At this virtual book event, Dr. Hussain Nadim, a former Wilson Center fellow, will discuss his new study of aid, politics, and the war of narratives in U.S.-Pakistan relations. It uses as a case study the Kerry-Lugar Berman Act, a bill signed into law by President Obama in 2009 that tripled U.S. civilian assistance to Pakistan. Based on interviews and data analysis of US foreign aid datasets, Nadim’s book argues that U.S. aid to Pakistan is deeply securitized and encourages power struggles between Washington and Islamabad, and also between civilian and military actors in Pakistan. Additionally, Nadim will discuss the implications of his findings for US-Pakistan relations, and possible ways forward for the relationship. Nadia Naviwala, a Wilson Center global fellow and former staffer on Capitol Hill and at USAID, will provide commentary after Nadim’s opening remarks.

[arvindnarasimhan]

The discussion was very illuminating. Dr Hussain and Nadia are awesome in their articulation. The issues in the past and present are laid out so clearly. Wish Dr Kugelman was more honest in his talk and came across as an enabler for the pak establishment.

[srinathmitta]

This presentation reminded me of Teresita Schaffer's book "How Pakistan Negotiates with the United States". Nadim is spot on about the narrative manufacturing capacity of the elite. This has come at a time when Islamabad is abuzz with a new narrative --"Elite capture".Refreshingly, perspectives of both the youngsters seem to be closer to the ground when many in the Washington strategic community are stuck in the cold war era groove. Fascinating discussion indeed.

[read]

I would employ Kugalman as Pakistans.
Foreign minister.

I think he will do great.