Pakistan

Pakistan plays a crucial role in the regional stability and geopolitics of South Asia. As a nuclear-armed nation with significant strategic influence, Pakistan maintains complex relationships with key global actors, including the United States, China, India, and the Gulf States. CSIS experts closely analyze Pakistan’s foreign relations and political and economic trends to provide in-depth analysis and recommendations that inform U.S. policy and strategic engagement.

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Why Did Pakistan Announce “Open War” Against the Taliban?

Early in the morning of February 27, Pakistan’s defense minister announced “open war” between Pakistan and the Taliban, a group that Islamabad frequently backed in its 30-year quest to rule Afghanistan.

Critical Questions by Alexander Palmer and Alexander Margolis — February 27, 2026

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David Michel

David Michel

Senior Associate (Non-resident), Global Food and Water Security Program

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Why Did Pakistan Announce “Open War” Against the Taliban?

Early in the morning of February 27, Pakistan’s defense minister announced “open war” between Pakistan and the Taliban, a group that Islamabad frequently backed in its 30-year quest to rule Afghanistan.

Critical Questions by Alexander Palmer and Alexander Margolis — February 27, 2026

What Is Next After the Suicide Attack in Pakistan?

This morning, a suicide bomber attacked a Shia mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. The most likely perpetrator is the Islamic State–Khorasan Province, which operates both in Afghanistan and Pakistan but has a significant interest in mass-casualty international attacks. 

Critical Questions by Alexander Palmer and Alexander Margolis — February 6, 2026

Understanding the Red Fort Attack in New Delhi

A devastating suicide blast near Delhi’s Red Fort exposes the persistence of cross-border terrorism, the rise of “white-collar” radicalization, and the need for constant vigilance despite years of relative calm.

Critical Questions by S. L. Narasimhan — November 25, 2025

What Led to the Recent Crisis Between India and Pakistan?

India and Pakistan’s recent crisis highlights how rapidly tensions can escalate to a dangerous level, marking a new era of conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The region should develop off-ramps and strengthen confidence-building measures.

Critical Questions by Diya Ashtakala — May 20, 2025

Can India Cut Off Pakistan’s Indus River Lifeline?

In retaliation for a deadly militant attack in Pahalgam, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, threatening to block Pakistan’s vital water supplies and risking regional stability in South Asia.

Critical Questions by David Michel — May 1, 2025

The Future of Pakistan and U.S.-Pakistan Relations

Please join the CSIS Project on Prosperity and Development (PPD) on Tuesday, February 20th from 10:00-11:00 AM EST for a discussion on the future of Pakistan between Masood Khan, Pakistani Ambassador to the United States and Dan Runde, CSIS. Former U.S. Ambassador Robin Raphel will be providing opening remarks.

Event — February 20, 2024

The Islamic State Threat in Pakistan: Trends and Scenarios

Recent Islamic State attacks in Pakistan suggest that the terrorist group remains willing and able to conduct high-casualty attacks on civilian targets but will probably remain a localized threat.

Commentary by Alexander Palmer and Mackenzie Holtz — August 3, 2023

Pakistan and Climate Adaptation

Pakistan is the 8th most vulnerable nation to the climate crisis, highlighting the need for U.S. support. This article examines the crisis in Pakistan and outlines five joint steps the U.S. and Pakistan should take to ensure the success of climate adaptation in Pakistan. 

Blog Post by Daniel F. Runde, Robin L. Raphel, and Moeed Yusuf — February 1, 2023

Indo-Pacific Forecast 2023

What is the outlook for U.S.-China relations? Which of the U.S. alliance networks in the Indo-Pacific is most promising? Will IPEF thrive? Join CSIS experts to explore these and other questions during our annual preview of political, security, and economic developments.

Event — January 12, 2023

The Asia Chessboard

India’s Evolving Partnerships

Manjari Chatterjee Miller, senior fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) joins us to take a deep look into India’s evolving partnerships and its position in the global system.

Podcast Episode by Michael J. Green and Jude Blanchette — October 17, 2022

CSIS The Asia Chess Board