Countering State-Sponsored Terrorism: An Analytical Case Study of the Insurgency in Baluchistan, Pakistan

Abstract

Spanning over the rugged terrain that border Iran and Afghanistan, Baluchistan is the largest province of Pakistan, abundant in natural resources but beset by conflict and underdevelopment. This study dives into the complex dynamics of state-sponsored terrorism, utilizing the Baluchistan insurgency as a prism to see how external support fosters internal conflict. It uses a qualitative research approach to shed light on Baluchistan's strategic relevance, emphasizing its geopolitical importance in the midst of continuing hostilities. Using neorealism theory, the study situates the insurgency within the larger context of international relations, emphasizing the critical importance of geopolitical interests and power politics in determining regional dynamics. A comprehensive analysis is conducted utilizing a combination of primary and secondary sources, with a focus on the conflict's complex aspect. Foreign actors, such as India and the United States, are given prominence for their impact on regional stability. By unravelling the intricate linkages between state-sponsored terrorism and regional insurgencies, this study tries to clarify the fundamental dynamics driving conflicts like the one in Baluchistan and to give insights into viable avenues for settlement and peace.