• darkblurbg
    Canadian Political Science Association
    2025 Annual Conference Programme

    The Politics of Belonging: Conflict,
    Community, Curriculum

    Hosted at George Brown College
    June 3 to June 5, 2025
    2025 Annual Conference Programme

    The Politics of Belonging: Conflict,
    Community, Curriculum

    Hosted at George Brown College
    June 3 to June 5, 2025



                  

International Relations



C09 - China & Taiwan, India & Pakistan

Date: Jun 4 | Time: 08:30am to 10:00am | Location:

Chair/Président/Présidente : TBD ()

Discussant/Commentateur/Commentatrice : Saira Bano (Thomspon Rivers University)

Global Power Dynamics and Irredentist Behaviour of Rising Powers: A Comparative Study of China and India Sagheer Khan, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan Memory, Identity, and Rivalry: The Historical Roots of India-Pakistan Enduring Rivalry Muhammad Arif Khan, Federal Urdu University of Arts Science and Technology, Karachi Joint Military Exercises and Soft Power Rizwan Asghar, Trinity College Dublin Jesse Dillon Savage, Trinity College Dublin Otilia Maria Machuca Campos, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaio Analyse du Conflit Sino-taiwanais dans le Cadre de la Politique de l’Appartenance

Analyse du Conflit Sino-taiwanais dans le Cadre de la Politique de l’Appartenance: Otilia Maria Machuca Campos (Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso)
Abstract: Au niveau international, souvent, les conflits ont pour origine : le territoire ou le pouvoir. Toutefois, il faut mettre également en évidence les questions de genre, de race, de religion et autres, dans le cadre de la politique de l’appartenance. Donc, le Taiwan et la Chine s’affrontent dans un conflit territorial depuis des décennies. Dans ce contexte, Taiwan veut avoir son indépendance totale et être présent dans le concert des nations. Pour sa part, la Chine veut avoir le contrôle de Taiwan et ne veut entendre la question de l’indépendance totale de l’État taiwanais. Elle prône le principe ‘’d’une seule Chine’’. Dans cette optique, tous les pays qui veulent entreprendre des relations diplomatiques avec la Chine ne doivent pas avoir de relations diplomatiques avec le Taiwan. Certainement, le conflit sino-taiwanais n’est pas nouveau, mais cela prend des ampleurs de jour en jours, vu l’importance de la Chine sur la scène internationale et l’ambition du Taiwan. Pour ce travail de recherche, nous utiliserons la méthode qualitative tout en considérant la théorie constructiviste afin de pouvoir déterminer le rôle de la politique de l’appartenance dans le conflit sino-taiwanais et de comprendre pourquoi la Chine n’attaque pas directement le Taiwan, malgré elle est puissante tant sur le plan économique que militaire. Le développement de ce sujet apportera de nouvelles contributions dans les domaines de la science politique et des Relations internationales, car il tante à construire une nouvelle théorie pour expliquer les phénomènes internationaux en mettant l’emphase sur le constructivisme comme point d’encrage.


Joint military exercises and soft power: Rizwan Asghar (Trinity College Dublin), Jesse Dillon Savage (Trinity College Dublin)
Abstract: The goals of joint military exercises are predominantly security-oriented and aimed at elites in partner states. However, they are also prominent demonstrations of power and status. We explore if and how joint military exercises might have positive or negative externalities in the domain of public diplomacy and soft power, along with their direct effects on military matters. We test for effects on public opinion toward the partner state using two approaches. First, to test the generalizability of any effects, we use an “unexpected event” design, leveraging surveys that occurred simultaneously with joint military exercises. To probe the mechanisms and scope of effects, we use preregistered survey experiments on a nationally representative sample from Pakistan. These experiments manipulate the threat context and partner state. The findings of the study have the potential to understand nuanced effects of joint military exercises and evaluate the plausibility of using such exercises as a tool of public diplomacy. The results also help us understand potential trade-offs great powers are making as they pursue their security agendas.


Global Power Dynamics and Irredentist Behaviour of Rising Powers: A Comparative Study of China and India: Sagheer Ahmad Khan (Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan)
Abstract: China, under Xi Jinping, has moved from a conciliatory phase to a stage of an assertive ‘middle kingdom’ as it opted deep penetration in Hong Kong and more assertive One China Policy. Similarly, right-wing leadership of BJP in India---‘an ancient guru’---has also been using rhetoric of territorial claims beyond its de-facto borders which resulted in an aggressive regional policy and border confrontations. Claims and counter irredentist claims by China and India ultimately led to interstate deadly clashes during the pandemic. It is argued that the global ‘war against terror’ fomented a discourse of ‘patriotism’---often associated with a particular civilizational identity. Global financial crisis and resultant conservative ideas further strengthened the underlying ‘patriotic’ wave. In addition, stable---in the face of global crisis--emerging economies, with particular civilizational/cultural identities, became alternative models on their own right. Finally, rise of China and relative decline of USA inclined voters even in USA to opt for a conservative solution. Thus election of Donald Trump, as a US president normalised the practice of conservative ideas of ‘glorious past’. In addition, Trump’s America first policy, at the cost of its allies, worked as an endorsement for irredentist behaviour of rising powers. Finally, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its aftermath provided greater regional and global manoeuvrability to the leadership in China and India, albeit with caution. It is concluded that resent regional policies of rising powers such as China and India are largely influenced by post 9/11 changes in nature of global engagement of super power(s).


Memory, Identity, and Rivalry: The Historical Roots of India-Pakistan Enduring Rivalry: Muhammad Arif Khan (Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, Karachi)
Abstract: The relationship between India and Pakistan is one of the most complex and enduring rivalries in international relations deeply rooted in a shared yet contentious history. Since the partition in 1947 historical narratives have significantly shaped the political, social, and cultural dimensions of India-Pakistan relations. This paper explores how historical legacies, collective memory, and contrasting historical narratives have both divided and, at times, briefly united the two nations. It examines the role of colonial legacies, the impact of partition trauma, and the way national histories have been constructed in each country to foster unique and often conflicting identities. Partition remains a traumatic chapter in both countries with millions displaced and significant violence affecting generations. This shared history has led to a “memory politics” where past grievances continue to fuel tensions over territorial disputes, like those in Kashmir, and influence perceptions of national security and sovereignty. History textbooks, media portrayals, and political rhetoric have reinforced adversarial perceptions, often overshadowing shared cultural and linguistic ties. The paper also explores efforts at reconciliation through Track II diplomacy, cultural exchanges and the limited moments of diplomatic détente. However, these efforts are frequently undermined by historical narratives that emphasize victimhood, betrayal and suspicion. Through an analysis of these historical influences this study argues that any sustainable improvement in India-Pakistan relations requires addressing the historical grievances and evolving narratives that have long defined the bilateral relationship. In conclusion, the paper underscores the role of history as both a barrier and potential bridge in India-Pakistan relations. Understanding and reframing historical narratives could offer pathways for dialogue and cooperation, moving beyond entrenched hostilities toward a more stable and peaceful future in South Asia.


Participants:
Sagheer Khan (Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan)
Muhammad Arif Khan (Federal Urdu University of Arts Sciecne and Technology, Karachi)
Rizwan Asghar (Trinity College Dublin)
Jesse Dillon Savage (Trinity College Dublin)
Otilia Maria Machuca Campos (Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaio)