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The Indo-Pakistani Arms Competition

Author

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  • Ido Oren

    (University of Minnesota)

Abstract

The author applies to South Asia a theory of armament that he developed in the context of the superpowers' arms rivalry. The empirical findings are consistent with the results for the superpowers' case: India and Pakistan are found to have matched high levels of armaments with low levels and vice versa. Such results are analytically similar to empirical evidence on alliances showing that states, including India and Pakistan, often ally with the stronger against the weaker side. In both cases the evidence contradicts conventional wisdom on power balancing, internal and external, respectively. The authors' theory explains this otherwise anomalous phenomenon: states use strength not just as an indicator of capability but also of intentions: given the same amount of hostile behavior, weak states appear more aggressive than strong ones. Hence, if states worry about intentions more than about power, they would be attracted to stronger states precisely because of their strength, not despite it.

Suggested Citation

  • Ido Oren, 1994. "The Indo-Pakistani Arms Competition," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 38(2), pages 185-214, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:38:y:1994:i:2:p:185-214
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002794038002002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Brian Healy & Arthur Stein, 1973. "The Balance of Power in International History," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 17(1), pages 33-61, March.
    2. Walt, Stephen M., 1988. "Testing theories of alliance formation: the case of Southwest Asia," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 42(2), pages 275-316, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nasir M. Khilji & Akhtar Mahmood, 1997. "Military Expenditures and Economic Growth in Pakistan," The Pakistan Development Review, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, vol. 36(4), pages 791-808.

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