Pakistan's History of Military Rule Thwarts Democratic Reform
-
Pakistan has been stuck in a "vicious cycle" of military interventions and unstable civilian governments for decades.
-
The military sees itself as the most powerful institution in Pakistan and a key political stakeholder.
-
PMs eventually come into conflict with the military by trying to reduce its influence too quickly.
-
Turkey provides an example of gradually civilianizing politics over time through economic growth and pragmatism.
-
Future Pakistani leaders must focus on the economy, treat the military as a partner initially, and only reform the system once they have strong public support.