Shifting Alliances: Tracing Diplomatic, Economic, and Security Interactions among Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the United States from the Cold War to the 21st Century

Abstract

This research analyzes the evolution of diplomatic, economic, and security interactions among Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the United States (U.S.) from the Cold War era to the 21st Century. During the Cold War, the foreign policy of U.S. in South Asia was shaped by its global strategy to contain communism. Pakistan became a key ally, receiving economic aid and military support in exchange for strategic cooperation, particularly during the Soviet-Afghan conflict. In contrast, as a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement, Sri Lanka adopted a balanced approach, seeking development assistance from both the West and the Eastern bloc while navigating internal ethnic tensions and regional challenges.  In the post-Cold War period, these dynamics shifted with globalization, the War on Terror, and China's growing influence in South Asia. Sri Lanka’s interactions with the U.S. evolved around post-conflict recovery after its civil war ended in 2009, with Washington focusing on human rights. This study employs a qualitative historical analysis, using primary and secondary sources, to explore these interactions and their underlying drivers. It identifies key patterns including military aid, economic development programs and diplomatic initiatives. By situating these trilateral relationships within the broader geopolitical context, the research highlights their influence on South Asian stability, economic development and contemporary geopolitics. This study offers valuable insights into how historical transitions have shaped current alliances and policy priorities in a strategically significant region.