Stephen Cohen updates his critically acclaimed book with a discerning view of significant recent events in the region, particularly the devastating earthquake in Kashmir and its after affects. The quake killed over 70,000 people and left another 3 million homeless in one of the most remote, inhospitable parts of the world. Cohen observes how the catastrophic event has affected Pakistan's political, military, and economic structures, as well as its relationships with other countries.Praise for the previous edition: "A lucid, penetrating and brilliantly constructed book on the state and nation of Pakistan. Cohen, an old South Asia hand, brings to the fore all his knowledge and expertise of one of America's most important allies in the war against terror." --Choice"Cohen's facts are indisputable, his logic cold and clear, and his omissions deliberate and meaningful." --Foreign Affairs"A singularly successful effort to explain Pakistan.... The intellectual power and rare insight with which the book breaks through the complexity of the subject rivals that of classics that have explained other societies posing a comparable challenge to understanding." --Middle East Journal"Cohen knows Pakistan well and his analysis is very perceptive." --Newsline (Karachi, Pakistan)"A personal, perceptive, and policy-oriented study of Pakistan. This is an important work, by a leading expert of South Asia." --Economic and Political Weekly (India) Book Review"[Cohen's] survey of how the country has developed and why it is at the crossroads it is now is most insightful and useful. A first class primer and more as I commence my work." --David B. Collins, high commissioner of Canada, Islamabad
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About the Author
Stephen Philip Cohen is a senior fellow in the Foreign Policy Studies program at the Brookings Institution. He is the author of classic books on India's and Pakistan's armies and the widely praised India: Emerging Power (Brookings, 2001). He was a member of the Policy Planning Staff of the U.S. Department of State and before joining Brookings was a faculty member at the University of Illinois.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
56 of 60 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Cohen has the necessary qualifications and the background for this important work. His subject is critically important for the region, as also for several parts of the world. He treats the subject with neutrality and scholarly erudition, which is sometimes missing from Western works in these turbulent days.
His central theme is contained in the title of the book: The Idea of Pakistan. He describes how the idea originated, how it developed and crystallised, and the challenges that Pakistan faces today. He ends the book with a presentation on the various possible scenarios / paths that Pakistan could take.
His approach is analytical and comprehensive. The book is well-referenced and is easy to read. His writing style is neither pedantic nor casual. By the time you end the book, you will probably know a lot about Pakistan, all delivered through a systematic framework.
However, it is also difficult to retain for long what you have read in this book. This may be due to the fact that the book reads like a project report commssioned by a Corporation or a Government. Cohen does not offer you any insights, as this would perhaps be considered a professorial misdemeanor for a work such as this! Another significant issue is that he treats Pakistan as a totally modern state, and analyses it from that perspective. As a result, he ignores the cultural, economic and political legacy of Islam and Moghuls which Pakistan inherited. This gives his book a very contemporary, current-affairish feel.
In my view, his analysis of Pakistan also suffers due to this omission. The past continues to affect the present and the future. Therefore, any cultue or nation that has such an ancient past can not be undertood effectively, unless that past is also considered.
Overall, a good book.
His central theme is contained in the title of the book: The Idea of Pakistan. He describes how the idea originated, how it developed and crystallised, and the challenges that Pakistan faces today. He ends the book with a presentation on the various possible scenarios / paths that Pakistan could take.
His approach is analytical and comprehensive. The book is well-referenced and is easy to read. His writing style is neither pedantic nor casual. By the time you end the book, you will probably know a lot about Pakistan, all delivered through a systematic framework.
However, it is also difficult to retain for long what you have read in this book. This may be due to the fact that the book reads like a project report commssioned by a Corporation or a Government. Cohen does not offer you any insights, as this would perhaps be considered a professorial misdemeanor for a work such as this! Another significant issue is that he treats Pakistan as a totally modern state, and analyses it from that perspective. As a result, he ignores the cultural, economic and political legacy of Islam and Moghuls which Pakistan inherited. This gives his book a very contemporary, current-affairish feel.
In my view, his analysis of Pakistan also suffers due to this omission. The past continues to affect the present and the future. Therefore, any cultue or nation that has such an ancient past can not be undertood effectively, unless that past is also considered.
Overall, a good book.
26 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
"The Idea of Pakistan" is a brilliant work of an accomplished analyst who is intimately knowledgeable of Pakistani culture, society and politics. The book is essentially a detailed thesis in strategic country analysis, written by a highly interested and talented scholar. It well covers the `driving factors' behind Pakistan's past, present and future.
Mr. Cohen's analysis of Pakistan Army, politicians, Islamists and nationalists is extremely convincing. At times he does go overboard with his fear of Islam in Pakistan and chance of country's nuclear weapons ending up in the wrong hands. Readers should discount these thoughts without becoming skeptical of the entire work; after all, Mr. Cohen is an American!
What impressed me the most, however, was his way of highlighting the `youth explosion' of the untrained and unemployed, that is to overtake Pakistan by 2015 the latest. I yet have to see a single Pakistani analyst put his/her finger on this decisive factor. Or perhaps I simply do not read enough.
I am afraid this brilliant work will encounter more criticism than accolades, especially from within Pakistan. As Mr. Cohen points out, Pakistani education system coupled with the state sponsored propaganda makes recipients suspicious of all foreigners (especially those with Jewish last names). Nevertheless, a relatively unbiased reader should see the shining merits of this work.
For this single effort, Pakistani `Establishment' should award Mr. Cohen with the highest civil honor available to foreigners. Unfortunately, the act will require the same `vision' that Mr. Cohen correctly finds missing among this group. Regardless, he has my best wishes and many thanks. May Allah reward him!
Mr. Cohen's analysis of Pakistan Army, politicians, Islamists and nationalists is extremely convincing. At times he does go overboard with his fear of Islam in Pakistan and chance of country's nuclear weapons ending up in the wrong hands. Readers should discount these thoughts without becoming skeptical of the entire work; after all, Mr. Cohen is an American!
What impressed me the most, however, was his way of highlighting the `youth explosion' of the untrained and unemployed, that is to overtake Pakistan by 2015 the latest. I yet have to see a single Pakistani analyst put his/her finger on this decisive factor. Or perhaps I simply do not read enough.
I am afraid this brilliant work will encounter more criticism than accolades, especially from within Pakistan. As Mr. Cohen points out, Pakistani education system coupled with the state sponsored propaganda makes recipients suspicious of all foreigners (especially those with Jewish last names). Nevertheless, a relatively unbiased reader should see the shining merits of this work.
For this single effort, Pakistani `Establishment' should award Mr. Cohen with the highest civil honor available to foreigners. Unfortunately, the act will require the same `vision' that Mr. Cohen correctly finds missing among this group. Regardless, he has my best wishes and many thanks. May Allah reward him!
27 of 32 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
An excellent account of history, politics, and personalities todo with Pakistan, this book provides indepth analysis of the state of Pakistan as we have it now.
Being a Pakistani professional working overseas and a byproduct of the same society which Mr Cohen concentrates in this book, I read this book thoroughly, keenly and critically. Relating every thing with my life experience in the environment where I grew up, I can sense the depth of knowledge of the author who tells us about the political history of Pakistan.
Somewhat I disagree with the author about the exagerated threat of Islamic fundamentalism in the initial few chapters however in his last few chapters he admits this and put forward some sensible policy guidelines and suggestions for the US foreign policy. Considering the recent developments I can already see the US policy makers taking a serious note of the findings, and taking a few steps towards the right direction e.g. offering F-16 to both India and Pakistan, facilitating Kashmir dialoue, providing aid to restructure Pakistani educational system, and expressing desire to see Pakistan a democratic country.
The problems which are described in this book have been pointed out and discussed in Pakistani press before, however in the absence of real democracy and people power they can't make a difference.
This is a must read book if you are a Pakistani or Indian and love to see your countries as progressive and modern countries.
My congratulations to Mr Cohen on this excellent effort.
Being a Pakistani professional working overseas and a byproduct of the same society which Mr Cohen concentrates in this book, I read this book thoroughly, keenly and critically. Relating every thing with my life experience in the environment where I grew up, I can sense the depth of knowledge of the author who tells us about the political history of Pakistan.
Somewhat I disagree with the author about the exagerated threat of Islamic fundamentalism in the initial few chapters however in his last few chapters he admits this and put forward some sensible policy guidelines and suggestions for the US foreign policy. Considering the recent developments I can already see the US policy makers taking a serious note of the findings, and taking a few steps towards the right direction e.g. offering F-16 to both India and Pakistan, facilitating Kashmir dialoue, providing aid to restructure Pakistani educational system, and expressing desire to see Pakistan a democratic country.
The problems which are described in this book have been pointed out and discussed in Pakistani press before, however in the absence of real democracy and people power they can't make a difference.
This is a must read book if you are a Pakistani or Indian and love to see your countries as progressive and modern countries.
My congratulations to Mr Cohen on this excellent effort.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Disappointed... Regret on my impulsive desicion.
The literature review provided by the book is although quite exhaustive whilst at several places reader may find Mr. Read more
Published 11 months ago by sikander
trying to understand Pakistan
Although I lived a long time in Pakistan more than 30 years ago, un update of my knowledgde about this country was absolutely necessary and reading Stephen Cohen's book was an... Read more
Published on January 9, 2009 by Ferdinand Van Wichelen
Recommended
Recommended read along with other books about Pakistan.
THREE CUPS OF TEA
AMONG MUSLIMS
WHERE THE INDUS IS YOUNG
ALIVE AND WELL IN PAKISTAN
THE GREAT GAME
THREE CUPS OF TEA
AMONG MUSLIMS
WHERE THE INDUS IS YOUNG
ALIVE AND WELL IN PAKISTAN
THE GREAT GAME
Published on August 8, 2008 by The Purple Bee
Idea of Pakistan
The book is well laid out. First focusing on Pakistan's history and than into its political insitutions. Read more
Published on January 28, 2008 by David B. Shine
interesting but misses something
This is an interesting book that helps to illuminate many of Pakistans faces. The face of militarism, the various coups and dictators that have ruled the country such as Zia and... Read more
Published on December 4, 2006 by Seth J. Frantzman
Cohen's Idea of Pakistan
One criticism of the book is that he mentions how the country was overrun with guns, drugs and afghans after the afghan war but fails to mention who supplied the guns and helped... Read more
Published on April 26, 2006 by R. S. Ali
Valuable analysis and predictions
Its written by a seasoned and established scholar on Pakistan. The book, more analytical in its approach in comparison to other recent works on Pakistan, is a policy oriented... Read more
Published on February 17, 2006 by Rebecca
A scholarly and insightful work
Cohen forensically describes the Oligarchy that has run Pakistan for its own interests: the Army, the Feudals and the Bureaucracy. Read more
Published on September 17, 2005 by Mr. Shahzad Zafar
Lead, kindly light......
Pakistan can be a benign Canada or a hostile Cuba (with a bomb) for India. It is essential for Indians to understand Pakistan, its identity, ambitions, frustrations and pain... Read more
Published on March 5, 2005 by T. R. Santhanakrishnan
A GOOD BOOK
The Idea of Pakistan is a book about the political history of Pakistan with lots of references on such important elements of the society as education and social institutions. Read more
Published on February 8, 2005 by Syed Farooq Hasnat
Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
In recent years Pakistan has become a strategically important state, both criticized as a rogue power and praised as being on the front line in the ill-named war on terrorism. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
ulema parties, youth bulge, student wing, autonomist movements, ethnolinguistic groups, nuclear program Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
United States, East Pakistan, South Asia, Nawaz Sharif, West Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Indian Muslims, East Wing, Soviet Union, Ayub Khan, India's Muslims, Pervez Musharraf, President Musharraf, Benazir Bhutto, British India, Middle East, Central Asia, Northwest Frontier Province, Pakistan's Establishment, West Wing, East Bengal, General Musharraf, Indian National Congress, New Delhi, Yahya Khan New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
In recent years Pakistan has become a strategically important state, both criticized as a rogue power and praised as being on the front line in the ill-named war on terrorism. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
ulema parties, youth bulge, student wing, autonomist movements, ethnolinguistic groups, nuclear program Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
United States, East Pakistan, South Asia, Nawaz Sharif, West Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Indian Muslims, East Wing, Soviet Union, Ayub Khan, India's Muslims, Pervez Musharraf, President Musharraf, Benazir Bhutto, British India, Middle East, Central Asia, Northwest Frontier Province, Pakistan's Establishment, West Wing, East Bengal, General Musharraf, Indian National Congress, New Delhi, Yahya Khan New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 50
books:
See all 50 books this book cites
12
books
cite this book:
See all 12 books citing this book
- The Pakistan Army (1998 Edition) by Stephen P. Cohen on 9 pages
- India and Pakistan (Inventing the Nation) by Ian Talbot in Back Matter (1), Back Matter (2), and Back Matter (3)
- Jinnah, Pakistan and Islamic Identity: The Search for Saladin by Akbar Ahmed in Back Matter (1), Back Matter (2), and Back Matter (3)
- The Myth of Independence by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on page 140, Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- Military, State and Society in Pakistan by Hasan-Askari Rizvi in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
See all 50 books this book cites
- Strategic Asia 2005-06: Military Modernization in an Era of Uncertainty by Ashley J. Tellis; Michael Wills (Editor) on page 62, page 256, and page 258
- Engaging India: Diplomacy, Democracy, and the Bomb by Strobe Talbott in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- Hard Power: The New Politics of National Security by Kurt Campbell in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- Engaging India: Diplomacy, Democracy, And the Bomb: Revised Edition by Strobe Talbott in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- Challenges to Peacebuilding: Managing Spoilers During Conflict Resolution by Edward Newman on page 311, and Back Matter
See all 12 books citing this book
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