Complex Interdependence: A Comparative study of EU-CHINA rivalry in Pakistan

Abstract

This thesis explores the EU-China rivalry in the context of Pakistan through the theoretical framework of complex interdependence. Since most of the existing literature focuses on larger regions, such as Africa and South America, this thesis focuses on the single-case country: Pakistan. Additionally, existing literature focuses heavily on the traditional power dynamics frameworks of realism and liberalism, which focus more on hard power over other aspects, such as economic, social and geopolitical. In contrast, this study employs the Keohane and Nye’s complex interdependence, which emphasizes on other mediums of engagements and interests in the relationship. This approach broadens the existing literature of the EU and China rivalry to the single case country of Pakistan by applying complex interdependence. The aim of the thesis is to comparatively examine the actions and policies of the EU and China, respectively, towards Pakistan through complex interdependence in the context of their ongoing rivalry. To achieve this goal, my thesis has instrumentalised the Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA) method by Mayring (2000). The analysis focuses on two major cooperations of CPEC and MIP by China and the EU, respectively, since these projects are multi-faceted, focusing on different dimensions of the relationship, along with some joint statements and reports. Findings largely confirm the theoretical expectations; both the EU and China engage with Pakistan through multiple channels and assign a limited role to the military. However, the EU and China follow the hierarchy of issues, with geopolitical issues dominating the economic and socio-cultural issues. These findings partially contradict the complex interdependence theoretical expectation of the absence of hierarchy of issues between the EU and China towards Pakistan. Moreover, differences lie in the EU-China policies and engagements according to their foreign policy orientations. The EU has a strong emphasis on normative values such as human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in its relations with Pakistan. Whereas China, on the contrary, focuses more on its policies of mutual development, non-interference. The broader implications of this research can contribute to future research on the EU-China economic rivalry in the specific country’s context through the different areas of engagement and interests based on their foreign policy orientations, particularly with countries with similar dynamics to Pakistan. Nevertheless, the limitation of this research lies in its inability to address the EU-China rivalry with a primary focus on military power in another country/region.