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Description

This Strategic Forum paper examines prospects for resolving the long-standing Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan and emphasizes the central role of political leadership in launching a viable peace process. The author argues that Kashmir cannot be treated in isolation from broader India–Pakistan relations and that a sustainable settlement requires careful design of a negotiating process rather than premature agreement on a final outcome. Drawing lessons from other international peace processes, the paper proposes confidence-building measures, structured dialogue across multiple issue areas, discreet back-channel diplomacy, and meaningful inclusion of Kashmiri representatives. It also assesses the potential role of third-party facilitation, particularly by the United States, in supporting bilateral negotiations. The paper concludes that continued reliance on violence and repression will impose severe political, economic, and security costs on both countries, underscoring the urgency of sustained diplomatic engagement.

Document Type

Policy Brief

Region(s)

Kashmir, India, Pakistan

Topic(s)

National Security, Defense Policy, Strategic Competition

Publication Date

6-2003

Publication

Strategic Forum

Publisher

National Defense University Press

City

Washington, DC

Keywords

Kashmir dispute, India–Pakistan relations, South Asia security, peace process, bilateral diplomacy, conflict resolution, confidence-building measures, nuclear risk, U.S. mediation

Finding a Kashmir Settlement: The Burden of Leadership

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