The
Baloch people are a unique ethno-linguistic group spread between
Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. Throughout history they have been the
victims of marginalization within their respective countries. This
analysis begins by detailing the low-level insurgency the Pakistani
Baloch have fought against the federal government of Pakistan since
2004. It then presents
the drivers of historical conflict including tribal divisions, the
Baloch-Pashtun divide, marginalization by Punjabi interests, and
economic oppression. The contemporary conflict drivers are then
examined, which include the construction of the Gwadar mega-port, oil
revenues, the war in Afghanistan, and repression by the Pakistani
government. The Baloch insurgency will then be placed in a larger
regional and global context. By examining the conflict drivers in
Pakistani Balochistan and its implications for South Asia, it is clear
that while a complete cessation of the conflict is unlikely, ensuring
the conflict remains limited is an important element for stability in
Pakistan and the region more broadly.
About the author:
Mickey Kupecz is an M.A. candidate in International Security at the University of Denver’s Korbel School of International Studies where he is a Sié Fellow. His degree focuses on the South Asia region, particularly Pakistan. His functional interests include ethnic conflict, terrorism, and stability operations. He has interned at the New America Foundation’s Middle East Task Force, as well as at the Center for Complex Operations at the National Defense University.
Mickey Kupecz is an M.A. candidate in International Security at the University of Denver’s Korbel School of International Studies where he is a Sié Fellow. His degree focuses on the South Asia region, particularly Pakistan. His functional interests include ethnic conflict, terrorism, and stability operations. He has interned at the New America Foundation’s Middle East Task Force, as well as at the Center for Complex Operations at the National Defense University.
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