IAN TALBOT is Professor of History at Southampton University, one of Europe's leading historians of South Asia, and the author of many books on the sub-continent.
'Understanding Pakistan's complicated past is integral to grasping
why long-standing observers of Pakistan such as Talbot are still
able to identify the opportunities within the country alongside the
obstacles that need to be overcome before Pakistan's potential can
be fully realized. As Pakistan's troubles seem to be getting worse,
this timely volume not only helps shed light on some of the reasons
why that is, but also explains in depth how Pakistan can still
steer itself into a more positive direction through much needed
structural reforms.'
*International Affairs*
'In this work of interpretation Talbot builds on his earlier
historical analyses of Pakistan. He reflects on the entrenchment of
the army in politics; the issues surrounding the role of Islam in
public life; the tensions between centralising tendencies and local
identities; and the impact of geopolitics on internal development.
In doing so he lays bare failures of governance, economic and
political development. He concludes that the security crisis may
not be the worst that Pakistan will have to face; more serious
threats lie in population and environmental pressures. Talbot's
judgements are balanced and his words authoritative.'
*Francis Robinson, Professor of the History of South Asia, Royal
Holloway, University of London*
'An invaluable guide for navigating and understanding Pakistan's
complex, byzantine politics. Talbot brings extraordinary
understanding and empathy in analysing the trials and tribulations
of Pakistan's political experience. No other contemporary history
of Pakistan comes anywhere near Talbot's understanding and detail
of its challenges and missed opportunities.'
*Maleeha Lodhi, former Pakistani Ambassador to the US and editor of
Pakistan: Beyond the 'Crisis' State*
'This is an excellent overview of Pakistan's troubled past and
uncertain future. Professor Ian Talbot provides a judicious,
informed and incisive account of a polity that has defied standard
explanations. A work of exceptional quality that is a must read for
everyone seriously interested in Pakistan's history and
politics.'
*Gurharpal Singh, Dean , Faculty of Arts and Humanities, SOAS*
'This book by Ian Talbot is a timely addition to understand the
predicaments in which Pakistan is presently embroiled. Talbot has
written extensively on South Asia in particular the history of
Pakistan and this book shows his expertise on the subject. - [It
is] a welcome addition to understand the state of Pakistan and its
society from a historical perspective.'
*Muhammad S. Pervez, Lahore School of Economics*
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