Terminating the Interminable

Abstract

This chapter examines how the India-Pakistani rivalry might terminate and what role the United States might play in the process. First, it shows why ending the rivalry is in the United States' interest, especially given that both South Asia countries are armed with nuclear weapons, and covers the origins of the rivalry and US leverage over both parties. Second, it sets up three competing models for rivalry termination. Third, it delves into three moments in the India-Pakistan relationship where the United States was involved in trying to broker reductions in hostility, with widely varying results, especially with regard to the ongoing conflict in Jammu and Kashmir. Finally, it proposes a potential path toward India-Pakistani rapprochement along with ways that the United States could help the process and potential pitfalls that the United States must consider.