Book review : How Pakistan negotiates with the United States : riding the roller coaster

Retired US ambassadors Howard Schaffer and Teresita Schaffer provide an insightful account of how Pakistan’s governing elites have negotiated with US civilian and military officials since Pakistan’s founding in 1947. A nuanced discussion of how Pakistani politics, civil society, and bureaucracy have interacted with one another over the years helps shed light on Pakistan’s distinctive negotiating style and its implications for US-Pakistani relations. Particularly noteworthy is the process by which the two countries reach formal agreements and how sophisticated and seasoned US diplomats have repeatedly succumbed to Pakistani charm, if not deception. The rich case studies make for a compelling read. The authors provide measured advice for US officials on how to negotiate more effectively with Pakistan. At a time when the US is debating whether Pakistan is a friend or a duplicitous ally, this book is most timely and should be required reading for policy makers and diplomats.