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Pakistan: A New History
If Pakistan is to preserve all that is good about its country -- the generosity and hospitality of its people, the dynamism of its youth -- it must face the deterioration of its social and political institutions. Sidestepping easy headlines to identify Pakistan's true dangers, this volume revisits the major turning points and trends of Pakistani history over the past six decades, focusing on the increasing entrenchment of Pakistan's army in its political and economic arenas; the complex role of Islam in public life; the tensions between central and local identities and democratic impulses; and the affect of geopolitical influences on domestic policy and development.
While Ian Talbot's study centers on Pakistan's many failures -- the collapse of stable governance, the drop in positive political and economic development, and, most of all, the unrealized goal of securing a separate Muslim state -- his text unequivocally affirms Pakistan's potential for a positive reawakening. These failures were not preordained, Talbot agues, and such a fatalistic reading does not respect the complexity of historical events, individual actors, and the state's own rich resources. Talbot's sensitive historical approach makes it clear that favorable opportunities still remain for Pakistan, in which the state has a chance to reclaim its priorities and institutions and reestablish political and economic sustainability.
While Ian Talbot's study centers on Pakistan's many failures -- the collapse of stable governance, the drop in positive political and economic development, and, most of all, the unrealized goal of securing a separate Muslim state -- his text unequivocally affirms Pakistan's potential for a positive reawakening. These failures were not preordained, Talbot agues, and such a fatalistic reading does not respect the complexity of historical events, individual actors, and the state's own rich resources. Talbot's sensitive historical approach makes it clear that favorable opportunities still remain for Pakistan, in which the state has a chance to reclaim its priorities and institutions and reestablish political and economic sustainability.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published October 30, 2012
About the author
Ian Talbot
29 books16 followersIan Talbot is professor of history at Southampton University and one of Europe's leading historians of South Asia. He is the author of many books on the subcontinent.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 4, 2013
Most comprehensive account of Pakistan's mounting problems with emphasis on increasing entrenchment of the army in Pakistan's politics and economy, tensions b/w centralizing tendencies and local identities, role of Islam in public life and geo-political influences on internal development.
October 14, 2014
Not really a "New History" as much as a commentary on events. OK if you're wanting to refresh yourself with things that happened, but there is little here beyond the conventional narrative...
March 16, 2021
Ian Talbot’s #pakistananewhistory is a precise title, explaining the dynamics and issues of the country as well its diversity by population, geography, and the mainstream view of the religion, and the unsettled concerns of military rule
.
Though history books can’t be written novella way, due to the continuing of facts and figures one can put words in a way that the reader won’t feel lost nor trapped but enjoy reading it altogether, unfortunately, Talbot’s writing makes you feel less enthusiastic but it f we see the bigger image-
.
PANH (Pakistan a new history) is one of the best books on this topic, which give you a glimpse of what’s happening and how the inside factors of the country affecting it-
.
Either it’s overgrowing Population, water and electricity concerns, illiteracy, unemployment rate, unstable governments, mistrust between state institutions... this is a well-written book
The best part about this book was, it talked in chapter ways making things easier to follow, like-
Chapter one narrates the story of the people of Pakistan and the land they’re living in
Chapters two, three are about the early years of Pakistan and how much development happened, and the role played by Ayub Khan.
Chapters four and five examine the course of Bhutto and the coming of Zia-ul-Haq as the country’s leadership.
Chapters six and seven explain the failure of democracy and mistrust of the military, and the regime of Musharraf including the issue of 9/11 and much more.
Last chapter talk about the opportunities, and Zardari's presidency. And lastly, the epilogue gave away hope that to make the future worthy, and generation to survive, Pakistan must address the crises of its demographic, environmental, a mass of the unemployed population, and illiteracy.
.
Though history books can’t be written novella way, due to the continuing of facts and figures one can put words in a way that the reader won’t feel lost nor trapped but enjoy reading it altogether, unfortunately, Talbot’s writing makes you feel less enthusiastic but it f we see the bigger image-
.
PANH (Pakistan a new history) is one of the best books on this topic, which give you a glimpse of what’s happening and how the inside factors of the country affecting it-
.
Either it’s overgrowing Population, water and electricity concerns, illiteracy, unemployment rate, unstable governments, mistrust between state institutions... this is a well-written book
The best part about this book was, it talked in chapter ways making things easier to follow, like-
Chapter one narrates the story of the people of Pakistan and the land they’re living in
Chapters two, three are about the early years of Pakistan and how much development happened, and the role played by Ayub Khan.
Chapters four and five examine the course of Bhutto and the coming of Zia-ul-Haq as the country’s leadership.
Chapters six and seven explain the failure of democracy and mistrust of the military, and the regime of Musharraf including the issue of 9/11 and much more.
Last chapter talk about the opportunities, and Zardari's presidency. And lastly, the epilogue gave away hope that to make the future worthy, and generation to survive, Pakistan must address the crises of its demographic, environmental, a mass of the unemployed population, and illiteracy.
January 9, 2024
A comprehensive review of events in Pakistan since its independence, covering political, social, economical, military sides. A brilliant.
March 31, 2020
Unbiased, comprehensive and easy to read.
There was hardly a contour in the Pakistani politics which was left untouched in this book. This is a complete, and well-researched work (untill Abbottabad episode 2011). For those who are aspiring for civil services, this book is a must-read.
The book is an objective analysis of misfortunes of Pakitsan. It explains how institutions, driven by self-interests, never enabled the system to deliver social justice and egalitarianism promised by its founder.
Fundamental flaws in political activism right from the creation of Muslim League and its continued legacy after partition were highlighted. Political, bureaucratic, military, and at times judicial elite has supported each other for power-sharing, and this process never enabled masses to be empowered.
Epilogue of the book is a must-read. It provides a recipe for a brighter future of the country, or at least to save itself in the wake of new challenges.
All in all, a brilliant work.
There was hardly a contour in the Pakistani politics which was left untouched in this book. This is a complete, and well-researched work (untill Abbottabad episode 2011). For those who are aspiring for civil services, this book is a must-read.
The book is an objective analysis of misfortunes of Pakitsan. It explains how institutions, driven by self-interests, never enabled the system to deliver social justice and egalitarianism promised by its founder.
Fundamental flaws in political activism right from the creation of Muslim League and its continued legacy after partition were highlighted. Political, bureaucratic, military, and at times judicial elite has supported each other for power-sharing, and this process never enabled masses to be empowered.
Epilogue of the book is a must-read. It provides a recipe for a brighter future of the country, or at least to save itself in the wake of new challenges.
All in all, a brilliant work.
November 4, 2021
Talbot’s ‘Pakistan: A new History’, which consists of only 281 pages, successfully summarizes Pakistan’s six tumultuous decades, from its independence in 1947 to 2010 of Zardari’s government. Starting with an introduction to Pakistan’s transition into a separate country, her demo and geography, and her initial failure at constitution making, this book then follows the successive governments of civil and military rulers over the six decades (Ayub ’58-69; Bhutto ’71-73; Zia ’78-88; Benazir and Nawaz ’88-99; Musharraf ’99-2007; Zardari 2008 onwards) while critically analyzing the failures of each period and its accumulative effect on Pakistan’s complex, crippling, and unstable present-day state. Reading this book is an important, albeit disheartening, education regarding the chaotic, unstable, and tragic history of Pakistan.
Full review:
https://hifzehayat.blogspot.com/2021/...
Full review:
https://hifzehayat.blogspot.com/2021/...
May 18, 2021
Pakistan: A New History by Ian Talbot gives us a detailed analysis on the development process in Pakistan and how various governments, (civil and military), have impacted the state. A hint of pessimism could be seen along the lines of bitter realities and alarming governance situations. The need for drastic institutional changes is highlighted at various points with valid argumentation. Overall the book is written with beautiful cohesion, unbiased analysis and a firm grip over the subject.
October 24, 2019
This book covers the major politico-socio-ecnomic historical developments along with analysis and recommendations.
April 5, 2020
A must read.
September 17, 2024
beri nice ngl
February 9, 2023
If you are interested in a good general history of Pakistan, this is NOT the book for you. If you have read a couple of history books about Pakistan, then perhaps, this book will be useful.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews