Youth Perspective on Peace between India and Pakistan: A Quantitative Analysis

Abstract

Since independence, India and Pakistan have cultivated hostile relations, over the issues such as Kashmir, civil war in East Pakistan, sharing of water resources and cross border covert operations etc. Although, the local politics in India has always been Pakistan centric, however, for the past decade, Indian national politics, particularly elections, have increasingly centered on an anti-Pakistan agenda, yielding favorable outcomes for proponents of such populist rhetoric. The younger generation, devoid of direct memories of past conflicts, is being swayed by narratives surrounding Kashmir, border skirmishes, and cross-border terrorism. The youth on both sides of the border have not seen an active war since the 1999 Kargil crises. Policy makers, politicians and defenders in Pakistan and India have not made efforts to apprise themselves with the opinion of youth that how do they see the hostilities between the two countries. This research is an attempt to explore the impact of propaganda and political exploitation regarding cross-border threats on the opinion of youth in both countries. Understanding the perceptions and insights of the youth regarding bilateral relations and conflicts is crucial for fostering peace in the region. Such studies are imperative for potential peace initiatives, future inter-state relations, trade perspectives and progressive interdependencies.