Islamic Heritage as A Soft Power Tool: An Anthropological Analysis of The Influence of Islamic Heritage on the Changing Political Identity and Cultural Diplomacy of Pakistan

Abstract

The relationship between religion, national identity, and foreign policy has been a subject of widespread scholarly review, particularly in the context of Muslim-majority countries. Pakistan, as a state founded based on Islamic ideology, presents an exceptional case study in this regard. This research venture examines the influence of Islamic heritage on the changing political identity and cultural diplomacy of Pakistan. This study aims to fill this gap by adopting a multidisciplinary approach that combines historical and anthropological analysis. The findings suggest that Pakistan’s Islamic heritage has been a significant factor in determining its political identity and cultural diplomacy. Still, the interpretation and application of this heritage have been the subject of continuing cooperation and debate. For instance, the country’s foreign policy has dithered between a more assertive Islamic stance, exemplified by the Zia-ul-Haq regime’s emphasis on Islamization, and a more pragmatic approach that seeks to balance religious and geopolitical deliberations, as seen under the Musharraf administration’s ‘enlightened moderation’ initiative.