The role and potential of soft power in mitigating the rivalry between India and Pakistan

Abstract

The relations between India and Pakistan are currently stalemated owing to ongoing tensions. These tensions are rooted in long-term rivalry between the two nations. Soft power is one area where there are unifying elements in both states. This paper argues that the interaction in the domain of soft power such as sports, film industry and literary events between the two states can mitigate the rivalry. Due to unresolved conflicts people in both countries view competitions in sports as a matter of war. Soft power can change this perception at popular level which can be a crucial factor for resolving conflict and usher in an era of durable peace between the two countries.