Subnational Governance, Service Delivery, and Militancy in Pakistan

This report presents the results of a study on whether a link exists between the rise of militants and the quality of subnational governance in Pakistan and, if one exists, what the United States can do about it, if anything. Its basic finding is that Pakistans governance problems are not caused by militancy, and its problems with militancy are not directly caused by its governance problems, but improving governance will be necessary (though not sufficient) to counter militancy. Pakistans governance problems are not insurmountable, and recent trends offer reason for hope: the militarys prestige has declined, the civilian government is likely to complete its full term, the judiciary is increasingly independent, civil society is increasingly confident even in the face of militant intimidation, and recent reformsthe Local Governance Ordinance of 2001 and the Eighteenth Amendment to the constitutionhave put in place a set of institutions and incentives likely to contribute to improvements in the future. The United States has little influence over Pakistans domestic politics and policies, but can help to reinforce these positive trends by working to empower Pakistans reformers, moderates, and democrats (who prefer that public policies be developed and implemented through peaceful or democratic means) and to marginalize Pakistans hardliners and extremists (who encourage the use of violence or proxy armies).