How have Bureaucratic Politics Undermined Pakistan’s Prospects for Democracy?

Episode 22 of the People, Power, Politics podcast delves deep into Pakistan’s bureaucratic politics in a fascinating discussion with Dr Sameen Ali (International Development Department).

For many years, explanations of Pakistan’s politics and its failed democratic transition have focused on the role of the military and politicians. But how have the country’s bureaucrats contributed to the failed democratic transition? And why do their interactions with politicians continue to perpetuate the country’s political instability? Listen as CEDAR’s Petra Alderman talks to Sameen Ali about Pakistani bureaucrats, their appointments and interactions with politicians, and the ways in which these interactions have kept Pakistan in the grey zone between democracy and authoritarianism.

People, Power, Politics brings the latest insights into the factors that are shaping - and re-shaping - our political world by talking to leading thinkers from across the globe. Join us to better understand the factors that promote and undermine democratic government around the world and follow us on Twitter at @CEDAR_Bham!

If you would like to speak on the podcast, please contact Petra Alderman at p.alderman@bham.ac.uk.