Sponsor
Portland State University. Conflict Resolution Program
First Advisor
Vandy Kanyako
Term of Graduation
Spring 2026
Date of Publication
6-15-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.) in Conflict Resolution
Department
Conflict Resolution
Language
English
Physical Description
1 online resource (vi, 69 pages)
Abstract
The abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution on August 5, 2019, revoked the special autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) under the Indian administration. It further bifurcated it into two Union Territories under central Indian control. The move came amid a severe security lockdown and communication blackout that lasted for months. It was followed by instrumental legal, social, and economic developments that directly affected the area’s disputed status and the human rights of its residents. This research examines the geopolitical and human security implications of the abrogation and subsequent developments through a qualitative, analytical design, integrating Edward Azar's Protracted Social Conflict Theory as the primary framework, while the Human Security Theory, and John Burton’s Human Needs Theory as the secondary analytical tools. This topic is significant as it highlights a critical South Asian flashpoint that influences nuclear stability, regional power dynamics, and human rights in a volatile, disputed territory. Geopolitically, the move escalated tensions, with India resorting to claim the legislative arrangements concerning Jammu and Kashmir as its internal matter, and Pakistan downgrading ties and suspending trade, which led to intensification of clashes along the Line of Control (surging 165 percent to 4,321 incidents in 2020). Additionally, China's objections over Ladakh paved way for the 2020 Galwan clashes between India and China, and ongoing militarization at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). This effectively transformed a bilateral dispute between India and Pakistan into a nuclear trilemma involving China, another nuclear power bordering the area. Human security deteriorated across UNDP dimensions: civil liberties scores fell from 38/100 in 2018 to 28/100 in 2020 (Freedom House); preventive detentions doubled to 1,008 in 2019; internet shutdowns lasted 560 days; tourism plummeted by 86 percent; and youth unemployment rose to 24.6 percent in 2021. Regional responses included Pakistan's UNSC internationalization and OIC condemnations (over 15 by 2025), alongside China's rising concerns over the perceived threats to its CPEC investments ($1.2 billion in 2021). International actors such as the United States and the European Union showed strategic ambiguity, prioritizing their convergence with New Delhi on regional and global geopolitics. Findings reveal a security paradox where state integration fueled alienation and instability. Recommendations from a Pakistani perspective emphasize diplomatic advocacy, support for self-determination, and confidence-building to restore stability. The study is limited by its reliance on secondary sources and archival data, and it lacks primary fieldwork due to sustained access restrictions and security constraints in Jammu and Kashmir.
Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/45062
Recommended Citation
Ali, Rizwan, "The Kashmir Conflict After the Abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution: Geopolitical Dynamics and Human Security Implications" (2026). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 7171.