Vol. III No. 2 (2026): Strategic Perspectives, Summer 2026
Navigating the Post-Western Moment: Russia–Pakistan Cooperation as a Case Study of Emerging Multipolar Diplomacy
Amina Munir
Published June 30, 2026
Abstract
In the digital era, we are no longer fighting on battlefields but on the screens watched by millions around the world. The evolution of digital media has been transformed by rapid advances in digital technologies and internet connectivity. The emergence of Over-the-top (OTT) platforms has revolutionized the digital media landscape, enabling unrestricted, on-demand access across borders. In the age of streaming platforms, entertainment content has emerged as a powerful tool to shape people’s perceptions. In this setting, India is effectively using an OTT platform to construct an anti-Pakistan narrative. Bollywood productions use strategic communication through storytelling and shaping narratives by selective representation and tilting of history in their favor. By using qualitative techniques, this research has analyzed the meaning and interpretation using non-numerical data, including observations, documents, and media content. The emergence of a cluster of movies during the Modi era reflects strategic communication through storytelling as a powerful tool to construct an anti-Pakistan perception. This study analyzes scenes and dialogues of five recent movies streamed on Netflix during the Modi Era, that includes Dhurandhar, Saare Jahan sy Achaa, Fighter, Mission Majnu, and Kandahar Hijack. Moreover, widespread viewership of these films amplifies how India uses storytelling techniques to strategically communicate with a larger audience. These movies/series shape an anti-Pakistan perception by reinforcing the stereotype of Pakistan as an irrational state and a threat in the region. This could lead to damage to Pakistan’s credibility as a state and could diplomatically isolate Pakistan. This consistently portrayed Pakistan sponsor of terrorism, weak state and a threat to regional stability. Furthermore, the study pointed out obstacles in the Pakistani media industry that limit Pakistan’s access to Netflix. Lastly, this suggests possible options for Pakistan to construct a counter-narrative by strategic storytelling in the digital media landscape.
Key Words
Post-Western international order, Multipolar diplomacy, Russia–Pakistan cooperation, Strategic hedging, Eurasian security, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation