Pakistan: A Hard Country is a non-fiction book by journalist and author Anatol Lieven. Published in 2011, the book provides an in-depth analysis of Pakistan, exploring the country's complex political, social, and historical landscape. Lieven, who has spent extensive time in Pakistan, presents the nation not only through the lens of its political struggles but also its cultural and societal dynamics.

The title reflects the challenges Pakistan faces, which include political instability, corruption, religious extremism, and ethnic divisions. However, Lieven also delves into the resilience of the Pakistani people and the intricacies of the country's institutions. He argues that despite its difficulties, Pakistan is a country of deep historical roots and cultural richness, shaped by a variety of influences, from Islam to British colonialism.

Through a mix of historical context, political analysis, and personal insight, the book highlights Pakistan's paradoxes: its strategic importance in the region, its tense relations with India, its complex relationship with the United States, and its internal struggles with extremism and military rule. The book also discusses Pakistan's identity, its struggle for democracy, and the role of its military, which holds significant influence over its politics.

Lieven's Pakistan: A Hard Country paints a portrait of a nation that is hard to understand yet impossible to ignore, offering a nuanced and balanced perspective on a country often viewed through the lens of conflict and controversy.#dhari.pk