Coventry University academic Dr Ian Talbot has just published a new book charting the development of Pakistan as a nation since it was founded as a separate state in 1947.

‘Pakistan: A Modern History’, provides a detailed analysis of the problems that have beset Pakistan since its chaotic birth. Dr Talbot examines how authoritarianism has repeatedly triumphed over democracy, looks at the so-called ‘second Partition’, the founding of Bangladesh in 1971, and brings events right up to date by examining the collapse of Benazir Bhutto’s two governments.

Dr Talbot’s book has been published simultaneously in Britain, the USA, India and Pakistan, and is the culmination of three year’s research, including a year long sabbatical funded by The British Academy/ Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowship Programme.

Dr Talbot has published numerous other works on both Pakistan and Punjab history and politics, and is Director of Coventry University’s Centre for South Asian Studies.

‘Pakistan: A Modern History’ is published by Hurst and Co and by the Oxford University Press in Delhi, India.