The Dilemma of Existential Threat: Understanding the Resurgence of Conflict in Tribal Areas through the Lens of Ontological Insecurities

The re-emergence of conflict in Pakistan's tribal areas bordering Afghanistan has generated intense debate among academics. While existing research links the conflict to Afghanistan's situation, this study offers a distinct perspective, examining the conflict through the lens of ontological insecurities. In the context of ontological security, ideology, biographical narrative, and self-identity are interconnected elements that contribute to an individual's sense of stability and continuity. Ontological security, thus, is primarily concerned with the repercussions of anxieties and existential threats, and with how individuals and collective actors make sense of their lives. It plays a vital role in maintaining a stable sense of self. This research takes conflict in the tribal areas as a case study to examine how ontological insecurities function as nodes of instability between militants and the state of Pakistan, insecurities that not only perpetuate conflict but also sabotage peace efforts in the region. This study brings the concept of ontological insecurity into the analysis of the border conflict and, in doing so, enriches the existing body of knowledge.