Author: Feroz Hassan Khan
Published: 2012 (Stanford University Press)
Genre: Political History, Military Strategy, Nuclear Policy, South Asian Studies
Pages: Approx. 544
Key Themes: Nuclear deterrence, national security, geopolitics, civil-military relations
Overview of the Book
Eating Grass: The Making of the Pakistani Bomb is a pioneering, meticulously researched, and authoritative narrative regarding Pakistan's rise to nuclear power. Authored by Feroz Hassan Khan, a retired Brigadier General in the Pakistan Army and former Director of Arms Control and Disarmament Affairs, this work presents a unique insider’s perspective into the strategic, political, and technological developments that culminated in Pakistan obtaining nuclear capabilities.The book's title, Eating Grass, draws inspiration from a well-known statement by former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who asserted that the people of Pakistan would “consume grass” if necessary, but would pursue the development of a nuclear bomb for their defense against India.
Key Focus Areas of the Book
1. Genesis of the Nuclear Ambition
Khan traces the origins of Pakistan’s nuclear aspirations to the 1971 conflict with India and the subsequent loss of East Pakistan (modern-day Bangladesh). The resulting trauma and military disparity compelled Bhutto and his successors to elevate nuclear development as a critical strategy for national survival and deterrence.2. The Scientific and Technical Race
The book outlines how Pakistan's scientists—led by figures such as Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan and Munir Ahmad Khan—advanced uranium enrichment technology, often amid strict secrecy and sanctions. Khan also addresses the AQ Khan network, allegations of espionage, and unlawful technology exchanges.3. Political Challenges and Civil-Military Dynamics
Khan emphasizes the intricate relationship between civilian authorities and the military, where the armed forces frequently directed the nuclear initiative, particularly under military leaders like General Zia-ul-Haq and General Pervez Musharraf.4. International Pressures and Nuclear Diplomacy
The narrative delves into Pakistan’s defiance against Western pressures, which includes U. S. non-proliferation efforts, and how Pakistan sustained nuclear ambiguity until 1998, the year it conducted its inaugural nuclear tests in response to India’s actions.5. Post-1998 Nuclear Policy and Deterrence Doctrine
Khan elaborates on how Pakistan established its command and control frameworks, strategic concepts, and minimum credible deterrence policies to guarantee that nuclear weapons remained secure and usable solely as a last resort.
Strengths of the Book
- Insider Insight: As a former military figure engaged in arms control, Khan offers unique, credible insights that are often absent from Western academic literature.
- Balanced View: The book straightforwardly addresses contentious subjects such as proliferation networks, U. S.-Pakistan interactions, and regional instability.
- Extensively Researched: The narrative is substantiated by declassified documents, interviews, and personal observations.
- Contextual Depth: It situates Pakistan’s nuclear development within both regional and global strategic landscapes, particularly the dynamics between India and Pakistan, as well as those between the U. S. and Pakistan.
Why You Should Read This Book
- For those studying international relations, nuclear strategy, and South Asian affairs, this book is essential.
- It presents a non-Western, Pakistani viewpoint that is frequently overlooked in dominant nuclear discussions.
