FOREIGN INFLUENCE, SOVEREIGNTY, AND REGIME-CHANGE NARRATIVES IN CONTEMPORARY DEMOCRACIES: THE PAKISTAN CYPHER CONTROVERSY AS A CASE STUDY

Abstract

The relationship between foreign influence, national sovereignty, political transitions, diplomatic communication, and regime-change narratives has become one of the most contested subjects in contemporary international relations. In an era characterized by globalization, information flows, strategic competition, economic interdependence, and transnational political networks, democratic states increasingly confront questions concerning the extent to which external actors influence domestic political outcomes. These debates frequently emerge during periods of political instability, leadership transitions, constitutional crises, contested elections, or major shifts in foreign policy orientation.