Policy Press

South Asian Regionalism

The Limits of Cooperation

By Bhumitra Chakma

Published

Jul 22, 2020

Page count

250 pages

ISBN

978-1529205152

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jul 22, 2020

Page count

250 pages

ISBN

978-1529205176

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jul 22, 2020

Page count

250 pages

ISBN

978-1529205176

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press
South Asian Regionalism

Leading South Asia expert Bhumitra Chakma explains the politics of regionalism in South Asia and traces the origins and evolution of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) from its inception to the present day.

He takes an International Relations perspective and engages three major IR theoretical approaches – neorealism, institutionalism and constructivism – to explain the complex dynamics of South Asian regionalism.

Using comparative perspectives based on the experiences of similar regional organizations, the author provides an in-depth analysis of the challenges of cooperation in the region and explores how progress might be made in the future.

Bhumitra Chakma is Senior Lecturer and Director of the South Asia Project at the University of Hull.

Introduction

South Asia’s International Relations: A Historical Overview

The Idea of South Asia as a Region

The Origins of SAARC

The Formative Years: 1980–92

SAARC after 1992: Disagreements and Differences

Beyond SAARC: Sub-Regional and Trans-Regional Cooperation

SAARC and the Limits of Cooperation in South Asia

International Relations Theory and South Asian Regionalism

Conclusion