What are the reasons for lack of ‘regionness’ in South Asia?. (UPSC CSE Mains 2023- Political Science and International Relations, Paper 2)
South Asia, despite its geographical proximity and shared history, has struggled to achieve a sense of ''regionness.'' Several factors contribute to this lack of regional cohesion and integration:
- Historical Animosities: The region was divided during the British colonial era into separate entities, leading to territorial disputes and historical grievances. The partition of India in 1947 resulted in one of the world''s largest migrations and created enduring tensions between India and Pakistan.
- Bilateral Conflicts: The ongoing rivalry between India and Pakistan over issues like Kashmir has prevented meaningful regional cooperation. The unresolved border issues between India and China have strained regional relations.
- Political Instability: Political instability and frequent changes in leadership in some South Asian countries have hindered long-term regional planning.
- Economic Disparities: There are significant economic disparities among South Asian countries, leading to concerns about unequal benefits in regional cooperation.
- Security Concerns: South Asia faces various security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and communal violence, which divert resources away from regional cooperation.
- Diverse Cultures and Languages: South Asia is incredibly diverse in terms of cultures, languages, and religions, making it challenging to create a shared regional identity.
- Lack of Infrastructure: Insufficient infrastructure and connectivity hinder the movement of people, goods, and services within the region.
- Limited Trust: Historical conflicts and unresolved issues have resulted in a lack of trust among South Asian countries.
- External Influences: The region has often been influenced by external powers'' interests, which can undermine local efforts at cooperation.
- Governance Challenges: Some South Asian countries face governance challenges, including corruption and political instability, which impede regional initiatives.
- Non-State Actors: Militant and extremist groups operating across borders further complicate regional stability.
- Absence of Effective Regional Organizations: The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has struggled to make significant progress due to bilateral conflicts and mistrust among members.
- Competition for Resources: Competition for water resources, such as the Indus and Brahmaputra rivers, has led to tensions between riparian states.
- Lack of Regional Vision: There is a lack of a common vision for the region, with countries often pursuing their individual interests rather than collective goals.
These complex and intertwined factors have contributed to the challenge of fostering a sense of ''regionness'' in South Asia, making regional cooperation a persistent and intricate issue.
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