SAARC for Geopolitical Symbolism

Manasi Singh

South Asian Survey, 2016, vol. 23, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Unlike its other counterparts, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as the first of its kind experiment at regional integration in South Asia has almost reached a point of stagnation. The idea that was flagged off in 1985 has not delivered significant returns either as a forum to enhance intra-regional trade or as an institutional platform for conflict management and dialogue. This article argues that the SAARC as an idea has not been seen more than a geopolitical symbol of regional cooperation in South Asia. As global power pivots towards Asia, a stable and integrated South Asia could well be a game changer. However, the regional organisation has not been able to embody the spirit of multilateralism and remains on the sidelines, marred by long-standing bilateral issues. States in South Asia are either looking beyond the region or investing in subregional initiatives to further their interests.

Keywords: South Asia; SAARC; multilateralism; regional cooperation; geopolitics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:soasur:v:23:y:2016:i:1:p:1-16

DOI: 10.1177/0971523118760628

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