Ebook: Emerging Conflicts and Regional Security in South Asia

South Asia is one of the most ethnically, culturally and linguistically diverse, as well as most populous, in the world. However, the social, political and economic development of South Asia has been seriously hindered by conflicts. It is host to deeply entrenched ethnic hostility, communal violence and numerous wars, both inter- and intra-state. A vicious cycle of poverty, with deprivation and underdevelopment of South Asian countries has provided a fertile ground for intolerance and extremism. There is a need to overcome the bitter legacies of the past in order to create an enabling environment for peace and security in South Asia. Diverse political experiences, ideologies, ethnic identities and economic conditions across and within the states pose significant challenges for conflict management in the region. Similarly, the region has been characterised by the dynamic inter-play of security, economic and diplomatic factors reinforcing each other owing to the complex nature of territorial claims and religious extremist activities. This is evidenced by the competing political and strategic interests between the three nuclear weapon countries of the region viz: China, India and Pakistan. Unfortunately, the region has witnessed three major wars between India and Pakistan and one between India and China besides several other border skirmishes on and off at various times. Thus, there is a need of broader framework of Regional Security in South Asia for lasting peace and security in the region.