Regionalism has been gaining importance across the world as no country can address its various problems and issues, which are having more transnational dimension in nature, by itself. Developmental challenges in every country dictate that cooperation among the countries in the region is required. South Asia cannot distance itself from this quest for cooperation.

The factors which are obstacles for regional cooperation in South Asia include suspicion and trust deficiency, perceived domination in bilateral relations, rivalry between India and Pakistan, negligible intra-regional trade, inability to demarcate porous borders, and absence of collective external threat perceived by the states. Truly speaking, South Asia is seen as an important region in the world. It is gaining global importance as it is one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

The book has been divided into three parts. Part I attempts to infuse new thinking due to changes induced by globalisation and emerging perspectives in geopolitics of the region as a whole. Part II explores the concerns and options for sub-regional arrangements. Finally, Part III of this book looks at each country in South Asia from the prospects of their potential, challenges and aspirations.

Dr. Adluri Subramanyam Raju, Professor and Head, UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute of South Asia Regional Cooperation (UMISARC) & Centre for South Asian Studies; and Founder Coordinator, UGC Centre for Maritime Studies, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India.