EXPANSION OF SAARC: IMPLICATIONS FOR SOUTH ASIA

Outline

1. Introduction
2. Expansion of SAARC under the Framework of Neo-Regionalism
3. Factors behind Associating with SAARC
4. Implications for South Asia
5. Challenges
6. The Prospects
7. Conclusion

EXPANSION OF SAARC: IMPLICATIONS FOR SOUTH ASIA

Author: Razia Sultana

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/10.56888/BIISSj2007v28n2a3

ABSTRACT

The inclusion of a new member (Afghanistan) and six observers (China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Iran, the USA and the EU) into SAARC has provided the regional organisation new impetus and dynamism. It has been argued in the paper that this expansion is likely to open up new avenues for cooperation for SAARC nations beyond the geographical boundaries of South Asia. The paper attempts to findout the factors that motivated the countries to be associated with SAARC. It also examines the options and challenges following the expansion of SAARC and its implications for South Asia. In the process of analysis, this paper has adopted the framework ofneo-regionalism in order to explain the expansion of this regional association.

BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

Outline