Regionalism And Regional Security In South Asia

Zahid Shahab Ahmed evaluates the progress of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). This study goes beyond economic integration to present a detailed appraisal of cooperation under the overarching themes of economic cooperation, environmental security, human welfare, and cooperation in security matters. According to the author, SAARC is making progress in addressing the myriad of issues on its agenda. The transition from agreements to actions and frequent interactions among the member states has boosted confidence. The progress of SAARC is more evident in the less controversial areas of human security, such as poverty alleviation, health and safety, human resources development, and higher education. Notwithstanding enthusiastic commitments reflected in agreements and action plans, there is a gulf between rhetoric and implementation most notably in sensitive areas relating to traditional security. In the light of the findings of this study, the author proposes that greater cooperation in common human security areas has a potential to pave the way for a cooperation on issues of a 'contentious' nature, particularly terrorism. Review: 'The study is a most timely and outstanding contribution to the literature on regional organisational mechanisms to promote security and stability. Ahmed is persuasive in making the case for the tremendous potential SAARC possesses in transforming the region to a success story. The book is highly recommended for policy makers, scholars and practitioners exploring opportunities for strengthening SAARC and its role in regional security cooperation, both traditional and non-traditional.'Saira Yamin, Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, USA'This is a detailed and well-documented study of a regional organisation with immense potential. In a carefully researched and presented book, Zahid Shahab Ahmed argues that the challenges of nation-building and consolidation of national sovereignty have undermined efforts at regional economic and security collaboration. This book is an excellent contribution to studies of regionalism and the dynamics of South Asia.'Shahram Akbarzadeh, University of Melbourne, Australia'Ahmed has brilliantly woven multiple concepts related to human security together in order to provide an excellent appraisal of SAARC. Ahmed's holistic approach, which reflects his strong multidisciplinary academic and professional backgrounds, sets a model for many to follow. His careful assessment of various factors influencing security in South Asia, move us beyond the narrow limited views of security, and provides to the readers and to SAARC a diagnostic appraisal of the regional organisation's performance, and a roadmap for future action.'Amr Abdalla, University for Peace, Costa Rica'The common ailments of SAARC nations are: pervasive poverty, malnutrition, disasters, poor health, illiteracy and intra-and inter-state conflicts. However, these nations started with the least controversial ailments before attempting regional security to be called a useful organisation on its own terms. Zahid Ahmed brings this refreshingly new analysis on SAARC mission, its viability and its enthusiasm for a shared future and shared regional security.'Venkat Pulla, Charles Sturt University, Australia'Ahmed's pioneering and path breaking work on SAARC is a fascinating study into the nature of regionalism in South Asia. He probes deep into the nature and dynamics of regionalism and appraises the formation and working of SAARC with profundity and alacrity. He throws into relief the reasons for the rather staggered development and working of the Association, teases out the reasons for this and then offers a template that corresponds very well to the reasons of SAARC's trajectory and development. His work is theoretically robust and empirically vigorous.' Aijaz R. Mattoo, Islamic University of Science Technology, India'Zahid Shahab Ahmed's book is a comprehensive guide for the reader along South Asia's bumpy road to increased regionalism, analysing past developments and the obstacles ahead