Contemporary South Asia

Conflict and Cooperation in South Asia

South Asia, a region of intense political and cultural complexity, has been marked by significant conflict and cooperation. The nature of these dynamics is rooted in history, domestic politics, and international relationships. The post-Cold War era brought several critical developments in South Asian countries, from democratization movements to military coups, shaping the region’s geopolitical landscape.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the diversity of political systems in South Asia.
2. Explore the conflicts between states in South Asia.
3. Analyze the prospects for cooperation, especially through regional initiatives like SAARC.

Definition of South Asia

The term “South Asia” usually encompasses seven countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. These nations share geographic borders and cultural ties but are diverse in political systems, languages, and histories.

1. Geographic Boundaries: South Asia is naturally insulated by the Himalayas in the north and the Indian Ocean in the south. However, its boundaries are less distinct in the east and west, leading to the inclusion of countries like Afghanistan and Myanmar in regional discussions.
2. Political Systems: Despite its diversity, democracy has become a prevailing system. India and Sri Lanka have maintained democratic systems since independence. Other nations, such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, have fluctuated between democratic and military rule.
3. Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: South Asia presents a tapestry of languages, religions, and ethnicities, which influences its domestic and regional politics.

Political Systems Across South Asia

South Asia’s nations showcase various political systems and challenges in democratization.

1. India: Since independence, India has maintained a democratic system, despite facing many challenges like insurgencies, economic disparities, and political instability.
2. Sri Lanka: Also a democracy since independence, Sri Lanka faced significant ethnic conflicts, particularly with the Tamil minority.
3. Pakistan: Democracy in Pakistan has faced frequent interruptions by military takeovers, the most notable being General Zia-ul-Haq‘s rule and Pervez Musharraf‘s coup in 1999.
4. Bangladesh: It started as part of Pakistan but gained independence in 1971. Since then, Bangladesh has alternated between military rule and democracy.
5. Nepal: Initially a monarchy, Nepal has transitioned to a democratic republic since 2008.
6. Bhutan: It transformed into a constitutional monarchy in 2008 and adopted multi-party democracy.
7. Maldives: Previously a Sultanate, the Maldives became a republic in 1968 and introduced a multi-party system in 2005.

Conflict Zones in South Asia

South Asia is home to numerous conflicts arising from border disputes, ethnic tensions, and insurgencies.

1. India-Pakistan Rivalry: The most prominent conflict in the region centers around the Kashmir issue. Since Partition, India and Pakistan have engaged in multiple wars over Kashmir (1947-48, 1965, 1971). Tensions escalated after both countries acquired nuclear weapons in 1998.
2. Sri Lanka: The ethnic conflict between the majority Sinhala population and the Tamil minority culminated in a prolonged civil war from 1983 until the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were defeated in 2009.
3. Nepal: For many years, Nepal witnessed conflict among monarchists, Maoist insurgents, and pro-democracy forces. The Maoist rebellion significantly influenced the abolition of the monarchy.
4. Bangladesh: Ethnic tensions exist between the Bengali majority and other indigenous groups, especially in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Key Conflicts and Outcomes

• Kashmir Conflict: Unresolved since Partition, it remains the most significant source of India-Pakistan hostility.
• Sri Lankan Civil War: Resolved with the defeat of the LTTE in 2009, but tensions persist.
• Nepal’s Transition: The monarchy’s end in 2008 marked a significant shift toward democracy, though political instability remains.
• Bangladesh’s Ethnic Conflicts: The peace accord in 1997 partially quelled insurgency in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Comparative Political Systems in South Asia

South Asia’s International Relations and SAARC

South Asia’s international relations are complex due to unresolved conflicts, but cooperation initiatives, such as SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), have aimed to foster peace and development. However, persisting political and border issues have hampered its success.

1. SAARC: Established in 1985, SAARC promotes regional cooperation. However, due to political differences, especially between India and Pakistan, it has seen limited success.
2. India-Pakistan Relations: After the nuclear tests in 1998, both countries have undertaken confidence-building measures (CBMs), including opening trade routes and cultural exchanges. However, progress has been slow, with sporadic clashes in Kashmir.
3. India-Bangladesh Relations: Cooperation has improved, especially regarding river water sharing agreements and security collaborations, but tensions remain over border issues and illegal immigration.
4. India-Sri Lanka Relations: India has played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict, notably sending peacekeeping forces in 1987 and supporting reconstruction post-tsunami in 2004.

Important Concept

Note: SAARC’s effectiveness is limited by bilateral tensions between its member states, particularly India and Pakistan.

Democracy in Bangladesh and Pakistan

Both Bangladesh and Pakistan have experienced similar democratic challenges, such as military interventions, but they have distinct political trajectories.

1. Bangladesh: After its independence from Pakistan, Bangladesh adopted a democratic constitution. However, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman‘s assassination in 1975 led to military rule under Ziaur Rahman. Democratic elections resumed in 1991.
2. Pakistan: Unlike Bangladesh, Pakistan’s democratic system has been frequently interrupted by military coups. The country has experienced alternating rule between military generals and civilian politicians like Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.

Democratic Challenges in Nepal

1. Political instability between monarchist and Maoist factions.
2. Frequent changes in government and weak democratic institutions.
3. Ongoing influence of armed insurgent groups despite democratic elections.

Future Prospects of Cooperation

Despite their differences, South Asian countries recognize the importance of cooperation, particularly in trade, disaster management, and environmental protection.

1. SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Agreement): Signed in 2004, SAFTA seeks to create a free trade zone across South Asia, but fears of Indian dominance in the market have slowed its implementation.
2. Regional Collaboration: Countries have worked together on cross-border issues such as environmental protection, natural disasters, and human trafficking. Despite political differences, there is hope that increased economic cooperation will lead to greater political stability.

MCQ

What year did Nepal transition from a monarchy to a republic?

• a) 2006
• b) 2008
• c) 2015
  Answer: b) 2008

This structured approach highlights both conflict and cooperation across South Asia while focusing on political systems, regional cooperation efforts, and future prospects for peace and development.