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Regionalism and Regional Security in South Asia

The Role of SAARC

Zahid Shahab Ahmed author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:19th Oct '16

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Regionalism and Regional Security in South Asia cover

This book examines SAARC's progress in regional cooperation, focusing on human security, economic integration, and the challenges of implementing agreements, particularly in sensitive security areas.

In Regionalism and Regional Security in South Asia, Zahid Shahab Ahmed provides a comprehensive analysis of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and its journey toward fostering collaboration among member states. The author delves into various dimensions of cooperation, emphasizing not only economic integration but also environmental security, human welfare, and security matters. Through meticulous research, Ahmed illustrates how SAARC has made strides in addressing a wide array of issues that are critical to the region's stability and growth.

The book highlights the transition from mere agreements to actionable initiatives, showcasing how increased interactions among member states have fostered a sense of confidence within the organization. Notably, progress is particularly pronounced in less contentious areas such as poverty alleviation, health, human resource development, and education. However, despite the optimistic commitments made in formal agreements, the author points out a significant gap between the rhetoric of cooperation and the actual implementation of policies, especially in sensitive traditional security matters.

Ultimately, Regionalism and Regional Security in South Asia argues for enhanced cooperation in human security domains as a pathway to addressing more contentious issues, such as terrorism. By focusing on common human security interests, the author posits that SAARC can gradually build the trust necessary to tackle the more divisive challenges facing the region.

’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

Zahid Shahab Ahmed is to be congratulated for regenerating and invoking interest for the empirical mode of investigation in his security-related study".

Mitra, D. 2016, Political Studies Review, vol. 14, no. 1, p.131.

"The book is an engaging read, especially for those interested in South Asia’s progress of and prospects for regional integration. Ahmed voices his thoughts and experiences through this book to restore the broader essence of South Asia and the fruits of his endeavour can benefit policymakers in South Asia to strategize their approach towards South Asian regional cooperation".

Premaratne, D. 2014, South Asia Economic Journal, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 337-343.

"The book presents a very detailed analysis of SAARC history and its engagement with key issues of concern to developing South Asian economies and societies. It brings to light the complex debates that were responsible for the creation of the SAARC and the initiative of member countries to rise above their differences and work together to create a sustainable South Asian identity. One of the foremost positives of the volume is the author’s firsthand experience at SAARC headquarters in Nepal providing insights beyond formal government speeches and proclamations and giving an insider view of the functioning of a complex and evolving regional mechanism".

Bhatnagar, S. 2014, FPRC Journal, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 152-157. & Bhatnagar, S. 2015, Journal of Alternative Perspective in the Social Sciences, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 346-351.

"Zahid Shahab Ahmed’s book is a sincere and honest effort to provide a robust analysis of the challenges faced by SAARC. SAARC has attempted to address various dimensions of human security but implementation has suffered from an ‘‘insufficient political commitment to regionalism’’, which is manifested in inadequate funding and human resources. The book is a valuable addition to the existing literature on the subject and serves as a useful guide to the role and function of SAARC as a vehicle for guaranteeing regional security and human welfare".

Rangreji, L.M. 2015. Asian Journal of International Law, vol.5, no. 1, pp.213-214.

"The book succeeds in providing a wealth of empirical data about the organization’s efforts in human security".

Edquist, K, 2015, Exemplar: The Journal of South Asian Studies, vol. 3, no. 1, pp. 62-65.

ISBN: 9781138250710

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 453g

244 pages