South Asia's Weak States: Understanding the Regional Insecurity Predicament

South Asia, which consists of eight states of different sizes and capabilities, is characterized by high levels of insecurity at the inter-state, intra-state, and human level: insecurity that is manifest in both traditional and non-traditional security problems--especially transnational terrorism fuelled by militant religious ideologies. To explain what has caused and contributed to the perpetual insecurity and human suffering in the region, this book engages scholars of international relations, comparative politics, historical sociology, and economic development, among others, to reveal and analyze the key underlying and proximate drivers. It argues that the problems are driven largely by two critical variables: the presence of weak states and weak cooperative interstate norms. Based on this analysis and the conclusions drawn, the book recommends specific policies for making the region secure and for developing the long lasting inter- and intra-state cooperative mechanisms necessary for the perpetuation of that security.

Author: T. V. Paul
Publisher: Stanford Security Studies
Published: 08/09/2010
Pages: 352
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 8.90h x 6.00w x 0.80d
ISBN13: 9780804762212
ISBN10: 080476221X
BISAC Categories:
- Political Science | Security (National & International)

About the Author
T. V. Paul is Director of the McGill University/Université de Montreal Centre for International Peace and Security Studies (CIPSS) and James McGill Professor of International Relations in the Department of Political Science at McGill University, Montreal, Canada.