Member-only story

Unveiling the Complexities of South Asian Security: Enduring and Emerging Challenges

Rick Nelson

·17.4k Followers· Follow

Published in Enduring And Emerging Issues In South Asian Security: Essays In Honor Of Stephen Philip Cohen

5 min read · 3 weeks before

1.8k View Claps

95 Respond

Save

Listen

South Asia, a region of rich history, diverse cultures, and immense geopolitical significance, faces a complex tapestry of enduring and emerging security challenges. These issues have far-reaching implications for the region's stability, prosperity, and international relations. In the recently published "Enduring and Emerging Issues in South Asian Security," a comprehensive anthology edited by renowned scholars, the multifaceted nature of South Asian security is meticulously examined and analyzed.

Enduring Security Challenges

[view image]
Territorial Disputes

Territorial disputes, particularly those between India and Pakistan over Kashmir and between India and China over Aksai Chin, have long been a source of tension and conflict in South Asia. These disputes stem from historical claims, ethnic and religious identities, and strategic considerations, posing a persistent threat to regional stability.

Enduring and Emerging Issues in South Asian Security: Essays in Honor of Stephen Philip Cohen

by Dinshaw Mistry

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3808 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	234 pages

[view image]
Water Security

Water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change and increasing population growth, poses a significant challenge to South Asian security. The region's transboundary rivers, such as the Indus and Ganges, have been a source of both cooperation and conflict, highlighting the need for collaborative water management policies.

[view image]
Transnational Crime

Transnational crime, including drug trafficking, human smuggling, and money laundering, has a destabilizing impact on South Asia. These illegal activities fuel corruption, undermine governance, and threaten regional economies. Cooperation between South Asian nations is crucial to combat transnational crime and its detrimental effects.

Emerging Security Challenges

[view image]
Climate Change and Security

Climate change is emerging as a significant security threat in South Asia, particularly in low-lying coastal areas and densely populated river deltas. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and water shortages can lead to displacement, infrastructure damage, and food insecurity, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and increasing risks to regional stability.

[view image]
Religious Extremism and Terrorism

Religious extremism and terrorism continue to pose a threat to South Asian security. Non-state actors, motivated by religious ideologies or political grievances, have been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks in the region. Combating religious extremism requires a multifaceted approach that involves security measures, socio-economic development, and fostering interfaith harmony.

[view image]
Cybersecurity

Rapidly evolving technologies have brought about new security challenges in South Asia. Cybersecurity incidents, including data breaches, cyber espionage, and cyberattacks, can disrupt critical infrastructure, undermine economic growth, and threaten national security. Strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure and promoting international cooperation are essential to mitigate these risks.

South Asian Security Cooperation and Regional Initiatives

Recognizing the interconnectedness of security challenges in South Asia, regional initiatives and organizations have been established to promote cooperation and address common threats. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC),the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC),and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) are examples of regional forums where South Asian nations engage in dialogue and undertake joint initiatives on security issues.

"Enduring and Emerging Issues in South Asian Security" provides a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted security challenges facing the South Asian region. The book delves into the historical, political, and socio-economic factors that contribute to these challenges, while also highlighting the efforts of regional governments and organizations to address them. By understanding the complex interplay of enduring and emerging security issues in South Asia, policymakers, scholars, and the international community can work together to promote stability, prosperity, and sustainable peace in the region and beyond.

Enduring and Emerging Issues in South Asian Security: Essays in Honor of Stephen Philip Cohen

by Dinshaw Mistry

4 out of 5