The Elephant and the Balkanisation of South Asia

Abstract

South Asia is regarded as one of the world’s least integrated regions politically and economically
in terms of trade and people-to-people contact. The recent crisis in the region, like the one in Sri
Lanka and Afghanistan, re-establishes the fact that South Asia requires some robust organisation
that can respond at times of humanitarian crisis. SAARC has the potential to bring nations
together. Even amidst heightened tensions, the psychological integration of leaders in a region
beset by uncertainties, misunderstandings, and conflicts is a key strength of SAARC. Overall, it
needs better branding and visibility amongst the South Asian population, wherein concerted,
focused and holistic efforts must continue at all levels to revive SAARC.