| ID | 160249 |
| Title Proper | SAARC and region-building |
| Other Title Information | is South Asia a region? |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Chakma, Bhumitra |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Region’ is a contested concept. Although scholars have extensively debated the issue, there is no consensus on the definition of region. While some scholars emphasize geographic proximity as a key factor, others put importance to cognitive and ideational factors, yet some others seek to combine the two perspectives to define region. Against such a background, this paper explains the complexities of defining South Asia as a region. It explores the historical evolution of the identification of the region and analyses how region building in recent decades, instead of consolidating its regionness, has produced a multiplicity of discourses, narratives and meanings about South Asia as a region. This is particularly evident if South Asia is examined in terms of ‘economic,’ ‘security’ and ‘cultural’ region. Importantly, these discourses, narratives and meanings are not necessarily symmetrical and compatible with each other although they co-exist in an uneasy manner at both regional and national levels. And, they are contingent and subject to change over time. |
| `In' analytical Note | Journal of The Indian Ocean Region Vol. 14, No.2; Jul 2018: p.189-205 |
| Journal Source | Journal of The Indian Ocean Region Vol: 14 No 2 |
| Key Words | SAARC ; Regionalism ; South Asia ; Region ; BIMSTEC ; Security Complex |