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Pentagons South Asia Defence and Strategic Year Book, now in its fifth year of publication, comes at a time when the global security environment has undergone radical change. It has a major impact on South Asias security environment. In Asia, Indian and China are rising, with China already having overtaken Japan and expected to overtake the US economy in the next twenty years or even sooner. India is also set to become the fourth largest economy in the world by about 2040. A study of this region is, therefore, vital to understand the contours of its internal and external dynamics. South Asia is a landmass with distinct political entities that form a part of the broad-based Indian civilization with many common characteristics. The security and progress of all its countries are closely intertwined. However, despite numerous commonalities, there is mistrust in the region. Many of its problems have been inherited from the colonial past and the circumstances of the creation of its nations. The problem of poverty in most countries is also linked with issues of governance and weak institutions. Even the SAARC has not lived up to its potential for cooperation. By 2050, South Asia is likely to have over 205 billion people, about a quarter of the worlds population. Energy, food and water shortages are likely to become acute. Climate change will be likely to lead to all countries in South Asia facing the challenge of manmade and natural disasters affecting vast populations. Providing jobs opportunities to the burgeoning young populations of South Asian countries is emerging as the most important task before governments. The region also continues to suffer from a myriad of security problems ranging from insurgencies and terrorism to the ever present danger of a military conflict between Indian and Pakistan. South Asias surrounding geo-political environment is also conflict-ridden. Some of the worlds enduring hotspots are in its extended neighbourhood. China, India and Pakistan have nuclear weapons whereas Iran is reportedly developing them clandestinely. Proliferation of nuclear weapons and the danger of nuclear weapons falling in the hands of radical groups in Pakistan present a security threat to all. There is as yet no common security architecture in South Asia. It is one of the worlds least integrated regions despite numerous commonalities and complementarities. Regional cooperation has not yet taken form roots mainly due to prevailing mistrust. There is a also an asymmetry in South Asia, as Indian is several times larger in population and size than any other country in the region. Its geographical features make it both a land power and a maritime power. The economic rise of Indian will have a major influence on the geo-strategic situation in the region. External powers have traditionally had a large influence on the developments in the region with the US and China extending their footprint. China, though not a South Asian power, shares boundaries with many South Asian countries. Its growing influence in the region complicates the security situation. Pentagons South Asia Defence and Strategic Year Book imparts a magisterial overview of the geopolitical patterns of the region which is becoming a blend of power and paradox. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the region and its security environment for the lay reader as well as the professional analyst. It aims to provide understanding through information. EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: ? Ambassador Prakash Shah IFS (Retd) ? C Shekhar Dasgupta Former Dimplomat ? K Santhanam Scientist ? Air Mshl S K Malik PVSM AVSM (Retd) ? Lt Gen Ranjit S Nagra PVSM VSM (Retd) ? Rear Adm R Chopra VSM (Retd) ? Brig J S Kanwar (Retd) Editor: Col. Harjeet Singh (Retd) Consulting Editor: Col A K Sharma (Retd)
ISBN - 9788182745148
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