Peace and Development in South Asia: Problems and Prospects

Abstract

South Asia has been recognised by the World Bank as an important region in the Global South. It has achieved robust economic growth over the past 20 years which has helped in reducing poverty and improving standards of human development. On the other hand, 36% of the world’s poor live in South Asia, so a lot more needs to be done. This article argues that South Asian countries need peace and stability in order to be able to concentrate on their economic development and achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Centuries of colonial rule had led to the impoverishment of the South Asian region and its people. It also created two states, India and Pakistan, that have never had good relations with each other. This has had an impact on regional cooperation and prevented the countries in the region from working together to achieve their developmental goals. The article concludes that while the region needs to sustain high economic growth rates, it does not automatically lead to the reduction of poverty. Other measures have to be adopted to promote the welfare of the people of South Asia.