Assignment Code: BPSE-144/ASST/TMA/2022-23

Course Code: BPSE-144

Assignment Name: Introduction to South Asia

Year: 2022-2023

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Answer all questions in the three Assignments and submit them together.

Section-1

Answer the following in about 500 words each. 20x2

Q1) Critically examine the democratic experiences of South Asian countries.

Ans) Post-colonial politics in South Asia have manifested several recurring yet unique characteristics. The Westminster-style parliamentary system, which most nations have at various times followed, as well as the characteristics of party systems and political mobilisation, are frequent examples of the similarities.

The political mechanisms used to manage religious, caste, ethnic, and linguistic diversity have been more distinctive, and attempts to restrict this diversity by attempting to centralise power and authority have occasionally resulted in violent politics in the region. While South Asia's electoral democracy and democratic politics have appeared to mature in recent years, an undercurrent of authoritarian politics has always undermined these developments. The following are some of the theme frameworks that can be used to study politics in South Asia:

Form of Government

Following the adoption of new constitutions in their separate nations after independence, the majority of South Asian countries chose to follow the Westminster model of Parliamentary Democracy with bicameral legislature, being greatly impacted by the colonial history. On the other hand, several nations adopted the quasi-Presidential system, in which the President is directly elected and serves as both the head of state and the head of government. Additionally, at various points, some South Asian nations experimented with constitutional monarchy, which was later replaced by a parliamentary system.

Political Parties

Political Parties in South Asia have also demonstrated some similar traits and qualities in terms of their development and effectiveness. Several political parties have historically been identified with proto nationalism, suggesting a nationalist identity or longing before the state or nation is established. Such party evolution was demonstrated by the Indian National Congress in India, the Awami League in Bangladesh, and the Ceylon National Congress, which eventually opened the way for the United National Party in Sri Lanka. Many post-colonial nations experienced a multiparty system based on political ideology, identity, and ethnicity as democracy grew in those nations.

Political Processes

How political systems operate in South Asian nations, they seem to follow a similar pattern. First, dynasty politics continue to be a prominent aspect of numerous political parties in South Asia. Examples of dynastic influences on political parties in the region include the Nehru-Gandhi family in India, the Bhutto-Sharif family in Pakistan, the Kumaratunga-Rajapaksa family in Sri Lanka, and the former Koirala family in Nepal. The family name is considered a major election issue because it conjures images of struggle, liberation, and sacrifice in the turbulent political past of the subcontinent.

Intra-Regional Politics

India frequently finds itself in the centre of such disputes, which negatively affects its diplomatic ties with the involved nations. Instances where the regional implications of domestic politics in these countries were evident and the results were not always satisfactory include the genocide and refugee crisis in East Pakistan in 1971 and India's subsequent role in the liberation of Bangladesh, the Sinhala-Tamil conflict in Sri Lanka and India's unsuccessful mediation efforts, Nepal's internal political turmoil during the struggle against monarchy, and the question of Indian origin Madeshis.

In such a situation, India should concentrate on expanding its connections outside of the region rather than getting embroiled in local affairs. It is also important to note that China has played a more significant geopolitical role in the region recently, but not necessarily to the benefit of the countries involved.

Q2) How do the external powers influences the geopolitics of South Asia?

Ans) South Asia occupies a distinct place in global geopolitics that requires understanding from both a historical and modern viewpoint due to its geographic location and position within the Asian geopolitical environment. It held that status during the Cold War, even after the fall of the Soviet Union, and in the more recent years, which marked a period of geopolitical uncertainty on a global and regional scale.

South Asia during the Cold War years

While the competition between the Soviet Union and the United States in the early years of the Cold War roughly paralleled the stark division between India and Pakistan, in subsequent years it increased and began to directly influence politics between the two nations. Despite having a non-alignment policy since the 1960s, India and the Soviet Union shared a similar ideology, as evidenced by their signing of the Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Security in 1971. On the other side, Pakistan made its intentions apparent by joining the Central Treaty Organization and Southeast Asian Treaty Organization in the 1950s.

Despite the fact that both nations later joined the Non-Aligned Movement, this did not change or modify either nation's ties to the two great powers. This dichotomy's increased visibility during the conflict of 1971 demonstrated that the Cold War's aftereffects were likely to linger throughout the subcontinent. It took on a new form with the Soviet invasion of Pakistan and Afghanistan in 1979, which allowed the American CIA to back the Afghan Mujahidin in their fight against the Soviets.

South Asia and the Global War on Terror

The second key phase began in the 1990s after the Soviet Union left Afghanistan and a sizable portion of Pakistan's terror infrastructure began to be used against India through cross-border terrorism, which had been on the increase since the 1980s. After the two nations conducted nuclear tests in 1998, raising the possibility of a nuclear conflict between the two enemies, South Asia came to be seen as a global flashpoint.

As a frontline state in the fight against global terror, Pakistan once again emerged as a critical ally following the 9/11 attacks in the United States. Despite rare indications of a potential thaw, India-Pakistan ties continued to deteriorate over the ensuing years, and the region was unable to capitalise on some promising beginnings in cooperation projects launched under the auspices of SAARC. In addition to maintaining their position in Afghanistan, radical Islamist organisations have grown even more entrenched in Pakistan and Bangladesh, which causes India anxiety.

South Asia and China

Another reason South Asia will likely continue to play a significant role in regional and international geopolitics is China. China's geographic presence cannot be disputed because it is so close to the South Asian neighbourhood. China has been gradually transforming this into a geopolitical advantage by incorporating it into its Belt and Road Initiative and launching a number of high-profile infrastructure projects, including the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and road and rail projects in Nepal, as the Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka, Gwadar Port in Pakistan, and Mongla Port in Bangladesh. These actions show that China has already made a deep entry into South Asia, overcoming its geographical disadvantage. India would maintain its limited engagement with China while also thinking about leveraging its participation in the Quadrilateral Dialogue framework, which also includes the US, Japan, and Australia, to checkmate Chinese dominance.

Section-2

Answer the following questions in about 250 words each. 10x3

Q1) South Asia politics during Cold War.

Ans) South Asia occupies a distinct place in global geopolitics that requires understanding from both a historical and modern viewpoint due to its geographic location and position within the Asian geopolitical environment. It held that status during the Cold War, even after the fall of the Soviet Union, and in the more recent years of unpredictability, but its importance is now becoming clear.

While the competition between the Soviet Union and the United States in the early years of the Cold War roughly paralleled the stark division between India and Pakistan, in subsequent years it increased and began to directly influence politics between the two nations. Despite having a non-alignment policy since the 1960s, India and the Soviet Union shared a similar ideology, as evidenced by their signing of the Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Security in 1971. On the other side, Pakistan made its intentions apparent by joining the Central Treaty Organization and Southeast Asian Treaty Organization in the 1950s.

Despite the fact that both nations later joined the Non-Aligned Movement, this did not change or modify either nation's ties to the two great powers. This dichotomy's increased visibility during the conflict of 1971 demonstrated that the Cold War's aftereffects were likely to linger throughout the subcontinent. It took on a new form with the Soviet invasion of Pakistan and Afghanistan in 1979, which allowed the American CIA to back the Afghan Mujahidin in their fight against the Soviets.

Q2) Highlight dynamics of Global War on Terrorism in South Asia.

Ans) The global counterterrorism effort led by the United States and initiated in response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, is referred to as the GWOT. It marked the beginning of a new era in world politics and had significant ramifications for collaboration, security, human rights, and international law. It was a multifaceted campaign with virtually endless potential. Major wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, clandestine operations in Yemen and other countries, extensive military support programmes for friendly regimes, and significant increases in military spending were all part of its military character.

In Guantanamo Military Prison, hundreds of apprehended terrorists or suspects were held without benefit of American legal protection. In terms of diplomacy, it continued to build and sustain a global coalition of partner nations and organisations and launched a significant public diplomacy campaign to combat anti-American sentiment in the Middle East. A global programme to apprehend terrorist suspects, increased collaboration with foreign intelligence agencies, the tracking and intercepting of terrorist finance, institutional rearrangement, and significant increases in money comprised its intelligence component.

New antiterrorism laws, like the USA PATRIOT Act, new security organisations, like the Department of Homeland Security, and more were part of the domestic aspect of the American war on terrorism. The arrest of hundreds of terrorist suspects worldwide, the prevention of additional significant terrorist attacks on the American mainland, the overthrow of the Taliban regime and subsequent closure of terrorist training camps in Afghanistan, the capture or death of many senior al-Qaeda figures, and increased levels of international cooperation in global counterterrorism efforts were among the accomplishments of the first years of the war on terrorism.

Q3) Describe dynamics of cultural and linguistic plurality in South Asia.

Ans) South Asia is a geographical region that is clearly delineated by the natural features that create its borders with the rest of the world. The region, which consists of eight nations with distinct geographic characteristics, is divided by the Indian Ocean to the south and the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Pamir to the north. The magnitude of the geographic contrasts in the area can be easily grasped by noting that while it has island nations like Sri Lanka and the Maldives that do not share a land border with any other country, it also has fully landlocked nations like Afghanistan, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Plurality of Culture and Religion

How can South Asia's cultural and religious diversity lag behind if the region is geographically so diverse? Therefore, the fact that the subcontinent also happens to be the most diverse and pluralistic region in the world in terms of culture and religion is cause for excitement for the locals. The vast religious diversity of the area, whose ideal manifestation is India, is closely followed by the region's diversity of cultures. While several significant world faiths, like Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism, have their roots in the subcontinent, there are also sizable populations of Christians and Muslims.

Linguistic Diversity

In contrast to many other continents and populations, South Asia is also the centre of a huge diversity of languages. India is the nation in the region with the most diversified language base, along with other diverse elements. Despite the fact that Sanskrit and Hindi-based dialects make up the majority of the language spoken in India, many of its citizens also speak other languages. The fact that India is home to languages like Sanskrit and Tamil, which are regarded as some of the world's earliest linguistic innovations, is what is most astounding in this context. Therefore, it is not surprising that the country's vast linguistic diversity can be found in practically every region.

Section-3

Answer the following questions in about 100 words each. 6x5

Q1) Examine the Human Development Index in South Asia.

Ans) Human development is most frequently defined as a process of "enlarging people's choice." The first human development report, released in 1990, highlighted the three most important options as being to live a long, healthy life, to be educated, and to have a reasonable level of living. Expanding people's options is a process of human progress. The three most important ones are to live a long, healthy life, receive a good education, and have a comfortable level of living.

The majority of individuals believe that the very fundamental components of human well-being make up the human development index, a numerical measurement. It has grown to be one of the most extensively used well-being indices worldwide and has been successful in expanding the scope of well-being measurement and discussion beyond the boundaries of wealth and economic growth. Since its debut in 1990, the HDI has been an annual component of the HDR, ranking every nation in the globe from one to 189.

Q2) Nepal’s Political System

Ans) Nepal was split up into a number of autonomous principalities throughout a significant portion of its early history. The Shah dynasty was established in the middle of the 18th century by Prithvinaraian Shah, the head of the Gurkha principality. Following the conflict with the British overlords in 1814, Nepal's current borders were established. British India gained significant territory from Nepal, but they also recognised its sovereignty. Although the British never invaded or occupied Nepal, the country rarely had the opportunity to declare full independence. Nepal too proclaimed its independence at the same time as India.

The Rana government turned authoritarian and reactionary to avoid any challenge to their authority because the power of the Rana prime ministers was ultimately unjustified because it was based on the king's abandonment of duties and his virtual imprisonment. In doing so, they were able to keep Nepal separate from many of the developments taking place throughout the globe and even in adjacent India.

Q3) Political Reforms and Modernisation

Ans) Political modernisation is the process through which a nation's constitutional order and political life transition from irrationality, autocracy, and the rule of man to reason, autonomy, democracy, and the rule of law. Political integration, political differentiation, political secularisation, and other sorts of transformation are examples of how it takes shape in society. The capacity of a society's political system, or the effectiveness and efficiency of its performance, has been improved by the process of political modernization.

George Francis, a scholar in sustainability studies, claims that during the 1970s, the neoliberal globalisation process has changed the nation-state, bringing about what is known as "political modernization." It mainly consists of processes for secularising political culture and differentiating political structure. The rationalisation of authority, the differentiation of structure, and the growth of political participation are the three fundamental components of political modernisation, according to American political scientist Samuel Huntington.

Q4) Political Structure in Sri Lanka

Ans) Sri Lanka, a former British colony that gained independence on February 4, 1948, is currently governed under its third Constitution, which was passed in 1978 and has since been changed 20 times. The Colebrooke Commission of 1833, the Crew-McCallum constitutional reforms of 1910, the Manning constitutional reforms of 1920, the Manning-Devonshire reforms of 1924, the Donoughmore Constitution of 1931, and the Soul-bury constitutional reforms of 1947 all contributed to Sri Lanka's lengthy constitutional history.

According to the currently popular 1978 Constitution, Sri Lanka is a "Democratic Republic" with a hybrid style of presidential and parliamentary government modelled after the French 5th Republic. Prior to 1978, Sri Lanka had a parliamentary system of government in the Westminster pattern. Sri Lanka has a unitary polity, as opposed to India, with nine provinces and 25 administrative districts. According to the Constitution, Buddhism is accorded foremost place. With English serving as the link language, Sinhala and Tamil are recognised as "official" and "national" languages.

Q5) Pattern of diversity and pluralism in South Asia

Ans) South Asia is a region that is well-defined by the natural features that create its borders with the rest of the world. The region, which consists of eight nations with distinct geographic characteristics, is divided by the Indian Ocean to the south and the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Pamir to the north. The magnitude of the geographic contrasts in the area can be easily grasped by noting that while it has island nations like Sri Lanka and the Maldives that do not share a land border with any other country, it also has fully landlocked nations like Afghanistan, Nepal, and Bhutan.

The region has a wide range of ethnocultural expressions, with most, if not all, of the nation’s exemplifying cosmopolitan societies. The most intriguing aspect of many of these countries' diversity is that they struggle to manage it within democratic and multicultural frameworks. A number of these nations are plagued by ongoing warfare, insurgency, political instability, rivalry, and persistence of low levels of social and economic growth rather than providing their citizens with a peaceful and satisfied way of life. Therefore, our current goal is to understand the patterns of variety and pluralism while making casual allusions to their causes and effects.