Connecting Borders and Boundaries

South Asia, a region teeming with nearly 2 billion people and vast potential, remains one of the least integrated areas globally. Economic stagnation, political discord, and stringent borders have hindered its ability to foster connectivity, collaboration, and growth. This book delves into these challenges, offering an in-depth analysis of the region’s border policies, trade barriers, and the untapped promise of regionalism. This edited volume explores issues and challenges through the lens of Border Studies, addressing the historical, political, and economic factors that divide the region. It also extends beyond South Asia, examining how robust connections with Southeast and Central Asia could transform the region. It investigates key initiatives like the Bhutan-Bangladesh-India-Nepal Motor Vehicle Agreement (BBIN-MVA), highlighting their potential and the hurdles they face.

Through critical perspectives, it tackles complex questions of sustainability, security, and cooperation. It examines India’s pivotal role in operationalizing its Act East Policy, the enduring India-Pakistan rivalry, and the implications of unfulfilled connectivity projects. It is a timely exploration of the possibilities and challenges of uniting South Asia with its neighbors, offering actionable insights for policymakers, scholars, and readers interested in reshaping the economic and geopolitical landscape of Asia.

A must-read for anyone passionate about the future of regional integration and global collaboration.