Is Economic Growth the Required “Catalyst” for South Asian Integration?

Author(s): 
Pages: 
24
Item Reference: 
W-2013/12
Collection: 
UNU-CRIS Working Papers
Publication Date: 
2013
Publication Place: 
Bruges
Publication Language: 
EN
Publisher: 
UNU Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies
Working Paper Type: 
Abstract: 

South Asia is one of the least integrated regions of the world. This is despite the fact that in the last few decades there has been a considerable upsurge in the economic activities in almost all the countries of this region. In this paper, an argument is presented as to how the recent economic growth in different countries of South Asia also created certain demand, which can be effectively met by regional cooperation. It is argued that regional cooperation in functional areas can subsequently promote regional integration in South Asia. This paper is based on a neo-functionalist approach of regional integration. In this paper higher education and the power sector are considered as areas where regional cooperation is possible and where, ultimately, a process of integration can start in South Asia.

Keywords: 
South Asia, integration, neo-functionalism, higher education, power sector