Investigating the Causes of Intraregional Challenges of SAARC

Abstract

SAARC is a regional cooperation organization in South Asia that has not played a significant role in regional convergence in South Asia in reducing tensions and solving regional crises since its establishment. Serious challenges among SAARC members have made regional cooperation difficult. The actors in this region view each other with suspicion, which has increased tensions and instability in the region. As the causes of intraregional challenges of SAARC are discussed in this article, the central question raised is: What are the factors of intraregional challenges of SAARC? The hypothesis of this research has been raised as follows: Political differences, land disputes, and border disputes have put regional cooperation among SAARC members under strain and intensified competition, which is discussed in this research. This research is descriptive-analytical and the method of data collection is library-based. The current research is important in that it examines the internal challenges among SAARC members and highlights it. The findings of this research indicate that SAARC member countries have become victims of regional political competition, resulting in intensified arms competition, increased poverty, and hindering regional economic and trade development.