Power Struggle in South Asia Region: Hanging between Soft and Hard Balance Competition

Abstract

The South Asia region has been the focus of attention due to its strategic location and geopolitical significance. It is home to two nuclear-armed rivals, India and Pakistan, who have been engaged in a power struggle for decades. The region has also witnessed the growing influence of China and the United States, who are vying for influence in the region. The power struggle in the South Asia region can be understood in terms of a balance competition between soft and hard power. Soft power is the ability to attract and co-opt rather than coerce, while hard power is the use of military and economic coercion to achieve objectives. India has traditionally relied on soft power to expand its influence in the region. It has used its cultural and economic ties to build relationships with its neighbors. However, in recent years, India has also been building up its military capabilities, particularly in response to China's growing influence in the region. Pakistan, on the other hand, has relied more heavily on hard power, particularly its military, to project influence in the region. It has also sought support from China, which has provided economic and military aid. China's growing influence in the region is seen as a challenge to both India and the United States. China has been expanding its economic and military ties with countries in the region through its Belt and Road Initiative. The United States has also been seeking to expand its influence in the region through its Indo-Pacific strategy. The power struggle in the South Asia region is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. The balance between soft and hard power is likely to shift as the regional and global geopolitical landscape evolves. It will be important for countries in the region to find a balance between competing interests and work towards stability and cooperation.