Regional Integration: The European Model and the South Asian Experience

Abstract

Dhananjay Tripathi develops a comparative analysis of the European and South Asian integration processes. The objective of the chapter is to examine how European integration has been a success, whereas there has been very limited movement towards South Asian integration. The chapter discusses three important features of European integration process: economic imperatives, regional identity and soft borders. South Asian integration is analysed in the context of these very features, taking them as a basis of comparison. Tripathi argues that there is an academic urge to engage with European integration, draw conclusive ideas and investigate if the European experience is helpful in solving the South Asian integration puzzle.