SAARC AND ASEAN: A Comparative Study Success & Failure.

Abstract

The research paper is an attempt to understand the determinations behind establishment of South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation and ASEAN. This paper describes reasons why Pakistan & India were unwilling initially to join the said SAARC. The paper elaborates Evolution, Functions, Achievement, and failure including influence of internal and external power center of the world. The qualitative research method has adopted to evaluate the failure and success of ASEAN & SAARC. ASEAN has shown very rapid growth in regional & global trade; previously mentioned organization achievements are high as compared to SAARC. In fact, the idea was to promote peace, political harmony, cultural exchange and economic development in the region. Pakistan tried utmost to reduce trust defect among the regional countries by utilizing forum of SAARC. The cooperation of South Asian nations is linked with internal & external security of regional countries. The hegemony of India and deep-rooted tension between two countries caused great damage to the smooth functions of SAARC. Kashmir is cause of disagreement between two sates its lingering position created hinders to achieve the goals of SAARC. The issue of so-called cross border terrorism and false flag operations by India has also sabotaged this forum. The Sri Lanka laid formal groundwork in first meeting in Colombo on April, 1981.The series of various meeting was held from 1981 to 1992 for the conceptual framework of SAARC. The foundation of this organization is following three conferences, which were held, between 1947 to 1954: 1. Asian Relations Conference 1947. 2. The Baguio Conference 1950. 3. Colombo Power Conference 1954.