Leader Region Research Articles

Community postnatal care delivery in England since Covid-19: A qualitative study of midwifery leaders’ perspectives and strategies

ProblemCOVID-19 impacted negatively on maternity care experiences of women and staff. Understanding the emergency response is key to inform future plans. BackgroundBefore the COVID-19 pandemic, experts highlighted concerns about UK community postnatal care, and its impact on long-term health, wellbeing, and inequalities. These appear to have been exacerbated by the pandemic. AimTo explore community postnatal care provision during and since the pandemic across a large diverse UK region. MethodsA descriptive qualitative approach. Virtual semi-structured interviews conducted November 2022-February 2023. All regional midwifery community postnatal care leaders were invited to participate. Findings11/13 midwifery leaders participated. Three main themes were identified: Changes to postnatal care (strategic response, care on the ground); Impact of postnatal care changes (staff and women’s experiences); and Drivers of postnatal care changes (COVID-19, workforce issues). DiscussionChanges to postnatal care during the pandemic included introduction of virtual care, increased role of Maternity Support Workers, and moving away from home visits to clinic appointments. This has largely continued without evaluation. The number of care episodes provided for low and high-risk families appears to have changed little. Those requiring additional support but not deemed highest risk appear to have been most impacted. Staffing levels influenced amount and type of care provided. There was little inter-organisation collaboration in the postnatal pandemic response. ConclusionChanges to postnatal care provision introduced more efficient working practices. However, evaluation is needed to ensure ongoing safe, equitable and individualised care provision post pandemic within limited resources.

AN EDUCATIONAL PROBLEM-SOLVING MODEL OF MUHAMMADIYAH CHARITY FOUNDATION (AUM) IN BANGKA BELITUNG

This study aims to design a model for solving problems in the Muhammadiyah Charity Foundation (AUM) in the field of education in Bangka Belitung Islands Province in a comprehensive manner. The method used in this study is a qualitative approach. Collecting data in this research was done through focus group discussions (FGD) involving 21 Muhammadiyah school principals in Bangka Belitung, to obtain information on the problems of each AUM. Furthermore, the data were processed and analyzed through a system mindset. The results of the study found that the main problem faced by AUM in the field of education there is the problem of school management consisting of principal leadership management, finance, and human resources (HR). Considering that Muhammadiyah is a movement system called Manhaj Muhamamdiyah, solving problems at AUM Bangka Belitung must use a system-thinking approach. The systems thinking pattern is characterized by holistic, goal-oriented, and effective feedback. The solution to the AUM problem in Bangka Belitung is in the form of a systems thinking pattern in the form of a system model including several elements: controller, implementor, monitor, and evaluator, by involving all elements in the Muhammadiyah education system. Elements of regional leaders or regional leaders as controllers, elements of leadership assistants (elementary and secondary education councils) act as evaluators, elements of the community as monitors, and more importantly school administrators (principals, teachers, and education staff) as implementers

Reimagining Leadership in Open Education: Networking to Promote Social Justice and Systemic Change

Challenging traditional notions of leadership, and leveraging non-hierarchical learning structures, the Regional Leaders of Open Education Network (RLOE) was created to bring together leaders from a broad diversity of institutions in the U.S. and Canada to build strategic plans for open education that especially support underserved and underrepresented students. All members of the network, including an advisory team, collaborators, student mentors and cohort participants were engaged in a multi-directional learning program over two years (2021-2022) that included a variety of synchronous and asynchronous online engagement opportunities, as well as the opportunity to attend an in-person summit. Analyses of surveys and reports completed by network participants indicated that RLOE was successful in building community and in providing vital networking opportunities that supported them to design and begin to implement open education strategic plans that included initiatives in professional development, forming partnerships, integrating DEI as well as many other goals and accomplishments. Cohort participants indicated statistically significant gains in 1) developing and leveraging their leadership skills to serve marginalized and underrepresented students, 2) understanding how OE practices can empower all students, especially marginalized students, and 3) how OER can be used to specifically support underrepresented and underserved groups. In addition, 90% of cohort participants indicated that the RLOE Network helped them to center principles of diversity, equity and inclusion into their open educational work.

Misuse and punishment: corruption of regional leaders of the USSR in 1946-1952

The article on the basis of documents of the Central Committee Secretariat of the CPSU reveals the scale and main types of abuses of regional leaders of the USSR in the first post-war years. It is shown that the Central Committee received information about the corruption of the first secretaries of regional party committees and chairmen of regional executive committees from various sources and considered it in ordinary order. In most cases, the Central Committee either did not punish regional leaders for abuses, or imposed on them mild party punishments that did not affect their careers. Dismissal, expulsion from the party and criminal prosecution were rarely used and, as a rule, under the influence of political circumstances.

China’s pandemic-time public diplomacy in the Balkans and the challenge to the EU’s regional leadership

This paper explores how China’s assistance to countries in the Western Balkans during the pandemic boosted their reputation in the region, through the case studies of Serbia, Macedonia, and Albania. The COVID-19 crisis has tested EU’s reputation of solidarity and partnership to the Western Balkans, with Balkan political leaders accusing the bloc of selfishness due to its decision in 2020 to restrict exports of medical equipment to candidate states and the perceived neglect of the region during the vaccine distribution in early 2021. Simultaniously, China sent planes containing tonnes of medical supplies, respirators, medical personnel, and later vaccines, that would be received with great pomp and live media coverage, in a powerful public diplomacy and vaccine diplomacy offensive. This paper argues that this helped improve public opinion and reshape narratives on China in the Western Balkans. Still, attitudes vary between states, with Serbians having the most favourable views on China as a foreign partner. On the other hand, while public perceptions on China have seen a positive shift in Macedonia and Albania, this has not translated in a change in their pro-EU stance.

Related and unrelated variety and convergence to technological frontier: empirical evidence for Polish regions

ABSTRACT This paper examines the effects of related and unrelated variety on total factor productivity (TFP) in Poland. Based on dynamic panel data regression results for Polish regions in 2003-2019, we find the positive effect of related variety and the strong negative effect of unrelated variety on TFP. This implies that regions with high related and low unrelated variety optimize TFP. Using the estimated TFP values, we tested for TFP convergence to the technological frontier using convergence tests that take into account significant differences in technological advancement across regions. We reject TFP convergence for all regions, but we find evidence of regional club convergence. The results of the convergence tests obtained for the simulation variants indicate that changes in related and unrelated variety structures may lead to the formation of convergence clubs with the regional technological leader. Furthermore, the changes primarily in related variety structures lead to the convergence of some regions to the regional technological frontier.

US and European Stock Markets in Response to Exogenous Shocks: Cross-Regional Analysis of Dynamic Networks During the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study aims to analyse the impact of force majeure events or exogenous shocks, characterized by a high level of uncertainty, on the US and European stock market behaviour through cross-regional and inter-industrial comparisons. Based on the sample of 832 largest stock-listed companies publicly traded in both regions, the authors investigate whether specific regional and industrial differences in the stock market reaction to exogenous shocks—as exemplified by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic—and their recovery paths to be determined. The novelty of the research conducted by the authors is underpinned by the application of a dynamic network analysis method—supported by the exponential random graph modelling—for a data sample of publicly traded companies, encompassing major players and industrial leaders in both regions. Furthermore, the methods are applied quarterly for an identical set of industries in cross-market comparison, within a time span of periods before, during and beyond the exogenous shock. The results reveal significant differences in the reaction of US and European stock markets to exogenous shocks, despite globally integrated financial markets. The connectivity of the largest listed companies on the US market is higher than the European ones. Thus, publicly traded companies in the United States are more likely to be closely connected to their industry peers. As demonstrated by a cross-market comparison of the European and US stock market network configuration, the US network reveals higher probabilities of intra-industrial connections of its market participants. In contrast, the European stock market exhibits fewer connections and a less dense network of market participants in times of uncertainty or exogenous shocks. Except for the European financial industry, which behaves similarly to its US counterpart, the overall interconnectedness of European companies is weaker within the uncertainty-related timespan. The latest could be partially explained by numerous national regulations being implemented at a country level, which are partly deviating from the EU single-market policies. In contrast to a relatively homogeneous setting of the US market, a low level of interconnectedness of publicly traded companies in Europe could be further argued by the application of non-harmonized industrial policies, with the latest being expanded during the ongoing crisis in selected European locations. This difference could also be explained by the absence of a mutual strategy for alleviating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. The obtained results could be valuable for academics, conducting similar thematic research; for portfolio investors, and policymakers in forecasting, reacting and assessing stock market behaviour overall—and at the level of industrial sectors in particular—in response to events characterized as force majeure, exogenous shocks or periods of uncertainty.

Using Research to Transform Electronic Health Record Modernization: Advancing a VA Partnered Research Agenda to Increase Research Impacts.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is undergoing an enterprise-wide transition from a homegrown electronic health record (EHR) system to a commercial off-the-shelf product. Because of the far-reaching effects of the EHR transformation through all aspects of the healthcare system, VA Health Services Research and Development identified a need to develop a research agenda that aligned with health system priorities so that work may inform evidence-based improvements in implementation processes and outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to report on the development of a research agenda designed to optimize the EHR transition processes and implementation outcomes in a large, national integrated delivery system. We used a sequential mixed-methods approach (portfolio assessment, literature review) combined with multi-level stakeholder engagement approach that included research, informatics, and healthcare operations experts in EHR transitions in and outside the VA. Data from each stage were integrated iteratively to identify and prioritize key research areas within and across all stakeholder groups. VA informatics researchers, regional VA health system leaders, national VA program office leaders, and external informatics experts with EHR transition experience. Through three rounds of stakeholder engagement, priority research topics were identified that focused on operations, user experience, patient safety, clinical outcomes, value realization, and informatics innovations. The resulting EHR-focused research agenda was designed to guide development and conduct of rigorous research evidence aimed at providing actionable results to address the needs of operations partners, clinicians, clinical staff, patients, and other stakeholders. Continued investment in research and evaluation from both research and operations divisions of VA will be critical to executing the research agenda, ensuring its salience and value to the health system and its end users, and ultimately realizing the promise of this EHR transition.

Assessment of Trends in the Development of Regional Differences in Kazakhstan

The aim of the current study is to assess regional differences in urban development in Kazakhstan using ten indicators classified by financial and economic health, business development, and standard of living. The data from 2018 to 2022 was analyzed, and a rating system was used to evaluate the regions. The data was collected from open sources. A literature review was conducted to determine the leading ten indicators. The research methodology used a rating system to identify leader regions and lag over the past five years. Ten points evaluated each indicator; as a result of all calculations, the maximum score could reach 100 points. The best five-year result was 63.1 in Astana city, 60.8 in Almaty city and 59.6 in Atyrau region. The lowest indicator is in the North Kazakhstan region - 23.7 points, followed by the Kyzylorda region (24.4) and Pavlodar region (25.3). Almaty and Astana cities excel in financial contributions, while other regions receive significant funds based on various factors such as natural resources. The analysis reveals low entrepreneurship development but an increasing number of SMEs. Population growth is observed in the cities of Astana and Almaty, while regional disparities in wages and poverty levels persist. Atyrau region is an industrial region with a low retail rate. The study's results can be used to implement regional development programs.

Leadership in Muhammadiyah: A Case Study of the Muhammadiyah Organisation in Kudus Regency

Muhammadiyah, the world's largest Islamic organisation, grows by preaching amar ma'ruf nahi mungkar and non-profit Islamic leadership programmes that empower communities. Islamic leadership differs from western leadership, which is frequently the mecca of organisations. The Kudus branch of Muhammadiyah has grown rapidly, as shown by its charities in different community areas. Methods of research The qualitative case study method collects data through interviews, observation, and documentation across time. The strategy was used to focus and deepen study on Muhammadiyah leadership in Kudus organisations. Results of research Muhammadiyah leaders understand leadership well. The success of Muhammadiyah's collective-collegial leadership in the Kudus region is attributed to its persistence in applying seven Islamic leadership principles: justice, amar ma'ruf nahi munkar, ihsan, wisdom, humility, service to the people, visionary, and deliberation.

The Role of the Binjai Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership Elementary Education Council as Supervisory at MTs Aisyiyah

Identification of the problems in this study are (1) The role of the Majelis Dikdasmen Binjai in the development of institutions at MTs Aisyiyah Binjai, (2) The Majelis Dikdasmen Binjai as the Supervisory Board at MTs Aisyiyah. The research method used in this research is a case study qualitative research. There were 7 research subjects. Research using qualitative methods. Data collection was in the form of interview guidelines, observations, and recording devices to facilitate data collection related to the Role of the Majelis Dikdasmen Binjai as the Supervisory Board at MTs Aisyiyah Binjai. The results of the research show that the role of a Supervisory Board at MTs Aisyiyah has carried out its duties and functions in the development of institutions at MTs Aisyiyah. Carry out supervision of the proposal, appointment and dismissal of school principals, teachers and employees. Plan and approve the Madrasah budget and income. The role of Majelis Dikdasmen Binjai has carried out its role as a supervisory body at MTs Aisyiyah Binjai well.

An appraisal of Nigeria's foreign policy role in Africa's development, 2010-2022

Nigeria's foreign policy is a strategic instrument intricately woven into the fabric of its national interests. Since its independence in 1960, Nigeria has steered an external strategy with the African continent at its nucleus, emblematic of its steadfast commitment to nurturing stability and prosperity across Africa. Through varying administrations, the Nigerian government has consistently upheld the core tenets of its foreign policy, steadfastly adhering to its Afrocentric orientation. This study examined Nigeria's foreign policy's role in the developmental trajectory of Africa during the period from 2010 to 2022. Employing a qualitative methodology, it harnesses secondary data from a comprehensive review of esteemed academic sources, including textbooks, scholarly journals, authoritative reports, and online repositories. Systems theory was applied to guide the research. The findings clearly illustrate Nigeria's pronounced contributions through its Afrocentric foreign policy paradigm – engendering unity, catalysing collaboration, nurturing peace and stability, and directing developmental resources to regions characterized by harmonious relations. Ultimately, this study illuminates the comprehensive spectrum of Nigeria's impact on Africa's developmental odyssey, ranging from active regional leadership participation to counter-terrorism endeavours and poverty abatement. Consequently, this research advocates for a sustained optimization of Nigeria's contributions, thereby fortifying internal tranquillity and urging a meticulous evaluation of the underlying socio-political tensions within Nigeria.Nzewigbo A. A. (2023). An appraisal of Nigeria's foreign policy role in Africa's development, 2010-2022. People centred – The Journal of Development Administration (JDA), 8(3), 57-67. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jda.v8i3.2
 Visit journal website: https://jda.africasocialwork.net

Local Government Collaborative Innovation Policy

The lack of stakeholder collaboration is considered one of the main triggers for unsustainable regional innovation. This phenomenon often occurs in archipelago countries due to limited access to information in the region. In this context, the current discourse between public administration scholars and policy practitioners emphasizes the importance of collaboration in policy innovation. This study aims to examine local government innovation policies in Indonesia, an archipelago country in Southeast Asia, with a focus on the policy formulation process which involves collaboration to produce innovative policies. This study uses a mixed methods research approach based on a sequential explanatory design consisting of two main stages. The first stage uses a quantitative method, followed by the second stage which uses a qualitative approach. The research data consisted of a combination of primary and secondary data obtained from questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. This data was analysed descriptively using NVivo software and supplemented with statistical analysis results. The results of this study confirm the existence of a pattern of dependence between collaborative actors, in which regional heads have a dominant role in the formulation of innovative policies. However, business actors, academics, and community leaders are rarely involved, indicating that they are highly dependent on regional leadership initiatives. As a result, the resulting innovation policies tend to be unsustainable. Therefore, this research suggests that collaboration forums become the main reference in building and creating sustainable regional innovations. This forum is expected to facilitate common aspirations and innovative arguments, as well as encourage the creation of broader innovative policies. In conclusion, the lack of stakeholder collaboration is one of the main obstacles to creating sustainable policy innovations in the regions. To overcome this challenge, collaboration forums are important to facilitate collaboration and active participation of various stakeholders. With stronger collaboration, it is hoped that sustainable innovative policies will be created, addressing regional problems, and improving people's quality of life.

The origin and evolution of IncF33 plasmids based on large-scale data sets.

To comprehensively understand the formation and evolution of IncF33 plasmids, a global collection of whole-genome sequences of 863 strains positive for IncF33 plasmid replicons was analyzed. The results showed that the IncF33 plasmids were mainly identified in Enterobacterales, of which Escherichia coli (86.44%) was the dominant host, followed by Salmonella (8.57%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (3.48%). Salmonella ST11 and K. pneumoniae ST11 were common and mostly from humans. IncF33 plasmids were found worldwide but prevalent in Chinese farm animals, predominantly carrying antibiotic resistance genes such as blaCTX-M-55, fosA3, blaTEM-1B, rmtB, and floR. Comparative genomics analysis of 103 complete IncF33 plasmid sequences showed highly similar backbones except for 16 lacking partial backbone fragments. Variable regions were diverse, containing various antibiotic resistance genes, insertion sequences, or other plasmid fragments. They can be roughly divided into two sublines based on the production of different CTX-M enzymes. Similar IncF33 plasmids from different countries were identified. Some early IncF33 plasmids lacked part of their leader regions, which showed over 99% homology with early F2:A-:B- plasmids, indicating that leader regions of IncF33 likely came from F2:A-:B- plasmids. In addition, IncF33 plasmids cointegrating with other types of plasmids to form new cointegrate plasmids are increasing, making them more efficient in their dissemination and persistence in Enterobacterales, which could pose a significant threat to global public health. IMPORTANCE Plasmids that capture multiple antibiotic resistance genes are spreading widely, leading to the emergence and prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. IncF33 plasmids are a newly emerged plasmid type highly prevalent in animal-source Enterobacterales in China, and they are important vectors for transmitting several clinically important antibiotic resistance genes. The study revealed that the IncF33 plasmid is mainly prevalent in China animal-derived Escherichia coli and has the potential for cointegration and intercontinental dissemination. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance surveillance and control measures to limit the spread of IncF33 plasmids and their associated antibiotic resistance genes.

Peran Dalem Lenggana Bangkelung Bagi Kesultanan Mataram: Kajian Naskah Kuno dan Tradisi Lisan

This study explains the role of Dalem Lenggana as a religious spreader of Islam as well as a blacksmith of the Mataram Sultanate, which originates from folklore, Dutch reports, and ancient manuscripts. The ancient manuscripts are the Sukawening Garut Manuscript and the Pegon manuscript which have been transliterated by K. F. Holle and published in his report. The two manuscripts tell of Dalem Lenggana's work which is set in the early Islamic period, to be precise, during the Mataram Sultanate. The name Dalem Lenggana has many versions of the name, but both texts refer to the figure Dalem Lenggana in Bangkelung, Galuh. the existence of Dalem Lenggana existed in the period 1645 AD – 1704 AD. He was appointed leader of the Bangkelung region after successfully making Guntur Geni guns (Cannons). Given the importance of Dalem Lenggana's role in the past, this is the background for the author to discuss it. This research method uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive type. Data collection techniques are carried out through observation, interviews, and document studies. In this study, the authors used primary and secondary data sources. The results showed that the Dalem Lenggana figure had an important role in the past both as a spreader of Islam, a blacksmith in the Mataram Sultanate and as a leader in the Bangkelung region of Galuh.

Exploring the genetic and functional diversity of Porphyromonas gingivalis long fimbriae.

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a key pathobiont in periodontitis. Its long fimbriae consist of a single anchor (FimB), a varying number of stalk (FimA), and three accessory (tip-related) proteins (FimC, FimD, and FimE). Based on 133 strains/genomes available, it was our aim to investigate the diversity within FimA and FimB and explain the variety of long fimbriae (super-)structures. Combining the new forward primer fimAnewF with the established fimAunivR, we were able to amplify and sequence fimA including its leader region covering all genotypes and serotypes for phylogenetic analysis. We designed two primer pairs sensing the presence of an internal stop codon in fimB with an impact on fimbrial length. Finally, we examined fimbrial secondary structures by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The phylogeny of fimA/FimA revealed two new subtypes (IIa and IIb) with specific changes in functional domains and thus adding to the current classification scheme (I, Ib, and II-V). Regarding evolution, we confirm that Porphyromonas gulae fimA-type A is closely related to human P. gingivalis strains of cluster Ib and might be its ancestor genotype. A fimB internal stop codon is rare and was found in ATCC 33277 only. Comparing P. gingivalis TEM/SEM pictures of type I ATCC 33277 with type V OMI622 revealed a broad spectrum of fimbrial structures including bundling, cell-cell knotting, and brick-wall formation. In conclusion, FimA forms more distinct subtypes than previously known. The bundling of long fimbriae, a mechanism known from EPEC/EHEC and Salmonella, is proposed and supported by TEM/SEM pictures for the first time here. The role and variations of terminal accessory FimC-E in superstructure formation and/or (co-) adhesion should be investigated more closely next.

Political And Administrative Relations In The Role Of Regional Head Officials: A Study On The Acting Governor Of DKI Jakarta

This journal article examines the dynamics of political and administrative relations within the context of the roles played by regional head officials. Specifically, it focuses on the case study of the Acting Governor of DKI Jakarta. The study delves into the intricate interplay between the political aspects of governance and the administrative responsibilities of regional leaders, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities faced by Acting Governors in Indonesia's capital city. By analyzing the experiences and strategies of the Acting Governor of DKI Jakarta, this research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex landscape of regional leadership. It explores how regional head officials navigate the political terrain while effectively managing administrative tasks, offering insights into the broader dynamics of governance in the region. This study serves as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in regional politics and administration, providing a case study that illuminates the roles and challenges faced by Acting Governors in Indonesia's dynamic political landscape.

Collaboration of Stagist Approaches and Discursive Approaches on Ideas & Discourse in “Bela Negara” Policies in Prismatic Communities: Study in Situbondo Regency, Indonesia

The “bela negara” program in Situbondo Regency focuses on collaborative efforts between Situbondo Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) and “Pondok Pesantren” to produce a participatory policy process. Collaboration between the two is important in a prismatic society to accommodate the knowledge each party has in an inclusive public space. Although, to realize collaboration is not easy because it involves complex interests between the two. The study analyses the collaboration of “bela negara” policies in the prismatic Situbondo Regency. The method used in this study is a qualitative method with interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). The use of the IPA approach in this study is to analyze collaboration on “bela negara” policies in Situbondo Regency, both those carried out by policy actors or the Situbondo Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) as well as those carried out by the target group or among the clergy. Based on the results of the discussion, it can be concluded that in the “bela negara” policy process in Situbondo Regency, there is a different knowledge construction between the actor and the target group. The Situbondo Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), as a policy actor, relies on professional knowledge and scientific (indigenous) knowledge. While the target group or the clergy use local knowledge (endogenous). These different types of knowledge arise as a result of different policy approaches. Forkopimda Situbondo, as a policy actor, adopts a stagist or managerial policy approach. While the Ulama use a discursive approach to ideas & discourse that relies on their local knowledge. Even though there are differences in policy approaches, the two of them are able to collaborate well, seen in several activities, as seen in the 74th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia and the Commemoration of the 74th National Defense Day (HBN).

The Relationship between Principals' Instructional Leadership and Teacher Retention in the Undeveloped Regions of Central and Western China: The Chain-Mediating Role of Role Stress and Affective Commitment.

Enhancing teacher retention in underdeveloped regions of Central and Western China is an important issue for high-quality education development. By investigating 1558 teachers from nine provinces and municipalities in these regions, this study uses quantitative research methods to analyze the relationship between principals' instructional leadership and teacher retention and introduces a moderated chain-mediated model. The results show that principals' instructional leadership and teacher retention are at a relatively moderate to high level in these regions. Principals' instructional leadership not only has direct effect on teacher retention, but also has indirect effects by three paths: through the separate mediating role of role stress, the separate mediating role of affective commitment, and the chain-mediating role of role stress and affective commitment. Teacher gender negatively moderates the relationship between principal's instructional leadership and teacher role stress. The sample need to be extended to developed areas to form a comparison. Underdeveloped regions of Central and Western China also need to take more action.

State of the Regional Integration Within South Asian Association for Regional Organisation (SAARC): Assessment of India’s Leadership

South Asia is one of the least integrated regions in terms of trade and people-to-people contact. With the goal of promoting regionalism, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was founded in 1985 and now has eight South Asian countries as a member (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka). India alone controls more than 80% of all variables, including economy, size, and population. Thus, the entire regional integration of South Asia has been and will continue to be dependent on India’s intentions regarding SAARC. As a result of several bilateral disagreements between the organisation’s member states, the SAARC has been dubbed a dysfunctional, talk-shop, and dead organisation. Having said that, this article aims to investigate the role of India as a regional leader as well as its intention and approach towards South Asian integration. Similarly, this document also assesses the effect of India’s leadership on the regional integration of South Asia. This article is based on the qualitative method of research and thus uses discourse analysis as the main methodology. As primary sources, discourse analyses in international relations often examine official speeches, declarations, legislative debates, diplomatic documents, interviews, newspapers, and editorials. Other scholarly works, novels, and conceptual histories can be analysed in addition to these.