South Asia—which comprises eight different countries (India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives)—is home to over one-fifth of the world’s population. The sociological diversity in South Asia is matched by a variety of political systems ranging from an institutionalized democracy (e.g. India) to semi (or newly-emerging) democracies to systems that often shift between being dictatorial/authoritarian and “democratic.” Yet, the region has consistently been described as “the most dangerous place on earth” because the confluence of nuclear-armed powers, enduring rivalries, potentially “weak states,” and cross-border terrorism. This course seeks to examine the international relations of South Asia (e.g., the politics between South Asian states and other world powers) by focusing on the dynamic interplay between identities, interests, and power in the region. Thus, the primary focus of the class is on the politics between South Asian states, and the role of international actors in the region, not on the domestic politics of South Asian states unless directly relevant to their inter-state relations. The analytical goal of this course is to provide students with a critical understanding of the major issues in the international relations of South Asia.
This class will use a course reader. Students are expected to complete the “required readings” for each session before the day of the class. At the beginning of each class session, students are expected to provide me with a one paragraph description/analysis of that day’s readings and at least three pertinent discussion questions for the topic at hand. I will lecture only a small portion of each class session. The bulk of each class session will be reserved for critical discussion regarding the conceptual/analytical theme covered that day. Students are expected to attend each class and be active participants in the discussions.