Politics of Resentment and Regional integration: Implications on South Asia

Abstract

There is no denying the fact that politics of Resentment among states and nations around the world is common and for South Asian integration, this phenomenon has proved to be a stumbling block. The Integration process in South Asia has  always been impeded by various socioeconomic, political, and historical factors. But the factor which can be held responsible as the most destructive one in the way of regional Integration is the Politics of Resentment among the South Asian states. Moreover, this phenomenon complicates and fails the cooperative frameworks such as SAARC to function in a better way. This paper sheds light on the fact that how Politics in South Asia, specifically between Pakistan and India , gives rise to Political animosity and economic disparities which consequently result in feeding trade restrictions diplomatic disputes, and protectionist policies against each other that hinders the region’s progress towards integration. Because of the impact of populist strategies and resentment-fueled political discourse, this study explains that some important issues like labour migration, cross border trade conflicts, anti-nation propaganda, and infrastructure challenge negativity impact economic cooperation. These facts draw the attention of those at the helm of affairs towards the pressing need of devising practical, feasible, and innovative solutions to all these issues of regional economic disintegration in South Asia. For this , institutional reforms, inclusive economic policies, and proactive measures to foster trust , addressing and comprehending the complex relationship between hostile politics and economic integration is essential to achieving long-term regional cooperation and integration in South Asia.