South Asian Societies Are Woven Not Around The State, But Around Their Plural Cultures And Identities

When colonialism collapsed in the wake of World War II, South Asia was seen as the leader in the development of what was called the Third World. At present, South Asian region is more stable and democratic than it has been in decades. Violence and unrest have subsided. Militaries have left the streets and returned to their barracks. Major insurgencies have been contained. As a region, South Asia is experiencing economic growth at an average rate of nearly seven percent each year. Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Pakistan, countries governed by hard-line military dictatorships in the recent past, are all, at least ....