Government and Politics in South Asia

Paper Code: 
24POL 423-A
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

The course will focus on the issues on peace and security in the South Asia region. It will also enhance knowledge about inter-state conflicts and on matters concerning bilateral relations, Regional cooperation and confidence building measures in South Asia.

            

Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcomes (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course Title

24POL 423-A

Government and Politics in South Asia

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

CO127:   Analyze South Asia as a region, examining its societal and economic characteristics while comprehending its Indo-centric nature

CO128:   Evaluate the political systems of Pakistan and Afghanistan while analyzing their role as major actors in the region.

CO129:  Assess the political structures of Nepal and Bhutan, and analyze the influence of external factors, on the political dynamics of the Himalayan region. CO130: Analyze the political structures of Sri Lanka and the Maldives while examining the challenges posed by radicalization and extremism in the Indian Ocean Region

CO131: Evaluate the political structures of Bangladesh and Myanmar, analyze the challenges of migration and environmental degradation and understand interstate disputes and the role of regional cooperation mechanisms.

CO132: Contribute effectively in Course specific interaction.

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading assignments, Power Point Presentation

Learning activities for the students:

Self-learning assignments, Effective questions, Seminar presentation, Giving tasks.

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Individual and group projects
 

 

12.00
Unit I: 
Regional Profile

South Asia as a region- Society & economy, developmental profile, National struggle and historical legacies, Two Nation theory, Indo- centricity of the region

 

12.00
Unit II: 
The North-west

The North-west: Pakistan and Afghanistan- political systems, role of big powers, interstate terrorism

 

12.00
Unit III: 
The Himalayan states

The Himalayan states: Nepal and Bhutan- political structures, role of monarchy, China factor

 

12.00
Unit IV: 
The Indian Ocean Island states

The Indian Ocean Island states: Sri Lanka and Maldives- political structures, ethnic and religious movements, problem of radicalization

 

12.00
Unit V: 
The Bay of Bengal states

The Bay of Bengal states: Bangladesh and Myanmar- political structures, migration and refugee problem, environmental issues

Interstate disputes and regional cooperation: SAARC and BIMSTEC

 

Essential Readings: 
  • Basu, R & Rahman, M.S. (2016), Governance in South Asia. New York: Routledge
  • Hettige, S. & Gerharz, E. (2015), Governance, Conflict and Development in South Asia: Perspectives from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. New Delhi: SAGE Publishing India
  • Mazumdar, A. (2014), Indian Foreign Policy in Transition: Relations with South Asia. New York: Routledge
  • Visweswaran, K. (2011), Perspectives on Modern South Asia: A Reader in Culture, History, and Representation. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons
  • Brass, P. (2010), Routledge Handbook of South Asian Politics: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge

 

References: 

Ø  Blom, A. & Rewal, S.T.L. (2019) Emotions, Mobilisations and South Asian Politics. Abingdon, Oxon: Taylor & Francis

Ø  Jivanta, S. (2018), Maritime Governance And South Asia: Trade, Security And Sustainable Development In The Indian Ocean. Singapore: World Scientific

Ø  Slate, N. (2017), Colored Cosmopolitanism. Cambridge: Harvard University Press

Ø  DeVotta, N. (2015), An Introduction to South Asian Politics. Abingdon, Oxon: Taylor & Francis

Ø  Smith, D.E. (2015), South Asian Politics and Religion, Princton: Princeton University Press

Ø  Wadley , S. (2014) South Asia in the World: An Introduction. Routledge

Ø  Padukone, N. (2014), Beyond South Asia: India's Strategic Evolution and the Reintegration of the Subcontinent. Bloomsbury Academic

Ø  Pande, A. (2011), Explaining Pakistan's Foreign Policy: Escaping India. New York: Routledge

Ø  Paul,T.V.(ed), (2010),South Asia’s Weak States, California,Stanford University Press

Ø  Paul, T.V. (2010), South Asia's Weak States: Understanding the Regional Insecurity Predicament. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press

Mendis, D. (2007), Electoral Processes and Governance in South Asia. New Delhi: SAGE Publications Indi

Academic Year: 
2024-25
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