Lecture -11

Extra-Regional Powers and South Asia: The Impact on Scio-cultural Behaviour

South Asia has always been under direct rule or influence of extra-regional powers In contemporary history, following the British withdrawal, the region has been under influence of all the major powers, including two superpowers. In recent history, the US and China emerged as the most prominent extra-regional actors in the region. Apart from political influences, South Asian societies have been influenced socially and culturally.

State-society gap Multiculturalism Religion Liberal forces Conservatives Divisions within Conflicts

India
i) Pre-partition influences ii) Society started growing on independent lines iii) Rise of civil society iv) Technocratic influences

Pakistan
i) Pre-partition influences ii) Instability, socio-cultural divisions iii) Tolerant society

While small states of South Asia were experiencing political transition; Indian society was greatly influenced by the USSR and Pakistani society was taking influences from the West. Political changes and developments greatly influenced Pakistani and Indian societies. Ideological inclinations and differences were prominent. Intolerance was gradually becoming a prominent feature, especially in Pakistan. However, it was a high time for performing arts, music and literature.

Intellectual reorganization in India.

Regionalism was considered as a panacea to a number of political, economic and social problems. Focus on regional integration, SAARC was created. Societies got exposed to militarism. Radicalization of Pakistani society, especially with reference to religion.

South Asian states and societies experienced political, economic and social changes. Urban divisions Rural underdevelopment Economic instability Afghanistan experienced fundamental Islamic rule and the entire society was altered on the lines of the Taliban.

The US has penetrated in South Asian societies. South Asian diasporas exert due socio-cultural influences. Electronic media has emerged as the most dominant actor. Westernization generally defines trends and other aspects of social life in South Asia. Capitalization or Corporate culture generally defines socioeconomic trends. Liberals vs conservatives Extremists vs moderates Age of Brands

Gowher Rizvi, South Asia in a Changing World Order (Karachi: Oxford University Press, 1993). P. Chari, Perception, Politics and Security in South Asia (London: Routledge, 2003).

Shaheen Rafi, Faisal Haq Shaheen et al, Regional Integration, Trade and Conflict in South Asia, http://www.iisd.org/pdf/2007/tas_rta_south_asia.pdf