South Asia and the New Era of Great Power Rivalry

Abstract

The current transformation of the world order and the challenges to the leading position of the United States are not without consequences for the South Asian states. The rapid rise of the People’s Republic of China and the loss of Russian power are forcing some countries in the region to reassess their strategies. Related with this, experts of international and security studies pay keen attention to the future roles of India and Pakistan. This study examines the challenges that the South Asian region, and especially its two leading powers, may face in the post-hegemonic stage of the development of world order. In doing so, it briefly reviews the post-Cold War strategic aspirations of India and Pakistan and their relationship with the great powers, and then it pays detailed attention to the changes in the South Asian strategic environment over the past decade, with particular regard to the effects of the intensifying U.S.-China rivalry.