Prospects for Peace in South Asia

Prospects for Peace in South Asia addresses the largely hostile, often violent relations between India and Pakistan that date from their independence in 1947. The most persistent conflict between the two neighbouring countries, over Kashmir, has defied numerous international attempts at resolution and has now, with both India and Pakistan becoming nuclear powers in 1998, entered its most dangerous phase. The struggle over Kashmir is enduringly rooted in national identity, religion, and human rights. It has also influenced the politicization of Pakistan’s army, religious radicalism, and nuclearisation in both countries. This incisive volume analyses these forces, their impact on relations between the two countries, and alternative roles the United Stats might play in resolving the dispute. While acknowledging the risks, the book is optimistic about peace in South Asia. The key argument is that many of the domestic concerns that were fuelling the conflict have abated.