Cooperation with Realism

South Asian cooperation continues to stagnate, in contrast to other regions. In terms of economic cooperation, information flows, value systems and ideas of security the differences are more in evidence than the similarities, and it is the political gulf that needs to be bridged. The spirit of regional cooperation has to be developed through a conceptual vision of a new region. But enlargement is not likely to be of help. The reconstruction of the South Asian state is the prime need of the region. Democracy has to be genuinely participatory; the intra-state regional balance is an essential component of this; and the structure and functions of government need to be addressed. South Asian states have to find a common roadmap leading to cooperation and friendship. For each state the legitimacy of power is the paramount guide in this regard.