Abstract:
The South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) is considered one
of the major diplomatic breakthroughs in the South Asian region in its modern history.
Theoretically, SAARC has a high potential for cooperation because of the common
features and challenges faced by its member states. Despite all these common features,
conventional wisdom in this regard is that SAARC is 'the most divided region' in the
world. This study explores the degree of integration that SAARC has already achieved
during past 30 years. Using statistical data, descriptive evidence, and literature, it is
observed that most of the objectives of SAARC are still far from reaching a reality.
There is evidence that the foreign policy of powerful SAARC members goes against
the SAARC objectives.
