Introduction

As discussed in the Introduction, three theoretical approaches are generally employed from the standpoint of IR to explain the origin, process, outcome and effect of regionalism. Neo-realism is considered to be apt in explaining the origins of regionalism. This explanation is particularly drawn by examining the cases of regionalism in Europe and South East Asia in which it is argued that bipolar rivalry and the influence of US power and support helped to establish the EU and ASEAN. Neo-liberal institutionalism is generally viewed as the applicable explanatory framework for the process and outcome of regional integration. This theoretical approach has been aptly applied to explain the dynamics and the process of European integration and ASEAN regionalism. Theorists have generally employed the constructivist framework to explain the effects of regionalism. In this context too, the cases of Europe and South East Asia have been closely studied and the constructivist insights have been aptly used.

This chapter aims to assess whether these theoretical insights can be used in the case of South Asian regionalism. While looking at South Asia's integration experience from such a standpoint, this chapter also seeks to assess the general applicability of the three mainstream IR theories, which are essentially Western-oriented in nature, in the context of South Asia or broadly the non-Western world. The analysis here is developed in view of the debate about a ‘Global IR’, which has emerged recently in IR theorizing.

This chapter is divided into two sections. First, it analyses the utility of the three mainstream perspectives – neo-realism, neo-liberal institutionalism and constructivism – in analysing the origin, process, outcome and effect of South Asian regionalism. Second, it assesses the implications of the analyses of the first section for IR in general and seeks to contribute in the debate about a ‘Global IR’.

International relations theories and South Asian Regionalism

This sub-section analyses the origin, process and the outcome of South Asian regionalism in light of IR theoretical insights. The following is an analysis on: (1) whether the origin of South Asian regionalism can be explained in terms of neo-realism; (2) whether the insights of neo-liberal institutionalism can be used to explain the process and outcome of South Asian regionalism; and (3) whether constructivism is apt in explaining the effects of South Asian regional cooperation.