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Synopsis With the dawn of the twenty-first century, South Asian region has undergone radical transformation. It has witnessed a strong democratic sweep. Most of the South Asian economies have registered impressive growth trajectories. Some of its countries have also emerged as the hub of global terrorism. The international community has become far more involved in South Asian affairs due to the nuclearisation of the region. SAARC cannot but keep pace with the changing regional dynamics. It has moved ahead on its economic agenda and expanded its reach not only by adding new members (Afghanistan) but also by opening itself to the participation of many other countries, including China, Iran and the US, as Observers.

The Emerging Dimensions of SAARC is an attempt to look at the changing dynamics of South Asia and to learn whether SAARC will take regional cooperation and integration in their various dimensions closer to reality. S.D. Muni, the editor of this volume has compiled essays contributed by eminent academics and analysts, not only from most of the SAARC countries, but also from those joined as Observers. Besides looking at the trade and economic dimension of SAARC, these essays discuss the security, political and cultural aspects of regional cooperation among the South Asian countries.