Solution of Chapter 5. Contemporary South Asia (Contemporary World Politics Book)

Exercises

1

Identify the country:

a. The struggle among pro-monarchy, pro-democracy groups and extremists created an atmosphere of political instability:


b. A landlocked country with multi-party competition:


c. The first country to liberalise its economy in the South Asian region:


d. In the conflict between the military and pro-democracy groups, the military has prevailed over democracy:


e. Centrally located and shares borders with most of the South Asian countries:


f. Earlier the island had the Sultan as the head of state. Now, it’s a republic:


g. Small savings and credit cooperatives in the rural areas have helped in reducing poverty:


h. A landlocked country with a monarchy:
2

Which among the following statements about South Asia is wrong?

(a) All the countries in South Asia are democratic.


(b) Bangladesh and India have signed an agreement on river-water sharing.


(c) SAFTA was signed at the 12th SAARC Summit in Islamabad.


(d) The US and China play an influential role in South Asian politics.
3

What are some of the commonalities and differences between Bangladesh and Pakistan in their democratic experiences?
4

List three challenges to democracy in Nepal.
5

Name the principal players in the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. How do you assess the prospects of the resolution of this conflict?
6

Mention some of the recent agreements between India and Pakistan.

Can we be sure that the two countries are well on their way to a friendly relationship?
7

Mention two areas each of cooperation and disagreement between India and Bangladesh
8

How are the external powers influencing bilateral relations in South Asia? Take any one example to illustrate your point.
9

Write a short note on the role and the limitations of SAARC as a forum for facilitating economic cooperation among the South Asian countries.
10

India’s neighbours often think that the Indian government tries to dominate and interfere in the domestic affairs of the smaller countries of the region. Is this a correct impression?