South Asia in World Politics offers a comprehensive introduction to the politics and international relations of South Asia, a key area encompassing the states of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. While U.S. interest has long been sporadic and reactive, 9/11 alerted Washington that paying only fitful attention to one of the world's most volatile and populous regions was a recipe for everyday instability, repeated international crises, major and minor wars, and conditions so chronically unsettled that they continue to provide a fertile breeding ground for transnational Islamic terrorism. Exploring the many facets of this dynamic region, the book also assesses U.S. policy toward Afghanistan and explains the importance of Bangladesh and Pakistan, two of only a handful of Islamic states with significant track records as democracies.

"This well-written introductory volume on South Asia, whose text is buttressed with a useful historical chronology and notes, will guide the interested reader to more extensive discussions of topics covered....Highly recommended." - CHOICE

"In recent years, [South Asia] has not received the scholarly attention that it deserves. This first-rate [volume] goes far toward filling the gap by focusing on the international relations (and domestic developments, where relevant) of the South Asian states." - Foreign Affairs