The dilemmas of Bangladesh as a weak state in South Asia

What is it about?

Purpose The complex environment of regional and extra-regional politics in South Asia renders the region more susceptible to economically and militarily weaker states. This article investigates the challenges Bangladesh faces due to rapidly changing geopolitical dynamics and global political and economic upheavals. Design/methodology/approach This study delves into the dilemmas encountered by Bangladesh as a weak state through literature review, in-depth interviews, media reports and dialogues. Findings Four key factors are identified: (a) Bangladesh’s significance to major powers has increased; (b) it confronts many obstacles hindering its pursuit of a purely non-aligned foreign policy due to its strategic importance to these powers; (c) its internal factors including political turbulence, corruption, and fragile external relations, have been detrimental; and (d) the intensification of key powers’ influence has constrained its autonomy. Originality/value This study underscores that weak institutions, least regional integration, and limited cooperation among states have compromised the autonomy of weak states like Bangladesh in South Asia. There is a need for unity and collaboration among these nations to address dilemmas in the interest of their national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and regional stability.

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Photo by Md Arafat Ul Alam on Unsplash

Photo by Md Arafat Ul Alam on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This is important because the paper discusses about the dilemmas facing weak states in South Asia, particularly Bangladesh.