ABOUT THE BOOK
The South Asian region has more relevance in COVID times as severe challenges in the countries require a solution. Analytical studies have given a broad perspective regarding South Asia as a region. It is socially constructed based on geographical barriers, but Myanmar and Afghanistan were not considered a part of it. While analysing the importance, the editor has deliberated that multilateralism in the South Asian region can be the greatest hope for actionable policies if adequately monitored and complied with in full. There are two dimensions of International Politics; the first is Positive and Creative, and the second is Reality. Geopolitics has entered everywhere, and we have to look at the whole world and how Realism has shaped South Asia. There has been a question on capitalist growth and opportunities for the world.
The pandemic has given a blow to multilateralism. Sometimes, an introverted economy can lead to fewer economic developments. There has been an aggressive rise of nationalism amongst Indians towards neighbours. Unless we work together and as a team, we cannot overcome this pandemic, as an introverted economy will not take any country anywhere. South Asia has Cold War flavours shaped in the 20th century. India needs to emphasise its policies while Afghanistan and Thailand have not flourished in the South Asian region compared to the whole world.
The editor has taken up various aspects, namely, ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific narrative, India`s relations with Africa, China`s strategic gameplay in the region, India`s energy diplomacy towards South Asian countries, ISIS operations in South Asia, Bilateral relations, among South Asian nations, Multilateralism in Nepal`s foreign policy and Transformation of Sino-India relations in South Asia, especially in the COVID-19 era. Some ideas of future prospects can be gleaned from this book.
The editor is confident that this book will inform readers and researchers about the nuances of global challenges like the pandemic, terrorism, and climate change and the ensuing opportunities for collaboration. The new global order continues to unfold for a multilateral governance effort and pinpoints many undercurrents in Asia and Asia-Pacific.
ABOUT Author
Prof. (Dr) NAGA LAXMI M RAMAN, Director & Head, Amity Institute of International Studies. Associated with Amity University Uttar Pradesh (AUUP),Noida since March 2001. PhD in Political Science focused on rural women economic empowerment with horticulture produces. Masters in Public Administration.
Prof. Raman specialises in Public Administration, International Studies, Public Policy Analysis, Human Resource Management, E-Governance, Decentralisation-Local Governance and application of Post-Harvest Technologies & Cold Chain Management. India`s Foreign Policy, Comparative Politics & Government (the UK, US, Russia and China), International Political Economy, Globalization& IR, Sustainable Development Goals and Research Methodology.
She has authored a book and co-authored two books, a chapter in edited books, 20 research papers, 14 training manuals and delivered many platform presentations at the National and International levels. She is experienced in executing 7 National and International projects.
She has worked on a study in collaboration with WFLO under a project funded by BMGF, involved in post harvest loss assessment of 14 crops (fruits and vegetables) and worked in the project funded by Leverhulme Trust, the UK, which involved the participation of six countries. Two online courses under the E-learning programme with Post harvest Education Foundation, USA, (i) Post Harvest Management for South Asia and (ii) Global Post Harvest e-Learning for developing countries, were executed. Lead Trainer on Post Harvest Technology and Cold Chain Management involving the training of 1507 farmers in UP and 237 women farmers in North East region, Manipur under the DBT project, GoI. She completed a project funded by NCCD stretching from post harvest loss assessment of 23 crops (fruits and vegetables) at different stages of the supply chain, standardisation and transfer of post-harvest technologies and development of low-cost cold storage.
She is a member of the International Studies Association (ISA), International Political Science Association (IPSA+AISP),Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), Indian Political Science Association (IPSA), and Progressive Horticulture.