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War and violence have marked the half-century long enterprise of the governments of South Asia to form functioning parliamentary democracies. This book explores the causes and dynamics of these conflicts in order to identify the possibilities for transforming and resolving them into peaceful solutions.

The conflicts studied include both internal ones, such as in Sri Lanka, and others with regional or transnational significance, particularly those involving the rivalry between India and Pakistan. Despite the diversity, some common characteristics can be found in the current conflicts examined here. Many bring into question the impact of creating or sustaining nation-states as the most effective framework for development when these include pluralistic and culturally differentiated societies within their borders. The book examines the positive and negative roles of governments, of the democratic process, of the army, police and the media as potential defenders of civil society. It also looks at the induction and mobilization of women in various movements related to the conflicts. Although these are important signs of development, the studies reveal the strong societal basis for conflict and violence in the region.