BALANCING ACTS: SMALL STATES AND THEIR ROLE IN SOUTH ASIA’S GEOPOLITICAL COMPETITIONS

Abstract

This article examines the complex role of small states in South Asia’s geopolitical landscape, focusing on how these nations navigate the regional competitions between larger powers like India and China. The study explores the strategic maneuvers employed by countries such as Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives to maintain sovereignty and achieve economic development amidst pressures from their more dominant neighbors. The analysis begins by identifying the geopolitical interests of India and China in South Asia, detailing how their pursuit of influence impacts the political autonomy and policy decisions of smaller states in the region. The paper discusses the diplomatic strategies that small states use to balance relations with these powers, including non-alignment, strategic hedging, and active engagement in international forums such as SAARC and BIMSTEC. Further, the study evaluates economic aspects, noting how small states leverage foreign direct investment (FDI) and aid from larger countries to bolster their economies while attempting to minimize political dependency. Examples of infrastructure projects and bilateral trade agreements are used to illustrate these economic engagements. The article also addresses the challenges these small states face, including internal political instability, limited bargaining power, and the risks of becoming arenas for proxy conflicts. It assesses how these nations use international law and regional diplomacy to mitigate such risks and strengthen their geopolitical standing. In conclusion, the paper argues that while small states in South Asia are often seen as mere pawns in larger regional games, they possess agency and have developed sophisticated strategies to play a significant role in shaping the regional dynamics. Recommendations are offered for small states to enhance their strategic autonomy while engaging constructively with larger neighbors.

Keywords: small states, South Asia, geopolitical competition, India, China, regional diplomacy, strategic autonomy, economic development.