CPEC and South Asia’s Geopolitical Complex: Powers’ Rivalry

Abstract

South Asia’s international relations dilemma is not mainly about power struggles among the regional states but also includes the significant presence of major powers. This article analyses the factors leading to South Asia’s geopolitical challenges, serving the role of regional powers with their strategic allies, notably the US and China that appear to influence the region’s stability. Based on findings from unstructured interviews with experts and research on China-Pakistan’s extending relations in CPEC, this article contends that the phenomenon may potentially bolster power rivalry in South Asia, particularly between India and Pakistan. Against this backdrop, states may be involved in power struggles, whether through band wagoning or hedging, among themselves or with other major powers for their strategic interests. Thus, this article aims to discuss the CPEC’s impacts on South Asia’s geopolitical orientation, serving power rivalry among the actors in the region. Two major arguments are discussed, namely, (1) South Asia’s international relations and (2) External Powers’ Rivalry.