UNITED STATES INTERESTS IN SOUTH ASIA AND GEO-STRATEGIC OPTIONS FOR BANGLADESH
Keywords:
UNITED STATES INTERESTS, GEO-STRATEGIC OPTIONSAbstract
In the changed world order, the United States (US) is getting more and more involved in South
Asia with explicit interests and objectives. Indo-Pak nuclear standoff, the global war on terror, and
in particular, a surging South Asian economy has compelled the US to look at the region with new priorities. This eventual shift in US foreign policy has also transformed the geopolitical environment
of South Asia, providing new opportunities for South Asian nations to reshape their geo-strategic
vision. Many geo-strategists feel that a democratic Bangladesh, with the third largest population
in the region and the fourth largest Muslim population in the world, can accrue immense benefits
from its developing relations with the US and growing US involvement in the South Asian region.
Keeping in view geopolitical realities, Bangladesh needs to take a pragmatic look at the issue, adopt
appropriate policies, and most prudently engage the US in the South Asian geopolitical environment
to overcome its geo-strategic constraints. This study attempts to analyze the implications of
the renewed US interest in shaping the complex geopolitical environment of South Asia. It then
endeavours to work out a viable geo-strategic option for Bangladesh. Through extensive review and
analysis of relevant information and literatures, the study reveals that growing US interests in the
region has provided Bangladesh with a window of opportunity to compensate for her geo-strategic
realities by adopting a comprehensive approach to security and by constructive engagement with the
US and key South Asian nations. The success of any strategy largely depends on how vigorously
it is pursued or implemented. The paper also suggests a well-laid out working strategy for attaining
the desired geo-strategic objectives.
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