Cooperation in development

It is now an established fact that the global economic system does not ac commodate the interests of Third World countries. In this environment, South South cooperation for development has, in recent years, been increasingly accepted as a viable alternative for developing countries in their efforts to stem the deterioration of their position in the world's economy. Yet, despite the rhetoric, exhortations and good inten tions, very little has so far been achieved in terms of South-South cooperation.

It is in this context that Prof Saksena studies relations between India and the ASEAN countries. His main purpose is to identify problems hindering, as well as the potential for, expanded coopera tion in development between the coun tries concerned.

Given the prevailing geopolitical con ditions, it is only natural that India and the ASEAN countries should forge closer links with each other. This is important not only in the interests of peace and security in the region, but for economic development within the South-South framework. However, notwithstanding friendly relations at the bilateral level, India and the ASEAN have actually been drifting apart. Indeed, while the ASEAN has institutionalised formal mechanisms for cooperation with Australia, Canada, Japan, the EEC and the US, it has not done the same with India.

Among the questions that Prof Saksena addresses are: What are the causes of this drift? Are there any con flicts of interests between India and the ASEAN in terms of foreign policy objec tives and security perceptions? What has been the role of extra-regional powers in this relationship? Are the trade policies pursued by the ASEAN contributing to South-South coopera tion or are they tightening the grip of the North over the South?