Development regimes in south Asia: History and the governance conundrum

Abstract

Until recently, regimes governing development occupied definite territories that delineated their relevant populations and identified authoritative leadership with distinct cultural boundaries. But development regimes today have at best ambiguous territorial moorings. Leading participants in the development process engage in rampant border crossing. Disparate institutions pursue disparate goals. There is no one guiding vision or dominant logic. Conflicts and negotiations over control of development underlie contemporary concerns with governance.