The Politics of Extremism in South Asia

South Asia is home to a range of extremist groups from the jihadists of Pakistan to the Tamil Tigers of Sri Lanka. In the popular mind, extremism and terrorism are invariably linked to ethnic and religious factors. Yet the dominant history of South Asia is notable for tolerance and co-existence, despite highly plural societies. Deepa Ollapally examines extremist groups in Kashmir, Afghanistan, Northeast India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to offer a fresh perspective on the causes of extremism. What accounts for its rise in societies not historically predisposed to extremism? What determines the winners and losers in the identity struggles in South Asia? What tips the balance between more moderate versus extremist outcomes? The book argues that politics, inter-state and international relations often play a more important role in the rise of extremism in South Asia than religious identity, poverty, and state repression. 00. 9780521875844 01.0_pp_i_vi_Frontmatter 02.0_pp_vii_viii_Contents 03.0_pp_ix_x_Acknowledgements 04.0_pp_xi_xii_Map_of_South_Asia 05.0_pp_1_21_Introduction_beyond_and_before_the_911_framework 06.0_pp_22_52_Situating_violent_conflict_in_South_Asia 07.0_pp_53_83_Afghanistans_changing_fortunes 08.0_pp_84_113_Pakistan_at_the_crossroads 09.0_pp_114_144_Conflict_and_contradiction_in_Kashmir 10.0_pp_145_176_Sri_Lankas_violent_spiral 11.0_pp_177_208_Bangladesh_divided_politics_and_geopolitics 12.0_pp_209_218_Conclusion 13.0_pp_219_230_Bibliography 14.0_pp_231_239_Index Deepa M. Ollapally. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 219-230) And Index.