Rupa Chanda
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780198069959
- eISBN:
- 9780199080021
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198069959.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, South and East Asia
This book analyses the prospects for services integration in South Asia, focusing on member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) — India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, ...
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This book analyses the prospects for services integration in South Asia, focusing on member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) — India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. SAARC turned to trade promotion in order to achieve greater regional integration, starting with the signing of the SAARC Preferential Trade Agreement (SAPTA) in April 1993. The book discusses the role and performance of services within the region and identifies those services and areas which offer good and varied prospects for intra-regional integration. It also assesses the status of liberalization and reforms as well as current levels of intra-regional engagement in services in order to highlight the policy environment and existing opportunities and interests in the regional market. Furthermore, the book looks at multilateral and extra-regional/bilateral commitments made by the member countries of the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) in services and their positions on key issues in order to evaluate their preparedness to commit under SAFTA. Finally, the book considers negotiating priorities in different services and on cross-cutting issues to point out possible modalities for negotiation.Less
This book analyses the prospects for services integration in South Asia, focusing on member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) — India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. SAARC turned to trade promotion in order to achieve greater regional integration, starting with the signing of the SAARC Preferential Trade Agreement (SAPTA) in April 1993. The book discusses the role and performance of services within the region and identifies those services and areas which offer good and varied prospects for intra-regional integration. It also assesses the status of liberalization and reforms as well as current levels of intra-regional engagement in services in order to highlight the policy environment and existing opportunities and interests in the regional market. Furthermore, the book looks at multilateral and extra-regional/bilateral commitments made by the member countries of the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) in services and their positions on key issues in order to evaluate their preparedness to commit under SAFTA. Finally, the book considers negotiating priorities in different services and on cross-cutting issues to point out possible modalities for negotiation.
Bhumitra Chakma
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- January 2022
- ISBN:
- 9781529205152
- eISBN:
- 9781529205190
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781529205152.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Asian Politics
The book explains the politics of regionalism in South Asia from the vantagepoint of International Relations (IR). It engages three major IR theoretical approaches – Neorealism, institutionalism and ...
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The book explains the politics of regionalism in South Asia from the vantagepoint of International Relations (IR). It engages three major IR theoretical approaches – Neorealism, institutionalism and constructivism - to explain the complex dynamics of South Asian regionalism – its origin, evolutionary process, outcome and effects. The study traces the origins and evolution of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) from its inception to the present day. Using comparative perspectives based on the experiences of similar regional organisations, the book provides an in-depth analysis of the performance of SAARC and its challenges and limits. The study divides the evolution of SAARC into two distinct phases. In the formative phase, the organisation primarily focussed on, based on the neo-functional idea of ‘spillover’ – low level issue areas for cooperation. In the second phase from 1993 onward, cooperation was initiated in the core economic areas, i.e. trade in goods and services, finance, investment etc. While the organisation achieved some tangible and intangible successes, its failures are more glaring. Terming the formation of SAARC essentially as a political project, the book argues that the patterns of regional international relations have primarily determined the outcome of regionalism in South Asia. While the socio-economic development constituted the key rationale for the formation of SAARC, its modus operandi was politico-strategic which led to its gradual erosion. Notwithstanding its limits, the book asserts that SAARC will have to be called back at a future date due to the persistence of the compelling rationale for which it was created.Less
The book explains the politics of regionalism in South Asia from the vantagepoint of International Relations (IR). It engages three major IR theoretical approaches – Neorealism, institutionalism and constructivism - to explain the complex dynamics of South Asian regionalism – its origin, evolutionary process, outcome and effects. The study traces the origins and evolution of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) from its inception to the present day. Using comparative perspectives based on the experiences of similar regional organisations, the book provides an in-depth analysis of the performance of SAARC and its challenges and limits. The study divides the evolution of SAARC into two distinct phases. In the formative phase, the organisation primarily focussed on, based on the neo-functional idea of ‘spillover’ – low level issue areas for cooperation. In the second phase from 1993 onward, cooperation was initiated in the core economic areas, i.e. trade in goods and services, finance, investment etc. While the organisation achieved some tangible and intangible successes, its failures are more glaring. Terming the formation of SAARC essentially as a political project, the book argues that the patterns of regional international relations have primarily determined the outcome of regionalism in South Asia. While the socio-economic development constituted the key rationale for the formation of SAARC, its modus operandi was politico-strategic which led to its gradual erosion. Notwithstanding its limits, the book asserts that SAARC will have to be called back at a future date due to the persistence of the compelling rationale for which it was created.
Rupa Chanda
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780198069959
- eISBN:
- 9780199080021
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198069959.003.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, South and East Asia
Over the past 20 years, regional and bilateral trading agreements have become popular due to the slow progress of multilateral negotiations and competitive pressures amongst countries to enter into ...
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Over the past 20 years, regional and bilateral trading agreements have become popular due to the slow progress of multilateral negotiations and competitive pressures amongst countries to enter into such arrangements for fear of being left out. However, the economies of South Asia have been relatively slow to recognize the importance of regional integration in furthering their investment, trade, and larger development goals. This chapter provides a chronology of regional integration efforts in South Asia and outcomes, discusses progress in services negotiation, and compares the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) relative to other regional alliances, particularly within Asia. The discussion provides a brief history of regional integration efforts in South Asia in terms of the progression from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to SAFTA and the contentious issues that have characterized this process.Less
Over the past 20 years, regional and bilateral trading agreements have become popular due to the slow progress of multilateral negotiations and competitive pressures amongst countries to enter into such arrangements for fear of being left out. However, the economies of South Asia have been relatively slow to recognize the importance of regional integration in furthering their investment, trade, and larger development goals. This chapter provides a chronology of regional integration efforts in South Asia and outcomes, discusses progress in services negotiation, and compares the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) relative to other regional alliances, particularly within Asia. The discussion provides a brief history of regional integration efforts in South Asia in terms of the progression from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to SAFTA and the contentious issues that have characterized this process.
Rupa Chanda
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780198069959
- eISBN:
- 9780199080021
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198069959.003.0004
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, South and East Asia
Foreign investment is contributing to regional cooperation in the South Asian energy sector. This chapter assesses the scope for regional energy cooperation in South Asia and the associated ...
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Foreign investment is contributing to regional cooperation in the South Asian energy sector. This chapter assesses the scope for regional energy cooperation in South Asia and the associated opportunities and challenges. It describes the energy status of the region in comparison with other regions, focusing on each member country in order to highlight the importance of energy services for the region and to identify where the region's needs lie in this sector. The chapter then discusses the regulatory reforms and liberalization undertaken in the energy sector and the related outcomes. It also considers the existing and proposed intraregional cooperation initiatives and regional projects at the private sector, multilateral, and governmental levels, as well as in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) context and the progress that has been made.Less
Foreign investment is contributing to regional cooperation in the South Asian energy sector. This chapter assesses the scope for regional energy cooperation in South Asia and the associated opportunities and challenges. It describes the energy status of the region in comparison with other regions, focusing on each member country in order to highlight the importance of energy services for the region and to identify where the region's needs lie in this sector. The chapter then discusses the regulatory reforms and liberalization undertaken in the energy sector and the related outcomes. It also considers the existing and proposed intraregional cooperation initiatives and regional projects at the private sector, multilateral, and governmental levels, as well as in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) context and the progress that has been made.
Bhumitra Chakma
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- January 2022
- ISBN:
- 9781529205152
- eISBN:
- 9781529205190
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781529205152.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Asian Politics
This chapter outlines how the chapters explain the politics of regionalism in South Asia and trace the origins and evolution of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) from its ...
More
This chapter outlines how the chapters explain the politics of regionalism in South Asia and trace the origins and evolution of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) from its inception to the present day.Less
This chapter outlines how the chapters explain the politics of regionalism in South Asia and trace the origins and evolution of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) from its inception to the present day.
Bhumitra Chakma
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- January 2022
- ISBN:
- 9781529205152
- eISBN:
- 9781529205190
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781529205152.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, Asian Politics
This chapter analyses the evolution of SAARC and the process of regionalism in its formative phase from 1980 to 1992. SAARC strived to consolidate regionalism by adopting the ‘spillover’ idea of ...
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This chapter analyses the evolution of SAARC and the process of regionalism in its formative phase from 1980 to 1992. SAARC strived to consolidate regionalism by adopting the ‘spillover’ idea of neo-functionalism which it borrowed from the early days of European regionalism. The SAARC states started the process of regionalism by focusing cooperation on non-controversial, functional areas. The objective was to incrementally deepen regional cooperation and build a peaceful regional environment. Evidently, SAARC added many new areas of regional cooperation during this phase. A noteworthy aspect of South Asian regionalism during this phase was that the SAARC states did not start cooperation in core economic areas, rather they based regional cooperation only on functional areas.Less
This chapter analyses the evolution of SAARC and the process of regionalism in its formative phase from 1980 to 1992. SAARC strived to consolidate regionalism by adopting the ‘spillover’ idea of neo-functionalism which it borrowed from the early days of European regionalism. The SAARC states started the process of regionalism by focusing cooperation on non-controversial, functional areas. The objective was to incrementally deepen regional cooperation and build a peaceful regional environment. Evidently, SAARC added many new areas of regional cooperation during this phase. A noteworthy aspect of South Asian regionalism during this phase was that the SAARC states did not start cooperation in core economic areas, rather they based regional cooperation only on functional areas.
Bhumitra Chakma
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- January 2022
- ISBN:
- 9781529205152
- eISBN:
- 9781529205190
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781529205152.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, Asian Politics
This chapter explains the evolution of the organisation and its politics beyond the formative phase. The most important dimension of the evolution of the organisation in this phase was the decision ...
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This chapter explains the evolution of the organisation and its politics beyond the formative phase. The most important dimension of the evolution of the organisation in this phase was the decision to begin cooperation in core economic areas such as trade in goods and services, investment, finance etc. The most important initiatives in this context were the conclusion of the South Asian Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA) and the SAARC Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreements. This chapter illustrates the political and economic impetus for moving toward that direction and the constraints to implement the two flagship agreements of this phase of SAARC’s evolution. By explaining the constraints to implement the two agreements, it indeed explains the rise of differences and disagreements which culminated into the current stalemate in the organisation.Less
This chapter explains the evolution of the organisation and its politics beyond the formative phase. The most important dimension of the evolution of the organisation in this phase was the decision to begin cooperation in core economic areas such as trade in goods and services, investment, finance etc. The most important initiatives in this context were the conclusion of the South Asian Preferential Trading Arrangement (SAPTA) and the SAARC Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreements. This chapter illustrates the political and economic impetus for moving toward that direction and the constraints to implement the two flagship agreements of this phase of SAARC’s evolution. By explaining the constraints to implement the two agreements, it indeed explains the rise of differences and disagreements which culminated into the current stalemate in the organisation.
Bhumitra Chakma
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- January 2022
- ISBN:
- 9781529205152
- eISBN:
- 9781529205190
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781529205152.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, Asian Politics
This chapter illustrates the theoretical implications of this study for International Relations theories and their assumptions about regionalism which have been presented at the outset of this book. ...
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This chapter illustrates the theoretical implications of this study for International Relations theories and their assumptions about regionalism which have been presented at the outset of this book. It assesses whether the theoretical assumptions of the three mainstream theories about the rise, process, outcome and effects of regionalism can explain South Asian regionalism. As will be analysed, the assumptions of standard IR theories cannot be applied in the case of South Asian regionalism. So, what theoretical insight can we draw from this case? It also illustrates what the lessons of this study tell us about the state of IR theories in general. It is generally posited that the current IR theories are Western-oriented and have been built based on the experiences of the West, hence there are questions about their universal applicability. Given such a context, there has developed a debate about a ‘Global IR’. Can the analysis of this study contribute to this debate?Less
This chapter illustrates the theoretical implications of this study for International Relations theories and their assumptions about regionalism which have been presented at the outset of this book. It assesses whether the theoretical assumptions of the three mainstream theories about the rise, process, outcome and effects of regionalism can explain South Asian regionalism. As will be analysed, the assumptions of standard IR theories cannot be applied in the case of South Asian regionalism. So, what theoretical insight can we draw from this case? It also illustrates what the lessons of this study tell us about the state of IR theories in general. It is generally posited that the current IR theories are Western-oriented and have been built based on the experiences of the West, hence there are questions about their universal applicability. Given such a context, there has developed a debate about a ‘Global IR’. Can the analysis of this study contribute to this debate?
Bhumitra Chakma
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- January 2022
- ISBN:
- 9781529205152
- eISBN:
- 9781529205190
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781529205152.003.0010
- Subject:
- Political Science, Asian Politics
Conclusion sums up the key points of this study and presents its major findings. It also seeks to illustrate the general implications of this work for regionalism studies. In a final sub- section, ...
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Conclusion sums up the key points of this study and presents its major findings. It also seeks to illustrate the general implications of this work for regionalism studies. In a final sub- section, the conclusion illustrates the debate about the future of SAARC.Less
Conclusion sums up the key points of this study and presents its major findings. It also seeks to illustrate the general implications of this work for regionalism studies. In a final sub- section, the conclusion illustrates the debate about the future of SAARC.
Shibashis Chatterjee
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- June 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780199489886
- eISBN:
- 9780199095506
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199489886.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Indian Politics
Since India attained independence, its foreign policy discourse has imagined its South Asian neighbourhood through the politics of realism. This imagination explicates state interest in South Asia by ...
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Since India attained independence, its foreign policy discourse has imagined its South Asian neighbourhood through the politics of realism. This imagination explicates state interest in South Asia by establishing it as a space of sovereign territoriality. Even today, India’s foreign and security policies are primarily shaped by geopolitical centrism, and remain unaffected by economic prosperity and community concerns. As a part of the Oxford International Relations in South Asia series, this volume examines alternative conceptions of South Asian space in terms of geo-economics and community, and justifies why they have been unable to replace its dominant understanding, irrespective of the political regime. This volume probes reasons behind the relevance of differentiated cartography of territorial nationalism in our shared understanding of space, politics, society, and the community.Less
Since India attained independence, its foreign policy discourse has imagined its South Asian neighbourhood through the politics of realism. This imagination explicates state interest in South Asia by establishing it as a space of sovereign territoriality. Even today, India’s foreign and security policies are primarily shaped by geopolitical centrism, and remain unaffected by economic prosperity and community concerns. As a part of the Oxford International Relations in South Asia series, this volume examines alternative conceptions of South Asian space in terms of geo-economics and community, and justifies why they have been unable to replace its dominant understanding, irrespective of the political regime. This volume probes reasons behind the relevance of differentiated cartography of territorial nationalism in our shared understanding of space, politics, society, and the community.
Tien-sze Fang
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780198095958
- eISBN:
- 9780199082667
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198095958.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
This Chapter examines the geopolitical context of the China–India relationship. As regional powers, neither China nor India will ever give up their efforts to maximise their respective influence in ...
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This Chapter examines the geopolitical context of the China–India relationship. As regional powers, neither China nor India will ever give up their efforts to maximise their respective influence in the region. New Delhi keeps a wary eye on China’s ties with its South Asian neighbours, especially its arms transfers to Pakistan and military cooperation with Myanmar. While Beijing has quarrels with some of its marine neighbours over the South China Sea, New Delhi has embarked on a ‘Look East’ policy to engage the ASEAN states. While there is rivalry between India and China for influence in the region, there is also a cooperative dimension of Sino–Indian relations, built on the cause against terror, expanding sub-regional economic cooperation, and joining the other dominated regional groupings, such as SCO and SAARC. Therefore, from a regional perspective, Sino-Indian relations are a mixture of competition and cooperation, although the latter might be somewhat less noticeable.Less
This Chapter examines the geopolitical context of the China–India relationship. As regional powers, neither China nor India will ever give up their efforts to maximise their respective influence in the region. New Delhi keeps a wary eye on China’s ties with its South Asian neighbours, especially its arms transfers to Pakistan and military cooperation with Myanmar. While Beijing has quarrels with some of its marine neighbours over the South China Sea, New Delhi has embarked on a ‘Look East’ policy to engage the ASEAN states. While there is rivalry between India and China for influence in the region, there is also a cooperative dimension of Sino–Indian relations, built on the cause against terror, expanding sub-regional economic cooperation, and joining the other dominated regional groupings, such as SCO and SAARC. Therefore, from a regional perspective, Sino-Indian relations are a mixture of competition and cooperation, although the latter might be somewhat less noticeable.
Graham Greenleaf
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- December 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199679669
- eISBN:
- 9780191767487
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199679669.003.0015
- Subject:
- Law, Intellectual Property, IT, and Media Law
India, the world’s most populous democracy, has failed to develop significant data privacy laws, limiting the human rights protection of its citizens, and impeding its trade with Europe. After ...
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India, the world’s most populous democracy, has failed to develop significant data privacy laws, limiting the human rights protection of its citizens, and impeding its trade with Europe. After surveying the promising but as yet limited constitutional protection of privacy in India this chapter examines in detail the data privacy Rules made under section 43A of the Information Technology Act (IT Act) of 2000. It concludes that these Rules superficially resemble a data protection law, but they have crippling deficiencies and ambiguities. In addition, the enforcement system for the Rules is currently not functioning. However, there is more to the IT Act than section 43A: its Rules, and its other aspects relevant to privacy protection, are discussed. There are at least three current proposals for development of a comprehensive data privacy law for India, and these are outlined, although none have yet obtained clear government approval.Less
India, the world’s most populous democracy, has failed to develop significant data privacy laws, limiting the human rights protection of its citizens, and impeding its trade with Europe. After surveying the promising but as yet limited constitutional protection of privacy in India this chapter examines in detail the data privacy Rules made under section 43A of the Information Technology Act (IT Act) of 2000. It concludes that these Rules superficially resemble a data protection law, but they have crippling deficiencies and ambiguities. In addition, the enforcement system for the Rules is currently not functioning. However, there is more to the IT Act than section 43A: its Rules, and its other aspects relevant to privacy protection, are discussed. There are at least three current proposals for development of a comprehensive data privacy law for India, and these are outlined, although none have yet obtained clear government approval.
Graham Greenleaf
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- December 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199679669
- eISBN:
- 9780191767487
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199679669.003.0016
- Subject:
- Law, Intellectual Property, IT, and Media Law
In this chapter the limited privacy developments in each of the seven South Asian countries (other than India) are detailed, including constitutional, general law and statutory protection. None of ...
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In this chapter the limited privacy developments in each of the seven South Asian countries (other than India) are detailed, including constitutional, general law and statutory protection. None of the South Asian countries of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, Bhutan, and Afghanistan have data privacy laws for their private sectors, nor does it seem likely that any will be put in place in the near future. However, there are lesser but still significant data privacy developments in most of these countries. They include a near-comprehensive data privacy regime in Nepal’s public sector; a Right to Information (RTI) Act with some data privacy extensions in Bangladesh; computer crime and compensation provisions in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan; and constitutional protections (at least in theory) in most. RTI initiatives, which can be stepping stones to full data privacy legislation, have been commenced, but remain incomplete, in most of these countries.Less
In this chapter the limited privacy developments in each of the seven South Asian countries (other than India) are detailed, including constitutional, general law and statutory protection. None of the South Asian countries of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, Bhutan, and Afghanistan have data privacy laws for their private sectors, nor does it seem likely that any will be put in place in the near future. However, there are lesser but still significant data privacy developments in most of these countries. They include a near-comprehensive data privacy regime in Nepal’s public sector; a Right to Information (RTI) Act with some data privacy extensions in Bangladesh; computer crime and compensation provisions in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan; and constitutional protections (at least in theory) in most. RTI initiatives, which can be stepping stones to full data privacy legislation, have been commenced, but remain incomplete, in most of these countries.
Jörg Luther
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- June 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780199482139
- eISBN:
- 9780199096985
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199482139.003.0012
- Subject:
- Law, Comparative Law
This chapter offers a comparative study of social rights in the European and Indian Union. After making an attempt to outline the concept of social rights in Europe that could be compared with the ...
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This chapter offers a comparative study of social rights in the European and Indian Union. After making an attempt to outline the concept of social rights in Europe that could be compared with the Indian case, the chapter looks at the state of social rights within the European Union, specially the European Social Model and the ways of Europeanization of social policies and their interaction with changing European welfare state systems. It then compares the European Social Charter with the SAARC Social Charter and explores the further opportunities of social rights protection. The chapter suggests that both the regions have something to learn from each other with regard to protection of social rights.Less
This chapter offers a comparative study of social rights in the European and Indian Union. After making an attempt to outline the concept of social rights in Europe that could be compared with the Indian case, the chapter looks at the state of social rights within the European Union, specially the European Social Model and the ways of Europeanization of social policies and their interaction with changing European welfare state systems. It then compares the European Social Charter with the SAARC Social Charter and explores the further opportunities of social rights protection. The chapter suggests that both the regions have something to learn from each other with regard to protection of social rights.