The text provides a comprehensive introduction to the SAARC, describing the historical developments that lead to its formation, it examines the institutional structure, objectives and effectiveness of the SAARC in its role as South Asia's leading regional institution. Drawing on original research it offers a fresh and accessible account of SAARC, arguing that South Asia forms a unique regional security complex that enables certain forms of regional cooperation and bars cooperation on other issue areas

1. Introduction 2. The Formation of SAARC 3. The Structure and Objectives of SAARC 4. Structure and Functions of SAARC Regional Centres 5. South Asia's Economic Cooperation and the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) 6. SAARC and New Security Challenges in South Asia 7. SAARC and its Observer States 8. Conclusion

Lawrence Sáez is Senior Lecturer in Comparative and International Politics in the Department of Politics and International Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) where he is also Director of the Center of South Asian Studies.