South Asia’s greatest security weakness is not a lack of military capability, but the absence of a shared story. While other regions have turned history, trauma, and ideals into strategic soft power, South Asia remains trapped in competing national narratives. This fragmentation erodes trust, weakens cooperation, and leaves the region vulnerable to external influence.
Soft power shapes alliances, legitimacy, and stability more enduringly than force alone. Until South Asia learns to articulate a collective vision, it will continue to underperform on the global stage.