This volume examines how various forms of governance have emerged in South Asia after colonialism, and the developmental and conflict-related challenges the region faces. Drawing from the contexts of India, Sri Lanka and Nepal, it highlights the degree of institutionalization of democracy.

The book further points to the manner in which shortcomings in governmental arrangements intersect with the prevalence of conflict at the national as well as sub-national levels. It showcases that democratic and more authoritarian cultures have influenced developmental successes and failures, and reveals how (external) interventions and policy reforms in the name of development have led to diverse outcomes in different South Asian countries.