A participatory democracy that engenders social cohesion helps promote economic development. Persistent mass poverty and economic disparities, however, are constraints to fulfilling such a vision of democracy among the nations of South Asia—a region which is at a conjunctural moment in its history.

The book examines, in the context of South Asia, four interrelated dimensions that constitute the central policy challenges of our time: strengthening democracy through greater social inclusion in the process of democratic governance, confronting violent extremism, overcoming mass poverty through inclusive growth, and addressing the crisis of the environment.

With contributions from some of the eminent scholars and public figures in South Asia, this volume explores these interrelated themes at the country-specific and regional levels. The essays argue that participatory democracy and inclusive growth need to be underpinned by the norms and core values that signify the 'unity in diversity' of South Asia.