ABSTRACT
While South Asia as a region holds much promise, the low level of integration, chronic energy insecurity and the impact of environmentally unsustainable fuels on vulnerable ecosystems have greatly hampered sustainable economic growth and poverty elevation. There is general consensus within literature that multilateral cooperation can not only enhance the energy security of South Asian countries but also facilitate the use of cleaner fuels and drive economic integration. Data collected via extensive fieldwork in South Asia has suggested that while the challenges to cooperation are ingrained and powerful, they are neither inevitable nor immutable. A collective effort by international institutions, non-regional countries, global powers, and domestic political leaders is required for overcoming the challenges to multilateral energy projects in South Asia. Leadership across the political hierarchy, stakeholder consultation and investment into the planning of multilateral energy projects can address many, if not all impediments to cooperation.
