Regionalization is not a new phenomenon; its traces can be traced back to history, for example, the Hanseatic League (which bound the various port cities through the interest of common trade). The formulation of a set of nations in terms of their common interests, such as security, trade, and also geography, has enriched nations in terms of their development, trade, economy, and their overall growth. Regionalization has been increasing since the ever-increasing intensity of globalization. Lately, regionalization has been facing challenges from conservatism, nationalism, populism, and more inward-looking politics.

The European Union can be considered the apex of success of regionalism, but if we look closely, it's also facing deep & dividing issues. The choice of regionalism, or why nations tend to unite, is due to their common interest and what compelled European nations to unite under the banner of the EU (formerly the European Coal & Steel Community). Before the current harmony between European nations lies a history of deep antagonistic divisions and two periods of blood baths. The same conditions are presently prevailing in South Asia.

South Asia as a geographical region is considered one of the most divided and least integrated regions in terms of its political situation. The area has been a victim of its historical misfortunes, such as colonialism, so the nations currently in this area are going through the process of nation building. Nations in this region are deeply into the form of exclusive nationalism. Colonial masters designed the countries and demarcated the boundaries right into the middle of the hearts of the people by dividing various homogeneous ethnicities into two separate countries (India & Pakistan), and ever since there have been conflicts over the existing status quo of borders.

As far as the future of South Asia is concerned, its future seems bleak by looking at present circumstances, but there is still hope for a better future. The current situation of South Asia can be compared with the situation of Europe in the 19th century, but look at Europe now—many things have changed, and the relationship between these European nations is harmonious. South Asia as a region is quite rich in resources, but trade between South Asian countries is less among themselves than with the outside world. Many powerful countries are eyeing South Asia for its immense resources, as European nations did in the past. But involvement of other countries in the region will complicate an already complicated situation.

The politics in South Asian countries breeds on the hatred of each other, as these countries have conflicting issues. Also, the opinion of people has been hijacked by politicians, especially media like government-sponsored TV channels, which propagate hatred and teach lessons (military action) to neighbors. These countries are involved in competing situations (almost in every sector) against each other rather than cooperating.

The people of South Asia need to realize the potential in cooperation rather than in fighting over issues. They should take examples from European nations and take a step forward in the integration of this geographical region. Leave aside the issue of territory for a moment; the current issue of climate change is alarming, in which working together of all countries is important. The current floods in Pakistan are an example.

The psychology of people in South Asia is quite complex and has been a victim of colonialism. People here don't see the broader picture and are quite conservative in their outlook. So there is no political will in support of regional integration. This also reflects in SAARC, and that's why it's considered a failure in terms of higher politics. In regard to SAARC, only low politics has been discussed, such as education and culture, and there does not seem to be any chance of major spillover. The people of this region get easily swayed and are very insensitive and emotional in their behavior. They are easily manipulated by their leaders through their propaganda.

As earlier mentioned, South Asia has very rich resources, and highly industrialized countries want these resources for themselves. So these countries would rather prefer less cooperation among South Asian countries so that they could exploit these resources for themselves. South Asian countries, especially Pakistan & India, are huge buyers of arms and various other military gadgets from these highly industrialized countries, so the India-Pakistan rivalry benefits the military industries of Western countries. South Asian countries should resist this new form of colonialism.

So what will be the future of South Asia? By looking at the current prospect, the future seems bleak, but there is still hope for cooperation in terms of environmental issues also. Besides that, the South Asian region is prone to many natural disasters such as earthquakes and monsoons and is also affected by pollution, which has huge potential to cause health crises. If any of these disasters happen in the future, which will bring South Asian countries to their knees, maybe that will bring them together.

If common historical legacy, culture, borders failed to bring them together, maybe the common suffering will.