Federalism in Asia : India, Pakistan and Malaysia / Harihar Bhattacharyya.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Cover -- Title -- Copyright -- Contents -- Tables -- Preface and acknowledgements -- Abbreviations -- Introduction: Federalism in Asia -- 1. The concept of federalism and its relevance -- 2. Ethno-national diversity and federalism in India, Pakistan and Malaysia -- 3. Origin and development of federalism in India, Pakistan and Malaysia: Colonialism, nationalism and decolonization -- 4. Institutional innovation and federal governance in Asian federations -- 5. Federalism and democracy in Asian federations -- 6. Centre-State relations in Asian federations: Structure and processes -- 7. Dynamics of Asian federal systems: Political parties and ethnic movements -- 8. Federalism and decentralization Forms of decentralization, localism, regionalism, and national identity. -- Conclusion -- Notes -- Bibliography -- Index.

This book analyzes the successes and failures of various federal measures adopted in India, Pakistan and Malaysia for the political accommodation of diversity. Bhattacharyya then assesses their comparative significance for other countries in Asia. In particular, he examines growing tensions between nation and state-building in ethnically plural societies; modes of federation-building in Asia; persistent ethno-nationalist tensions in federations, and the relationship between federalism and democracy; and federalism and decentralization.� Since ethno-nationalist conflict remains unresolved in most countries of Asia, this book should of interest to those seeking long-term solutions of problems of order and stability in ethnically diverse countries in Asia