South Asia and Northeast Asia share several commonalities. Both are among the most populated areas of the world and together certain about half the global population. They are also economically dynamic and fast developing regions. However, despite huge potential for economic cooperation and development they both remain mired in territorial disputes and mutual suspicion among constituent countries. They are also major conflict zones and the presence of nuclear weapons on both sides has made the situation dangerous. Attempts at regional integration have been a failure so far. This paper makes a comparative analysis of the problems and prospects for regional integration in South Asia and Northeast Asia.
