Бангладеш в Южной Азии: концептуальные подходы и практическая политикаBangladesh in South Asia: conceptual approaches and practical policy

The emergence of independent Bangladesh in 1971, amidst the intense atmosphere of the Cold War, catalysed a significant shift in trends and dynamics within both regional and global contexts, particularly in South Asia. Despite its small geographic size and limited resources, Bangladesh’s rich human capital, fast-growing economy, evolving military capabilities, and strategic geographical location and significance make it an invaluable player in regional and extra-regional power structures. These dynamics have profoundly influenced, and continue to shape, the formation and evolution of Bangladesh foreign policy. Over the decades, the nation’s foreign policy has undergone a dramatic transformation, shifting from an initial focus on securing diplomatic recognition to prioritising economic diplomacy and adopting a hedging strategy in response to changing circumstances. With the foundational slogan of “friendship to all and malice toward none,” Bangladesh signaled its intention to maintain amicable bilateral relationships with nations. Furthermore, upon joining the Non-aligned Movement (NAM) in 1973, Dhaka expressed its eagerness to foster ties with two bipolar world powers while asserting that it would not formally align with either, thereby ensuring independent choices in international relations. Since then, these two approaches - peaceful coexistence and non-alignment - have served as the cornerstones of Bangladesh foreign policy. Following the growing geopolitical competition in the region, Bangladesh has modified its foreign policy strategies while upholding its basic principles. Dhaka has adopted a “hedging strategy” to navigate its relationships with great powers, a shift that has become more pronounced since 2009. Ultimately, the commitment to fostering regional peace, stability, security, integration, and cooperation, along with global peace and stability, has been the primary driving force behind the formation and evolution of Bangladesh foreign policy. This dissertation addresses three core approaches of Bangladesh foreign policy alongside their practical strategies and applications in the context of South Asia.