In what ways can poor governance lead to regime changes in neighboring countries, and how does this affect India’s regional stability?

Poor governance in a country often leads to political instability, economic crises, and public dissatisfaction. In India’s neighborhood, such conditions have historically triggered regime changes through protests, coups, or elections. These shifts not only affect the country in question but also have direct implications for India’s regional stability and security.

• Triggers for Regime Change Due to Poor Governance:
  • Economic Mismanagement: High inflation, unemployment, or shortages can lead to mass protests and loss of trust in the government, as seen in Sri Lanka’s 2022 crisis.
  • Corruption and Lack of Accountability: Widespread corruption erodes public faith in institutions, often resulting in demands for new leadership.
  • Suppression of Civil Liberties: When governments curb freedoms or manipulate democratic processes, opposition movements gain strength, sometimes leading to regime change.
  • Ineffective Disaster Response: Poor handling of natural disasters or pandemics can expose governance failures and trigger political upheaval.
• Impact on India’s Regional Stability:
  • Security Concerns: Instability can lead to increased cross-border crime, refugee influx, and rise of extremist groups, affecting India’s border security.
  • Geopolitical Influence: Regime changes may bring in governments less friendly to India, opening doors for rival powers like China to increase their influence.
  • Economic Disruptions: Political instability can disrupt trade, investment, and connectivity projects between India and its neighbors.
  • Ethnic and Social Spillover: Unrest can spill over into India, especially in border states with ethnic and cultural ties to neighboring countries.
  • Diplomatic Challenges: Frequent regime changes make it difficult for India to build long-term, stable relationships and implement regional initiatives.