Abstract

The proposed Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline has been cited as a potential driver of greater regional integration in South Asia. It is argued that the common quest for energy security could motivate South Asian states to move beyond antiquated perspectives based on non-intervention, and encourage the development of negotiating positions and multilateral dispute resolution mechanisms. However, the construction of the TAPI also brings with it a host of non-traditional security concerns, from loss of land, to human rights issues and environmental risks. Nations involved must thus not merely commit to cooperation, but also coordinate regionally on a range of issues that have a human security impact.