DefinePK

Abstract

This paper explores institutional frameworks for cross-border governance by drawing comparative insights from successful regional integration models such as the European Union (EU), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the African Union (AU). It examines the principles of supranational coordination, policy harmonization, and institutional adaptability that define effective transnational governance. By evaluating the challenges of sovereignty, resource asymmetry, and political diversity, the study proposes a multidimensional framework for South Asia’s regional cooperation under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The analysis emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making, legal harmonization, and digital integration to strengthen institutional resilience and trust among member states. Ultimately, this paper argues that sustainable cross-border governance requires participatory mechanisms, transparent accountability structures, and adaptive legal institutions capable of evolving with global political and technological dynamics.