CBMs and Peace Process in South Asia

Abstract

Confidence-building measures (CBMs) are generally described as ‘arrangements designed to enhance assurance of mind and belief in the trustworthiness of states. Confidence is the product of much broader patterns of relations than those which relate to military security. In fact, the later have to be woven into a complex texture of economic, cultural, technical and social relationship.1 John Hoist further elaborates, ‘Confidence building involves the communication of credible evidence of the absence of feared threat’. They aim at reducing the incentives for competition, which drive, from uncertainty and misunderstanding.2 It is by nature a process in which each previous measure forms basis for further measures that progressively and cumulatively consolidate and strengthen the building of ‘confidence’ among states.3