Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>This paper employs SNA to systematically examine the international power system in South Asia and its operational mechanisms. Through quantitative analysis of seven South Asian nations—India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bangladesh—along with China as a key external node, a multi-dimensional relational network model encompassing economic, military, geographic, and ideological dimensions was constructed. Findings reveal a pronounced core-periphery structure in South Asia, with India occupying a dominant core position in the economic network and a structurally leading position in the military network, while Pakistan functions as a secondary hub. Intra-regional states exhibit tight economic interdependence but sparse military ties, and external power intervention further drives the evolution toward a multipolar power structure. The study also reveals the pathways of power diffusion, alliance balancing mechanisms, and the contradictory characteristics of economic dependence versus military independence within South Asia. It provides an analytical framework combining theoretical explanation and empirical support for understanding the complex dynamics of South Asian international relations.</p>