This book provides a rich account of the dynamics of the development of civil wars in India's Northeastern region. The rise of ethnic militancy in the region in the 1980s had an adverse impact on its development, making it hostage to security concerns of the Indian state vis--vis its north-eastern borders. The consequent underdevelopment led to rise in internal insecurity. The book examines the interlinkages between external security threats, economic underdevelopment, and internal insecurity that have led to a conflict trap in the region. The author argues in favour of cross-border cooperation as an alternative strategy for breaking this trap and facilitating the development of the area's bordering regions, as the same can hardly be accomplished within the framework of national development.