There is no doubt that a state’s foreign policy should ideally be guided solely by its national interest. However, in smaller and weaker states like Nepal, political leaders’ ambitions can become entangled with personal interests. This can lead to foreign policy decisions influenced by a desire to maintain power through support from external forces, often...
The narrative Nepal as ‘a yam between two boulders’ serves as a pivotal point of departure of Nepal’s foreign relations. This concept traces back to Nepal’s 18th-century unification, reflecting its historical tendency toward a defensive posture driven by survival instincts. This defensive stance was shaped by the prevailing world affairs driven by hard-power and the...
There is a strong perception that Nepal’s international relations and diplomatic efforts werewas considerably robust in the past. However, this strength has diminished since the democratic transition. There exists a narrative about glorious past illustrious diplomatic history largely shaped by its monarchs. But since the transition to democracy and furthered by subsequent shift to a...
The discourse surrounding Nepal’s portrayal as a geopolitical playground has gained significant traction, with political figures, analysts, and media outlets all contributing to its narrative. This depiction suggests a concerted effort by powerful states to exert their influence over Nepal’s affairs, potentially to the detriment of its sovereignty. While initially confined to regional players, such...
Experts have pointed out the need to streamline small-scale foreign aid that various countries including Nepal’s immediate neighbors provide in underserved areas including those in the border region. Addressing a discussion program on Dynamics of Small-Scale Foreign Aid in Nepal’s Borderland organized by the Center for Social Inclusion and Federalism in the capital on Friday,...