A study of Niche Diplomacy and Foreign Policy of Nepal

Abstract

Size does matter in international affairs. Due to their unique vulnerabilities, small governments have different requirements, implement different foreign policies, and have a harder difficulty achieving positive foreign policy outcomes than large nations. When most researchers study them, they tend to focus on their ability to work with great powers or establish coalitions to achieve their objectives. Only a few academics have looked into the capabilities of minor states to wield power in international affairs on their own. In the international system, this study focuses on the foreign policy behavior and strategy of weak and small governments. It also describes the behavior and techniques adopted by such states by studying various concepts and hypotheses and applying them to the Nepal situation. This thesis will show that small states can not only be independent actors in world politics, but also leaders in the realm of international politics, by focusing on Nepal and its execution of niche diplomacy. Although niche diplomacy is frequently linked with medium powers with the potential to become major powers, this thesis will argue that it is a method that can help governments who have the capability and capacity but not the window of opportunity to establish themselves as international powers. This thesis thus proposes a number of specific foreign policy as Niche diplomacy like Tourism, Peacekeeping, and Water diplomacy as an example that must be driven by foreign policymakers in Nepal. Keywords: Strategy. Niche Diplomacy, Middle Powers, Big Powers.