Political Science

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14540/35

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Geopolitics of Nepal: opportunities and challenges to its national security
(2025) Tandul, Gaurab; Ishwori Prasad Kandel
Nepal, a landlocked country nestled on the southern slopes of the Himalayas, holds a strategic position between two major global powers: India and China. The country's northern border is entirely demarcated by the Himalayas, separating it from the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China. This unique geographic positioning, coupled with the presence of vital mountain passes such as Kuti and Kerong, underscores Nepal's significant role in regional geopolitics. Historically, Nepal's attempts to control these passes have been thwarted, leading to their strategic occupation by Tibetan and Chinese forces. The construction of the Kathmandu-Kodari road with Chinese assistance further highlights the geopolitical importance of these routes. In terms of security, Nepal lacks a substantial defense establishment and has historically relied on maintaining friendly relations with its neighbors. Treaties with China and India, including the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, reflect Nepal's strategy to safeguard its sovereignty. Nepal's strategic significance has grown with China's rise as a global power, positioning Nepal as a potential flashpoint in Sino-Indian rivalry. However, economic interdependence between China and India has thus far mitigated the risk of direct confrontation. Nepal‘s geopolitical leverage is both an opportunity and a challenge. The nation‘s location enables it to draw economic and infrastructural support from both India and China. China‘s investments in Nepal and the strategic Kathmandu-Kodari road illustrate Beijing's interest in Nepal's stability and economic development. Conversely, India's historical and economic ties with Nepal make it a crucial partner, evident in India's role in Nepal's political developments. The geopolitical dynamics involving Nepal extend beyond regional tensions. The United States' strategic interests in South Asia, particularly in containing China's influence, add another layer of complexity. China's support for Pakistan serves to keep India preoccupied in the region, indirectly impacting Nepal. Despite the opportunities for economic growth and infrastructure development through engagement with both India and China, Nepal faces significant challenges. Political instability, governance issues, and internal ethnic divisions weaken its capacity to address security threats. Border disputes and the risk of natural disasters further exacerbate these vulnerabilities. To navigate these complex dynamics, Nepal must adopt a balanced approach, balancing diplomatic engagement with both neighbors while strengthening internal cohesion and security infrastructure. Leveraging international platforms such as the United Nations and regional organizations like SAARC and BIMSTEC can enhance Nepal's strategic positioning. It is in this context; the study explains the significance of Nepal‘s geopolitical location. It explores the opportunities for Nepal due to its geopolitical location and inspect the challenges to Nepal‘s National Security due to its geopolitical location.
Foreign Policy of Nepal as a Small Power
(2025) Baral, Bhima Nath; Khadga K. C.
The purpose of this study is to examine Nepal’s foreign policy from the perspective of small power theory. Small powers must navigate asymmetrical power structures in international relations and are characterized by their limited diplomatic, military, and economic capacities. Despite significant changes following the country’s transition to democracy, Nepal’s foreign policy has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Its active participation in various multilateral forums has been recognized as a notable achievement in the realm of foreign policy. However, all aspects of international relations—including military, economic, technological, diplomatic, and alignment systems—have undergone substantial transformations. Consequently, the global balance of power has shifted, enhancing Nepal’s geostrategic significance, primarily due to the rise of China and India as competing global powers. This research work employs a qualitative research design, utilizing descriptive, analytical, and exploratory methods to investigate Nepal’s foreign policy from multiple perspectives. For the analysis, data were gathered from secondary sources, including constitutional provisions, official documents, treaties, party manifestos, parliamentary debates, academic literature, expert opinions, and media reports. A desk review, content analysis, and note transcribed methods were comprehensively employed for data collection. Nepal is a medium-sized country; however, it is often regarded as a small state due to limitations in its economic, military, diplomatic, and external affairs, as well as its geographical position between two large neighbors. Despite these challenges, Nepal upholds its identity as a sovereign and independent nation with a rich and ancient civilization. Its strategic location at the center of South Asia, active participation in regional and international organizations, and its position between two rising powers are key factors contributing to its status as a small power. According to the study, Nepal’s historical heritage as an independent country and its geostrategic location significantly influence its foreign policy. Despite its limited resources, Nepal’s foreign policy has demonstrated flexibility, transitioning through various approaches—non-alignment, isolation, equiproximity, neutrality, and strategic balancing—all aimed at preserving its independence and sovereignty. However, the coherence and effectiveness of its foreign policy have been compromised by internal political dynamics characterized by ideological polarization and frequent vi policy shifts with changes in government. Additionally, a centralized and individualized policy-making culture has hindered the institutional capacity of Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The study also highlights Nepal’s vulnerability to both conventional and unconventional security threats, such as political unpredictability, frequent external intervention, and economic instability. It emphasizes that the effectiveness of Nepal’s foreign policy will rely on strengthening its institutional framework, enhancing policy coherence, and adapting to an evolving global geopolitical landscape, particularly in light of increasing tensions among major global powers. Nepal’s distinct geopolitical position—often referred to as a “yam between three boulders”—with China as a rising superpower, India as a traditional ally, and the expanding influence of Western powers and donors—makes it a small power despite certain limitations. Nepal still continues to be dependent on its neighbors and international partners, while also playing a vital role in their strategic objectives. Therefore, Nepal needs to handle these intricate relationships through a non-aligned, balanced foreign policy that prioritizes its national interests. To achieve this, it becomes essential to foster national consensus among stakeholders, adopt a research driven approach to policymaking, strengthen institutional frameworks, and avoid security alliances that could jeopardize its relationships with neighboring countries and other international partners. By doing so, Nepal can effectively address the evolving geopolitical challenges and maintain its identity as a sovereign, independent, and stable country.
नेपाली कम्युनिस्ट राजनीतिमा समाजवादी विचारको प्रभाव
(2081) मैनाली, गोविन्द प्रसाद Mainali, Govinda Prasad; पूर्ण वहादुर खड्का
Available in Full text.
नेपालकाे राजनीतिक परिवर्तनमा प्रगतिशील गीतहरुकाे याेगदान { Nepalko rajnitik pariwartanma pragatishil geetharuko yogdaan}
(2024) भण्डारी, टीकाप्रसाद Bhandari, Teeka Prasad; राजकुमार पाेखरेल Rajkumar Pokhrel
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Role of state to eliminate stigma in leprosy a study in the context of Dadeldhura district, Nepal
(2014) Awasthi, Bisnu; Mukund Ballabh Kalauni
Not available
Political challenges of water management in Nepal-India relation: a study on arun III hydro-electricity project
(2023) Rai, Viswa; Ishwori Prasad Kandel
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Women Participation in Local Government: A Study of Women Members From Bharatpur Metropolitan City of Chitwan District
(Department of Political Science, Takur Ram Campus, Birgunj, 2023-02-23) Adhikari, Mahendra Prasad; Shah, Birendra Prasad
The research titled "Women Participation in Local Government: A Study of Women Members from Bharatpur Metropolitan City of Chitwan District" investigates the extent of women's political engagement and their leadership capabilities within the specific context of Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Chitwan. The research employs a combination of primary and secondary data sources, primarily utilizing interview schedules with 61 female local-level leaders. The study's focal points include the challenges faced by women leaders, their capacity to assume leadership roles, and their backgrounds in political and social work. The findings reveal that women in political leadership roles are gradually developing their leadership skills despite encountering hurdles such as limited knowledge in their mandated responsibilities at the local level. These women typically lacked prior political and social work experience, primarily engaging in household and community-based activities. However, they have now transitioned into roles focused on social services, community development, and women's rights advocacy as representatives of their communities. Despite their education, they continue to grapple with societal patriarchal norms. The study also highlights the importance of leadership and women empowerment training, legal education, and the use of quotas by political parties, which have contributed to the increased presence of female political leaders at the local level. These barriers are intricately linked to societal structures and personal capacities. Interestingly, educated and socially active women leaders are actively encouraging other women in their communities to engage in politics for the broader goal of social transformation and empowerment, fostering a sense of unity among women leaders for collective community upliftment. Keywords: (Women Participation, Local Government, Political Leadership, Gender Equality, Patriarchy, Quota System, Nepal Politics)
मगर जातिको पहिचानको राजनीतिमा नेपाली कम्युनिस्ट पार्टीको दृष्टिकोण {Magar jatiko pahichanko rajnitima Nepali communist partyko dristikon}
(मानविकी तथा सामाजिकशास्त्र सङ्काय, राजनीतिशास्त्र, 2023) बुढा मगर Budha Magar, भोज विक्रम Bhoj Bikram
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Geopolitical implications on Nepal-China Relations After-2008
(Department of Political Science, 2024) Shahi, Hirendra Bahadur
Since the formal diplomatic relations were established between the two countries in 1955, Nepal and China have enjoyed the relations of balance and cooperation. China has always treated Nepal as a good neighbor and has been helping Nepal in times of needs. China has always respected Nepal’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity besides being a reliable development partner for the country. On its part, Nepal has remained committed to ‘one-China’ policy. Geopolitics refers to a geographic element such a country's geographic position, climate, available resources, population, power structure, Land Power, Ideology and topography and its influence in domestic and international policy formation and implementation of the country. In this respect geopolitics, however, comes to complicate the relations between the two countries. Nepal's southern neighbor has always been concerned about the development and infrastructure projects with funding and assistance from China. Since the construction of the Kodari highway in the 1960s, India has shown its non-cooperation. Today it continues not only with the construction of Pokhara and Gautam Buddha International Airports but also in the hydropower projects being built with Chinese investment and Chinese contractors. The decision made by the Indian government not to purchase electricity except Indian investment creates investment risk for other countries in Nepal. China is in favor of a stable and strong government in Nepal so that it can maintain both economic cooperation and trust. In the border area between Nepal and China, the government of Nepal should ensure security to prevent anti-Chinese activities. The trade and transit agreement signed between Nepal and China in 2019 should be implemented to put an end to the landlocked situation of Nepal. Both sides should implement the agreement to build a railway connecting Nepal and China and open the door to the economic growth of Nepal. India needs to pay attention to Nepal's sovereignty in Nepal-China relations. Qualitative method has been used in this study and secondary data was collected from journal articles, dependable books, and genuine websites. For this study, an exploratory research design has been used.
मतदाता नामावली संकलन तथा अधावधिक कार्यक्रम दाङ्ग जिल्ला : एक अध्ययन {Matadata namawali sankalan tatha adhawadhik karyakram Dang Jilla : Ek adhyaayan)
(राजनीतिशास्त्र विभाग, 2009) रिजाल Rijal, भेषराज Bheshraj
पुर्ण पाठमा उपलब्ध छ /
Security Management of Nepal- India Open Border
(Faculty of Humanities & Social Science, Political Science, 2023) Bogati, Prithivi Bahadur
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नेपालमा समाजवादकाे प्रयाेग (Nepalma samajvadko prayog)
(राजनीतिशास्त्र विभाग, 2016) पाेख्रेल Pokhrel, गंगाप्रसाद Gangaprasad
प्रस्तुत अध्ययन नेपालमा समाजवादको प्रयोग भन्ने सन्दर्भमा गरिएको छ । यस अध्ययनको मूल समस्या नेपालमा समाजवादको प्रयोग रहेको छ । त्यही मूल समस्यामा केन्द्रीत भै नेपालका कम्युनिस्ट पार्टीहरुको समाजवाद सम्बन्धी के कस्तो नीति र कार्यक्रम रहिआएको छ ? नेपालको संविधानमा समाजवाद सम्बन्धि के कस्ता सैद्धान्तिक व्यवस्था गरिएको छ ? र नेपालमा कम्यूनिस्ट पार्टी बीचको विभाजन र रणनीतिमा देखिएको अन्तर कारण समाजवाद लागु गर्न के सम्भव छ ? भन्ने सवालहरु राखी विश्लेषण गरिएको छ । प्रस्तुत अध्ययनको उद्देश्य नेपालमा समाजवादको प्रयोग सन्दर्भमा रहेकाले नेपालका कम्युनिस्ट पार्टीहरुले समाजवाद सम्बन्धी अवलम्वन गरेका नीति र कार्यक्रमको खोज गर्ने पहिलो उद्देश्य राखिएको छ । यस अध्ययनको दोस्रो उद्देश्यमा वैज्ञानिक समाजवादको प्रयोगमा नेपालको संविधानमा भएका व्यवस्थाहरुको अध्ययन विश्लेषण गर्ने राखिएको छ । साथै यस अध्ययनको तेस्रो उद्देश्यमा नेपाल कम्युनिस्ट पार्टीहरुको वैज्ञानिक समाजवाद प्रतिको धारणाको खोजी गरी वैज्ञानिक समाजवाद प्रयोगमा चुनौतीहरु र सम्भावनाहरुको उपाय अन्वेषण गर्नु रहेको छ । यी नै उद्देश्यका आधारमा आवश्यक पूर्व साहित्यको समिक्षा गरिएको छ । यो अध्ययनको ढाँचा विवरणात्मक र विश्लेषणात्मक रहेको छ । यो अध्ययन गुणात्मक प्रकृतिको रहेको छ । साथै यो अध्ययनमा प्राथमिक तथा द्धितीय स्रोतको सहयोग लिइएको छ । प्राथमिक स्रोत अन्र्तगत अन्र्तवार्ता विधिको प्रयोग गरिएको छ नेपालमा कम्युनिस्ट आन्दोलनकोे बारेमा समाजवादका जानकार व्यक्तिहरुसँग त्यस्तो अन्र्तवार्ता लिएको थियो । साथै द्धितिय स्रोतको आधारमा तथ्याङ्क संकलन गरी विश्लेषणका आधारमा निष्कर्ष निकालिएको छ । यो अध्ययनले के देखाउदछ भने नेपालको राजनीतिको प्रथम अध्याय समाप्त भै दोस्रो अध्यायको शुरुवात भएको छ । नेपालको संविधानको घोषणासंगै अब नेपाल समाजवाद उन्मुख भएको छ । नेपाल संघीय समावेशी लोकतान्त्रिक गणतन्त्रको रुपमा स्थापित भएको छ । समाजवाद सामाजिक न्यायमा आधारित अवधारणा भएकाले सबै खाले शोषणको अन्त्य गरी न्याय र समानतामा आधारित सामाजिक व्यवस्था स्थापना हुने संभावना बढेको देखिन्छ । समाजवादमा समग्र देशको चौतर्फी विकासका ढोका खुला गरिएको देखिन्छ ।
The role of trade union in hotels of Pokhara
(Department of Political Science, 2017) Gurung, Bhishan
Not available
नेपाल कम्युनिष्ट पार्टी (माओवादी) को सशस्त्र संघर्षः एक समिक्षात्मक अध्ययन {Nepal communist party (maobadi) ko sashastra sangharsha: Ek samikshyatmak adhyayan}
(राजनीतिशास्त्र विभाग, 2018) गुरूङ Gurung, काजी Kaji
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Terai movement for federal restructuring
(Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences ,Political Science, 2023) K. C., Hem Bahadur
In this study, the Terai‟s perspective on the movement was examined. For the benefit of Terai people, this investigation focused on how to resolve the Terai movement. The different dimensions like political, social, economic, cultural, religious, identity and international influence have been connected with the study. These dimensions either directly or indirectly contributed to the Terai movement. The study‟s foundation was the issues which asked how much Terai people and movements had to do with federal restructuring, identity, political and economic condition and capability-based framework. The conceptual framework was created to determine the causes of movement in the Terai served as the foundation for the qualitative methodology. The study‟s primary contribution was generation of new knowledge. Terai movement modified into political reform, economic development, identity of Terai people, inclusion of people in different organs of state and good governance. Many new political parties emerged during the movement in Terai. The agreement to ensure the rights of Terai people through the amendment of constitution was made between Seven Party Alliance and Terai political parties during movement. The gaps such as lack of awareness, economic crisis, political instability, specific identity, inclusion policies and service delivery system through federal restructuring have been identified by the researcher. The research about the Terai movement has been connected depending upon the gaps by using different dimensions like international influence, economic, political, identity, social and cultural along with federal restructuring. The research has been piloted depending upon qualitative approach with triangulation. The data from the study‟s areas participants were used to conduct additional research. The primary and secondary data were collected by using different tools and techniques. The reliability and validity have been tested by the researcher. The qualitative research approach of descriptive and exploratory research design has been set through triangulation of data. The purposive sampling has been chosen depending on the conflict prone and economic crisis zone. The causes and implication of Terai movement, strategies of mitigation of Terai movement and triangulation of data have been chosen depending upon three objectives of research. The study has found out that Terai movement caused due to vii poverty, different types of discriminations, poor service delivery, social evils, and lack of awareness. The political instability, underdevelopment, illiteracy, poor living standard, impunity and invisible slavery were still found out in Terai. Terai people wanted the specific identity and inclusion in different organs of the state. The discriminations and impunity situation have been still existing. Many people were unemployed and uneducated in Terai. It has also explored that the corruption, unaccountable leadership, international influence, traditional political system has been found out by the researcher. Throughout the entire study, the researcher has claimed that the political re-engineering, economic transformation and good governance with the identity of Terai and Terai people lead to settle the movement of Terai.
स्थानीय तहमा महिलाकाे राजनीतिक सहभागिता र सामाजिक अवस्थाः दमक नगरपालिका-झापा एक अध्ययन {Sthaniya tahma mahilako rajnitik sahbhagita ra samajik awastha: Damak Nagarpalika -Jhapa ek adhyayan}
(राजनीतिक विभाग, 2022) ढकाल Dhakal, सुजता Sujata
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स्थानीय निर्णय निर्माणका तहहरुमा महिला सहभागिताः सेतीदोभान गा.वि.स. स्याङ्जा एक अध्ययन {Women's Participation in Local Decision Making Levels: A Study of Setidobhan Ga.Vi.Sa. Syangja}
(राजनीतिशास्त्र विभाग, 2014) घर्ती Gharti, शान्तिकुमारी Shantikumari
Not available
Nepal-India relations: Political changes and India's influences in Nepal
(Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Political Science, 2023) Timalsina, Saroj Kumar
This dissertation has taken a closer look at India's influences on Nepal's political changes especially after the restoration of democracy (1990-2020). This research has been conducted using India's influence framework in Nepal's political changes. Its foundation has been the use of analytical and descriptive methods of interpretation to reach defined objectives. Additionally, the research is grounded in the geopolitical, realistic, sphere of influence, constructivist, and dependent (GRSoICD) theories of international relations. Purposive sampling of twenty people has used in this study. Key informant interviews (KII) were conducted with nine politicians, four civil society members, three diplomats, and four academics. It appeared that India's leaders made an undisguised influence in the anti-Panchayat movement of 1990 which can be interpreted under the spheres of influence theory of International Relation (IR). India's deal on the 12-point agreement in preparation for Mass Movement II was guided by India's psychology (IR realism and geopolitical theory), fearing a possible Chinese trend by the rulers of Nepal. Nepal's peace process, directly influenced by India's overt security outlook, has clearly increased China's footprint in Nepal. India looked for maintaining its influence in Nepal after the triumph of Mass Movement II (2006) through the Madhesh issues and frequent changes in government. India mainly intends to keep Nepal under its influence to minimize China's presence in Nepal. While some Nepalis perceive India's influence in Nepal positively, another section of Nepali sees it as India's undue influences in Nepal's internal affairs. Political leaders in Nepal should improve their ability to deal diplomatically with political changes by avoiding intra- and inter-party conflicts on matters of national interest. They ought to act on their own as true nationalist leaders. The study justifies Nepali leaders and top bureaucrats taking it seriously that they should engage in rigorous policy discussions with those affected before embarking on any new course or making any new decisions in political change or other sectors in order to build a national consensus that helps to demonstrate unity in important national issues. By doing this, Indian influence and her meddling in domestic issues can be minimized. The policy of "balanced ties with neighboring countries" should, vi nonetheless, take precedence in Nepal. By fostering open relations and strengthening Nepal's ability to manage and deal political movements in accordance with its own national interests, India's influence can be minimized. Nepal should also maintain protocol when dealing with Indian authorities and pursue an equal distance foreign policy in order to lessen India's influence. The key findings will assist Nepali political leaders and policymakers in developing and strengthening Nepal-India relations in upcoming days.
Nepal-China relations on emerging security dynamics (2007-2020 A.D.)
(Faculty of Political Science, 2023) Baniya, Kamal
Nepal - China relations are very cordial and deep rooted since ages. The relation is based on Panchasheel and non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs. Nepal abolished Monarchy in 2008 and turned into Federal Democratic Republic, since then the engagement of both China and Nepal has gained the intensity. Nepal – China relations have been dominated by varied and complex factors that range from physical and economic to political and cultural components. Nepal constitutes an important element of China’s foreign policy. The overall policy and interests of China towards Nepal are its stability, security, economic and geopolitics. The geo-strategic vulnerability of Nepal, growing military and economic power of China, US’s China containment strategy and India’s concern over Chinese engagement in Nepal are the emerging issues that has security impact in the bilateral relations between Nepal and China. There is comparatively little understanding of how these disciplines relate to the pressing issues of emerging security issues, mistrust and insecurity in the region. This is a new phenomenon that needs in-depth study. Given Nepal's geo-strategic position, ongoing differences between China and India and their widening engagement in Nepal vis-à-vis increased security and security concern, the vital mutual concern of the present-day scenario is bringing Nepal-China relation into new height and maintaining harmonious and progressive relations with the regional and extra regional powers. In this context, the research has focused on (a) to evaluate Nepal-China relation from 2007 to 2020 A.D., (b) to assess the impact of emerging security dynamics in Nepal-China relations focusing on the current regional security environment of South-Asia and (c) to examine Nepal’s foreign policy and security strategy in the present global security context visualizing the importance of two giant neighbors. In order to achieve the research objectives, the dissertation is organized in seven different chapters to include: Introduction, Literature review, Research methodology, Nepal-China relations (2007-2020), Emerging security dynamics and impact on Nepal-China relations in the current regional security environment, Nepal’s foreign policy as well as security strategy and Findings, Summary and Conclusion. This research has used the qualitative approach to analyze the Nepal-China relation and security dynamics. The research designs are descriptive and exploratory. The collected data are of both primary and secondary in nature. This study mainly used political, diplomatic, military and economic variables of DIMEFIL instruments of national power as a framework of analysis. Peace and development are the priority concerns of both Nepal and China. Both share identical views on major issues of global and regional concern. A new aspect of Nepal-China bilateral relations in recent years is increasingly being marked by cooperation in the areas of security as well. In the Republic era Nepal-China relations, there are emerging cross-cutting issues vis-a- vis geopolitical rivalry and the race between standing and aspiring power in the region. China has skepticism towards the growing strategic ties between India and US and perceive that the two nations are working strategically to encircle it. India is increasingly concerned by Chinese growing engagement in South-Asian countries including Nepal. Nepal's significance is increasing regionally as well as globally. Nepal should engage in active and meaningful dialogue with both China and India. India and China have put forward various neighborhood initiatives of their own, including the proposals like BRI and Look East Policy. Nepal has to create space for its neighborhood policy based on the regional strategy of major blocs, powers and neighbors. The strategic location of Nepal itself proves the importance and possibility of trilateral cooperation. Being in a geo-strategic position and given the military rise of China and India, it appears wise on the part of Nepal to maintain a ‘strategic balance and non-alignment’ in its relations with both China India and other extra-regional powers. The fundamental concern for Nepal is to protect and promote its national interest. In order to preserve its long-term security interest, it is necessary for Nepal to understand the sensitivity of China and India as well as other regional and extra regional powers in terms of their security related issues and adopt policies wisely. With the changing dynamics of global power-relations and developments in regional and international spheres; the non-alignment policy of Nepal has to be more constructive. Nepal also should maintain strategic balancing between two neighbors, prioritizing neighborhood first policy based on national interests.
Nepal-India Political Relations 2006-2016
(Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Political Science, 2022) Suwedy, Keshav Raj
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