Security Issues, Problems And Challenges Of Nepal As A Small State
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Authors
Khadka, Birochan
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department Of International Relation & Diplomacy
Abstract
Small states face serious security threats because of assorted reasons. These
states are dependent on others for economy and security, which make them more
vulnerable than other states. Landlocked between India and China, those are widely
considered as the two major rising powers in the international arena, Nepal is viewed
by many commentators as a small state situated between two geographically,
demographically and economically giant neighbors. Interestingly, notwithstanding its
smallness, Nepal is also perceived as a geopolitically important country in the region
owing to its geostrategic location. In light of this reality, this dissertation primarily
aims to assess the security situation of Nepal as a small state that occupies a
strategically important place in the northern South Asian region.
The research aims to look into three main issues. Firstly, it aims to elucidate
the concept of small state to show that Nepal is a small state; secondly, it delves into
exploring the security challenges that Nepal faces as a small state and; finally, the
research seeks to offer possible measures to address the challenges, if there are any.
With the realization that there exists limited research regarding security threats
to Nepal in the changed global and regional security realm, this research attempts to
address the same limitation. Methodologically, the research has employed a
qualitative research design and adopted descriptive method to compare relevant texts,
analyze governmental reports published by Nepali governmental agencies and also
used a argumentative framework to make a strong case that Nepal faces unique
challenges as a small state situated between India and China.
The dissertation highlights how small states like Nepal are compelled to
refrain from aggression even at critical times and maintain a fine balance in
diplomatic relations with neighbors and other friendly nation to cope with geopolitical
challenges and ensure sustainable national and regional peace. The dissertation finds
that in Nepal, rather than traditional security threats, non-traditional security threats
have started posing greater challenge to national security. It reaches to a conclusion
that Nepal must focus on enhancing its position through soft power and diplomacy
rather than other measures to continue enjoying its dignified place as a sovereign
nation in the international community.