Belt and road initiative and human security: Nepali perspective

Abstract

BRI is a foreign policy initiative aimed to increase Policy coordination, facilities connectivity, trade and investment, financial integration, and cultural exchange. Maritime Silk Road and Overland proposed for the revitalizing of old sea networks to create a 20th Century – Maritime Silk Road to enhance international connectivity, environment, and scientific research and fishery activities. BRI promises for cooperation, win-win situation, and promote the values of human life. BRI actions have an impact on human security. BRI is followed through the challenges and benefits which need to be dealt with properly to maximize the benefits and reduce the risk associated with it. The study focused on evaluating the BRI through the widely discussed theory of international relations, i.e Realism, and Liberalism. Also, this study tried to uncover the implication of BRI on the human security of Nepal and policies that needs to design to safeguard the national interest and avoid complication in the future. To investigates, the descriptive method was employed to understand BRI. It was found that BRI is still in the infant stage and with limited data and studies, both Realism and Liberalism theory failed to provide enough evidence. It was found that BRI has a huge potential to enhance the human security of Nepal but requires a proper plan and design to deal with.

Keywords: BRI, Human Security, Realism, Liberalism, Foreign Policy