Strategic Himalayas: Republican Nepal and External Powers

Nihar R. Nayak
Dr. Nihar R. Nayak is Research Fellow with MP-IDSA, New Delhi. His areas of expertise are: political transition in the eastern Himalayan region, non-traditional security, soft power diplomacy, left wing… Continue reading Strategic Himalayas: Republican Nepal and External Powers read more
Publisher: Pentagon Press
ISBN 978-81-8274-761-6
Price: ₹ 995 Purchase Download E-copy

About the Book

The ten years of Maoist insurgency followed by the political vacuum after the abolition of the monarchy and the delay in the drafting of the Constitution has given credence to the role of external powers in shaping the domestic politics in that country. The book examines the nature of external powers’ role during the political transition in Nepal since 2006. It analyses Nepal’s relations with external powers’ in the framework of ‘small and major powers’.

The book tries to explore the nature of their engagements by discussing the strategic significance of Nepal in regional power politics and the latter’s response to it. In the absence of any in-depth scholarly work thus far, the book tries to fill the gap by addressing the following questions: Is Nepal going to face a new round of strategic competition in the Himalayas? Has there been any visible change in China’s relationship with Nepal after the end of the monarchy? How does the US look at the political transition in Nepal? What is the strategic relevance of Nepal for major European countries? How will India balance the Chinese and US presence in Nepal? Does Nepal figure in Pakistan’s Look East Policy to counter-balance India’s Look West Policy? How will Nepal deal with the competing strategies of the major powers—regional and extra-regional?

Contents

Foreword
Acknowledgements
List of Tables and Figures
List of Abbreviations

  1. Introduction
    Significance of the Study
  2. Foreign Policy Challenges of the Republic of Nepal
    Theoretical Debate on the Foreign Policy (FP) of Small States
    Evolution of Nepal’s Foreign Policy
    Nepal and Multilateralism
    Foreign Policy Under the Interim Constitution
    Conclusion
  3. Protecting the Sphere of Influence: India’s Relationship with Nepal
    Strategic Relevance of Nepal for India
    Conflicts Over the Peace Treaty
    India and Nepalese Nationalism
    Nepal-India Relations in Post-2006
    Madhesi Movement and India
    Trade and Economic Assistance
    Infrastructure
    Education and Health
    Training of Nepalese Officials in India
    Common Challenges and India’s Concerns
    India’s Perception of External Involvements in Nepal
    Conclusion
  4. China in Nepal: From Political to Strategic Engagement
    China’s Broad Foreign Policy Objectives
    China’s Approach to South Asia
    Where does Nepal Figure in China’s Foreign Policy?
    Chinese Concern over External Powers in Nepal
    Chinese Engagement in the Post-Monarchy Period
    People-to-People Contact
    Elements of China’s Nepal Policy
    Can China Play a Decisive Role in Nepal?
    Implications for India
    Conclusion
  5. Return of the Super Power: The US in Nepal
    Strategic Relevance of Nepal for US
    Nepal and US Containment Policy
    Nepal and the US War Against Terror
    Post-2006: Looking at Nepal through an Independent Prism?
    Trade and Business
    Maoists and the US Rebalance to Asia
    Nepal’s Perception of the US
    Conclusion
  6. Institutionalise Peace and Democracy: Role of the EU and Major European Countries in Nepal
    As Key Development Partners
    Strategic Interests of EU Member Countries
    Role in Negotiations
    As Trading Partners
    Dilemma of Conflict Prevention
    Post-Conflict Approach
    Approach of Major Countries to the Peace Process
    Major European Countries and UNPFN
    European Aid and Federalism
    Conclusion
  7. Pakistan’s Engagement with Nepal
    Pakistan’s Strategic Perspective on Nepal
    Bilateral Relations (1950 to 1990)
    Relations During Democratic Regimes
    Nepal-Pakistan Relations in Post-Conflict Period
    Anti-India Campaigning on Regional Issues
    Cross Border Terrorism: Implication for India-Nepal Relations
    Aid and Trade
    Conclusion
  8. Conclusion
    Nepal’s Options

APPENDICES

I Road Network of Nepal, Proposed Dry Ports by China, Transit Points at India-Nepal Border
II Chinese Engagements in Hydro Projects in Nepal
III Sino-Nepalese Treaty of Peace and Friendship, Kathmandu, April 1960
IV Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between the Government of India and the Government of Nepal
V Basic Operating Guidelines agreed to by Undersigned Agencies in Nepal

Select Bibliography

Index

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