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  • Strategic Himalayas: Republican Nepal and External Powers

    Strategic Himalayas: Republican Nepal and External Powers
    Author
    2014
    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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