The State Partnership Program (SPP) has become the new geopolitical hot potato in Nepal only a few months after the MCC debacle was laid to rest with an eventual parliamentary ratification. While SPP began as a humanitarian and disaster response training program, according to the national guard website, SPP is a “partner focused, strategically aligned” program administered by … [Read more...] about SPP – The Newest Geopolitical Hot Potato in Nepal
April Analysis: International Relations
On the diplomatic front, the flurry of high-level foreign visits and engagements indicate that Nepal has once again found itself amidst heightened geopolitical activity. While Foreign Minister and State Councilor Wang Yi’s visit after the ratification of the MCC compact was more symbolic in nature, there was little headway on BRI. Prime Minister Deuba’s visit to India right … [Read more...] about April Analysis: International Relations
March Analysis: International Relations and Foreign Affairs
Foreign engagements have ramped up and Nepal has once again found itself in a geopolitical focus in the context of intensifying great power rivalry. The parliamentary ratification of MCC after much debate came as a moral and informational warfare defeat for China in Nepal. The announcement of China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi gave rise to speculations over the visit’s motives … [Read more...] about March Analysis: International Relations and Foreign Affairs
Nepal-China Relations at a Stalemate
Chinese investments in Nepal have steadily risen and China has become Nepal’s biggest investment partner in terms of commitment. China has plans to heavily invest in Nepal to enhance infrastructure connectivity and trade and investment, under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. However, Chinese actions contradict its commitments towards Nepal. Reports say that … [Read more...] about Nepal-China Relations at a Stalemate
Cracks Begin to Show in US-Nepal Ties
The US-China relationship has entered a period of great uncertainty and instability as China has become more powerful and more assertive in the international arena. Similarly, China’s active role in the South Asian region has flared India’s security sensitivities. IPS as a strategy includes a military component, which aims to deter growing Chinese influence in the region. While … [Read more...] about Cracks Begin to Show in US-Nepal Ties