This month, the parliament ratified the MCC Compact along with an interpretive declaration. Controversy over the MCC overshadowed the impeachment motion against Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana and the split in the Loktantrik Samajbadi Party in the face of upcoming elections. Timeline of Major Events DateEventsFebruary 7Election Commission announces local government … [Read more...] about February Analysis: Domestic Politics and Governance
Nepal’s foreign affairs in a state of flux
Photo: RSS Nepal's relations with India, China and the US are in a state of flux and may become clearer with the next change in government. It may be the reason why Nepal's political instability has generated concern among Nepal's immediate neighbours, prompting increased diplomatic activity. The ambassadors of China and India met Sher Bahadur Deuba in his residence after … [Read more...] about Nepal’s foreign affairs in a state of flux
Geo-Strategic Developments
Image: RSS US Strategic Framework for the Indo-Pacific The US government declassified the 2018 Strategic Framework for the Indo-Pacific, which considers India as the central pillar to counteract Chinese influence in the region. China reacted strongly to the document. The US seeks to "maintain US strategic primacy in the Indo-Pacific Region" and "prevent China from … [Read more...] about Geo-Strategic Developments
Time to rewrite the constitution
"It is time to move beyond the idea of political stability to the idea of constitutional stability." Prime Minister KP Oli's move to dissolve Parliament has unleashed a phase of political uncertainty which could devour more than the legislative body. Oli's political endgame is not clear; it has brought into play internal political conflict, foreign actors and forces that are … [Read more...] about Time to rewrite the constitution
China’s Engagements in Nepal
November Analysis Chinese State Councilor and Defence Minister Wei Fenghe made a short visit to Nepal on Sunday November 29. There were discussions about whether Chinese Defense Minister's visit to Nepal was a counter to increased Indian diplomatic initiatives or a regular scheduled visit. Reports in Nepali and Indian media claimed that his visit was quickly arranged in … [Read more...] about China’s Engagements in Nepal