External forces in Nepal's domestic affairs
Yuba Nath Lamsal
The role of external forces in Nepal's domestic politics has been a topic of intense debate in the media and intelligentsia. By external forces we mean the major international powers and also our immediate neighbours. These powers include India and China in our neighbourhood and the United States and some members of the European Union. All countries of the European Union may not be interested in Nepal's internal affairs although they want a peaceful, stable and prosperous Nepal and want to cooperate with this New Himalayan Republic. There are certain countries within the European Union that are particularly interested in Nepal's domestic politics and also have their stakes in Nepal. To be specific, the United Kingdom and France are the two European Union countries that try to poke nose in Nepal's affairs along the side of the United States.
Role of external forces in Nepal's domestic politics could be analyzed in more than one perspective. There are several reasons that have made Nepal important for international powers. These factors include, among others, strategic location, ideology, and regional perspective. Unlike the countries of the Middle East and some African countries, Nepal does not possess any significant natural resources that may attract attention of international powers. But Nepal's strategic location is so vital that the international powers cannot ignore Nepal in the present global power equation. Nepal is situated between Asia's two giants—India and China—which is the main reasons why international powers are so interested in Nepal.
China and India are emerging as global economic and military powers. China is already a global power with its strong economy and military might. China is already a second largest economy and also most powerful military power in the world only next to the United States. China is, thus, taken by the western countries specially the United States as their formidable rival in terms of economic strength and military power. In a manner and speed with which China is growing, Beijing is eying to become the largest economy in the world and also the super power. This has concerned the United States, the United Kingdom and France. The United States does not want to lose the status of the sole superpower. These countries have adopted strategies to contain China and prevent it from becoming the global power. For this, they have adopted multiple strategies and approaches, which include politically destabilizing, economically stagnating and militarily weakening China.
The presence of the United States is already strong in the Pacific and the South China Sea which has in a way encircled China from the east and the south. Washington is penetrating from the west and also from the north especially by using its growing presence in the central Asian republics, India and Afghanistan. Nepal can be another point to create trouble in some southern parts of China specially Tibet and Xinxiang. Washington, therefore, wants friendly regime in Kathmandu to accomplish its tasks in Tibet and Xinxiang through Nepal for which it has been using instigating 'free Tibet group'. The interest of the United States, some European countries and India matches on this issue and these countries are working together to sabotage China for which they often use Nepal's territory and sometimes Nepal's political parties and also the regime for this task. If the regime in Nepal is friendly to them, it would be easier for these countries to further instigate anti-China activities through Nepal. This is the reason why these countries are active in Nepal and they often meddle in Nepal's domestic politics.
Ideology is yet another factor that has brought more interest and interference of external forces in Nepal. The end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet empire are being taken as a defeat of communism in the world and victory of the capitalist democracy. In other words, it was viewed as a victory of the United States that led the war against communist ideology. Despite international setback, communist ideology is gaining popularity in Nepal. The communists are very much influential in Nepali politics. In other words, Nepal has been a fertile ground for the growth of communist ideology, which the United States accompanied by other countries like India and some European countries have taken as a challenge. These countries are using all their tactics and means to discredit the communists and weaken them. They are pitting one group against the other to ensure that the communists remain divided and they would not be able to capture power. They sometime accuse Nepal's communists of being backed and instigated by China and sometimes try to link them with some Islamic terrorist groups. This strategy is at work especially to prevent the Maoists from leading the government despite its position as the largest party in Nepal's parliament. In this collective scheme, India has been encouraged to play the lead role which could simultaneously contain communists in Nepal as well as harm China through Nepal with the help of their friendly parties and regime.
The regional factor or regional balance of power is yet another factor that has brought more international forces in Nepal and their activities. In the regional perspective, India and China have greater role to play in Nepal than that of extra regional forces. China and India have common border with Nepal and both the countries have their own stakes. China's role in Nepal is rather sophisticated and shrewd as it has never tried to interfere in Nepal's affairs. But it definitely wants its national interests to be well protected. China's main concern in Nepal is related to Tibet. Beijing does not want any kind of anti-China activities from Nepal's territories. Since some countries are instigating anti-China activities in Nepal, Beijing wants the Nepal Government to ensure that such activities are checked and Nepal's territory not be used against China. Although Nepal has repeatedly made public its declared policy of not allowing its territory to be used against China, it has not been truly translated into action. China wants a stable Nepal and strong government so that security situation in Nepal would be strong and its development further accelerated. Instability in Nepal may have grave impact in Tibet and also in Xinxiang as elements that try to create trouble in China would take advantage of Nepal\'s instability. This has been the permanent concern of China in Nepal. But China\'s concerns and interests in Nepal have grown more serious in recent years because China no longer continues its quiet diplomacy. With its growing economic might and international clout, China has now been more assertive in the international arena and has accordingly conducted its diplomacy. As a global power, Beijing definitely has its international obligation which it is trying to achieve through soft power image. Moreover, Nepal is a close and friendly neighbour with which Beijing has a big stake. At a time when China has grown as a global economic power whose trade has spread worldwide, Nepal is an important point through which it can enter into the huge market of South Asia mainly India. Any kind of hanky-panky of any other country in Nepal would, therefore, be intolerable for Beijing especially in the present international scenario, which has been clearly reflected in remarks of various leaders and officials of China. So far, China is conducting its diplomacy in Nepal on the basis of its long-cherished foreign policy not to interfere in other countries but promote cooperative relationship on the basis of mutual benefit and equality. But Beijing's gentlemanly diplomacy should not be taken by any country and force as its weakness in Nepal. If need be, Beijing would come more assertively if Nepal's sovereignty and territorial integrity are in jeopardy because security and stability of Tibet is closely linked with Nepal's security and stability.
India is the country that has own role and stake in Nepal. Nepal is surrounded by India from three sides. Nepal and India have a long open border and free flow of people across the border. Due to open border, Nepal's trade with India is bigger than with any other country. Although Nepal is a landlocked, it is being created as an India-locked country due partly to difficult terrain in the north and due partly to the parasitic and dependency policy of Nepali rulers and authorities. India is always exploiting the geo-strategic and geo-economic conditions and compulsions of Nepal and New Delhi has tried to keep Nepal under its security ambit. Being a close neighbour sharing a long open border characterized by free flow of people, India has definitely greater stake and security interest in Nepal. But the intent and purpose with which India has been treating Nepal is by all means objectionable and Nepal can never be under security umbrella of any country.
Nepal is an independent and ancient country that came into existence quite before India was created as an independent country. India came into existence along with Pakistan in 1947 out of the partition of British colony of South Asia. Except Bangladesh, all other south Asian countries are older than India. Pakistan is India's twin sister born together out of the partition.
British had far more cordial relationship with Nepal except some hitches especially during the Anglo-Nepal war. British always respected Nepal's sovereignty. But the problem started after India was created in 1947. India's rulers, right from the beginning, adopted expansionist and hegemonic attitude and policy towards its small South Asian neighbours especially Nepal. In fact, British colony was friendlier than independent India in terms of bilateral relations.
Although India has its own interests and stake in Nepal, its policies and attitudes have often created problems and have hurt the sentiments of Nepal and Nepalese people. India always tries to raise the bogey of Chinese influence and Pakistani activities in Nepal, which are totally unfounded and fabricated. Under this pretext, India has intensified its interference in Nepal, which is against international laws and diplomatic norms. India, the United States and some western countries have a common interest in Nepal that is to contain China and create trouble in Tibet through Nepal. For this, purpose, there has been a tacit agreement and partnership between India and western countries in Nepal. The United States has lately started looking at things in Nepal through Indian lens that has emboldened India to pursue its hegemonic policy towards Nepal. It shows that the United States has departed from its old independent South Asia policy and has hobnobbed with New Delhi, which is guided by the common interest of containing and encircling China.
These conditions and developments magnify Nepal's increasing strategic strength, which can be duly utilized for Nepal's own interests. Unfortunately, this strategic strength is being defined by some pundits as Nepal's vulnerability paving way to external meddling and interference. Many of our leaders and officials, too, subscribe to this view, which is unfortunate and also against the interest of Nepal. Most of the Nepali people are patriotic and would definitely not accept and tolerate external interference under any pretext.
The author can be reached at yubanath@wlink.com.np
The role of external forces in Nepal's domestic politics has been a topic of intense debate in the media and intelligentsia. By external forces we mean the major international powers and also our immediate neighbours. These powers include India and China in our neighbourhood and the United States and some members of the European Union. All countries of the European Union may not be interested in Nepal's internal affairs although they want a peaceful, stable and prosperous Nepal and want to cooperate with this New Himalayan Republic. There are certain countries within the European Union that are particularly interested in Nepal's domestic politics and also have their stakes in Nepal. To be specific, the United Kingdom and France are the two European Union countries that try to poke nose in Nepal's affairs along the side of the United States.
Role of external forces in Nepal's domestic politics could be analyzed in more than one perspective. There are several reasons that have made Nepal important for international powers. These factors include, among others, strategic location, ideology, and regional perspective. Unlike the countries of the Middle East and some African countries, Nepal does not possess any significant natural resources that may attract attention of international powers. But Nepal's strategic location is so vital that the international powers cannot ignore Nepal in the present global power equation. Nepal is situated between Asia's two giants—India and China—which is the main reasons why international powers are so interested in Nepal.
China and India are emerging as global economic and military powers. China is already a global power with its strong economy and military might. China is already a second largest economy and also most powerful military power in the world only next to the United States. China is, thus, taken by the western countries specially the United States as their formidable rival in terms of economic strength and military power. In a manner and speed with which China is growing, Beijing is eying to become the largest economy in the world and also the super power. This has concerned the United States, the United Kingdom and France. The United States does not want to lose the status of the sole superpower. These countries have adopted strategies to contain China and prevent it from becoming the global power. For this, they have adopted multiple strategies and approaches, which include politically destabilizing, economically stagnating and militarily weakening China.
The presence of the United States is already strong in the Pacific and the South China Sea which has in a way encircled China from the east and the south. Washington is penetrating from the west and also from the north especially by using its growing presence in the central Asian republics, India and Afghanistan. Nepal can be another point to create trouble in some southern parts of China specially Tibet and Xinxiang. Washington, therefore, wants friendly regime in Kathmandu to accomplish its tasks in Tibet and Xinxiang through Nepal for which it has been using instigating 'free Tibet group'. The interest of the United States, some European countries and India matches on this issue and these countries are working together to sabotage China for which they often use Nepal's territory and sometimes Nepal's political parties and also the regime for this task. If the regime in Nepal is friendly to them, it would be easier for these countries to further instigate anti-China activities through Nepal. This is the reason why these countries are active in Nepal and they often meddle in Nepal's domestic politics.
Ideology is yet another factor that has brought more interest and interference of external forces in Nepal. The end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet empire are being taken as a defeat of communism in the world and victory of the capitalist democracy. In other words, it was viewed as a victory of the United States that led the war against communist ideology. Despite international setback, communist ideology is gaining popularity in Nepal. The communists are very much influential in Nepali politics. In other words, Nepal has been a fertile ground for the growth of communist ideology, which the United States accompanied by other countries like India and some European countries have taken as a challenge. These countries are using all their tactics and means to discredit the communists and weaken them. They are pitting one group against the other to ensure that the communists remain divided and they would not be able to capture power. They sometime accuse Nepal's communists of being backed and instigated by China and sometimes try to link them with some Islamic terrorist groups. This strategy is at work especially to prevent the Maoists from leading the government despite its position as the largest party in Nepal's parliament. In this collective scheme, India has been encouraged to play the lead role which could simultaneously contain communists in Nepal as well as harm China through Nepal with the help of their friendly parties and regime.
The regional factor or regional balance of power is yet another factor that has brought more international forces in Nepal and their activities. In the regional perspective, India and China have greater role to play in Nepal than that of extra regional forces. China and India have common border with Nepal and both the countries have their own stakes. China's role in Nepal is rather sophisticated and shrewd as it has never tried to interfere in Nepal's affairs. But it definitely wants its national interests to be well protected. China's main concern in Nepal is related to Tibet. Beijing does not want any kind of anti-China activities from Nepal's territories. Since some countries are instigating anti-China activities in Nepal, Beijing wants the Nepal Government to ensure that such activities are checked and Nepal's territory not be used against China. Although Nepal has repeatedly made public its declared policy of not allowing its territory to be used against China, it has not been truly translated into action. China wants a stable Nepal and strong government so that security situation in Nepal would be strong and its development further accelerated. Instability in Nepal may have grave impact in Tibet and also in Xinxiang as elements that try to create trouble in China would take advantage of Nepal\'s instability. This has been the permanent concern of China in Nepal. But China\'s concerns and interests in Nepal have grown more serious in recent years because China no longer continues its quiet diplomacy. With its growing economic might and international clout, China has now been more assertive in the international arena and has accordingly conducted its diplomacy. As a global power, Beijing definitely has its international obligation which it is trying to achieve through soft power image. Moreover, Nepal is a close and friendly neighbour with which Beijing has a big stake. At a time when China has grown as a global economic power whose trade has spread worldwide, Nepal is an important point through which it can enter into the huge market of South Asia mainly India. Any kind of hanky-panky of any other country in Nepal would, therefore, be intolerable for Beijing especially in the present international scenario, which has been clearly reflected in remarks of various leaders and officials of China. So far, China is conducting its diplomacy in Nepal on the basis of its long-cherished foreign policy not to interfere in other countries but promote cooperative relationship on the basis of mutual benefit and equality. But Beijing's gentlemanly diplomacy should not be taken by any country and force as its weakness in Nepal. If need be, Beijing would come more assertively if Nepal's sovereignty and territorial integrity are in jeopardy because security and stability of Tibet is closely linked with Nepal's security and stability.
India is the country that has own role and stake in Nepal. Nepal is surrounded by India from three sides. Nepal and India have a long open border and free flow of people across the border. Due to open border, Nepal's trade with India is bigger than with any other country. Although Nepal is a landlocked, it is being created as an India-locked country due partly to difficult terrain in the north and due partly to the parasitic and dependency policy of Nepali rulers and authorities. India is always exploiting the geo-strategic and geo-economic conditions and compulsions of Nepal and New Delhi has tried to keep Nepal under its security ambit. Being a close neighbour sharing a long open border characterized by free flow of people, India has definitely greater stake and security interest in Nepal. But the intent and purpose with which India has been treating Nepal is by all means objectionable and Nepal can never be under security umbrella of any country.
Nepal is an independent and ancient country that came into existence quite before India was created as an independent country. India came into existence along with Pakistan in 1947 out of the partition of British colony of South Asia. Except Bangladesh, all other south Asian countries are older than India. Pakistan is India's twin sister born together out of the partition.
British had far more cordial relationship with Nepal except some hitches especially during the Anglo-Nepal war. British always respected Nepal's sovereignty. But the problem started after India was created in 1947. India's rulers, right from the beginning, adopted expansionist and hegemonic attitude and policy towards its small South Asian neighbours especially Nepal. In fact, British colony was friendlier than independent India in terms of bilateral relations.
Although India has its own interests and stake in Nepal, its policies and attitudes have often created problems and have hurt the sentiments of Nepal and Nepalese people. India always tries to raise the bogey of Chinese influence and Pakistani activities in Nepal, which are totally unfounded and fabricated. Under this pretext, India has intensified its interference in Nepal, which is against international laws and diplomatic norms. India, the United States and some western countries have a common interest in Nepal that is to contain China and create trouble in Tibet through Nepal. For this, purpose, there has been a tacit agreement and partnership between India and western countries in Nepal. The United States has lately started looking at things in Nepal through Indian lens that has emboldened India to pursue its hegemonic policy towards Nepal. It shows that the United States has departed from its old independent South Asia policy and has hobnobbed with New Delhi, which is guided by the common interest of containing and encircling China.
These conditions and developments magnify Nepal's increasing strategic strength, which can be duly utilized for Nepal's own interests. Unfortunately, this strategic strength is being defined by some pundits as Nepal's vulnerability paving way to external meddling and interference. Many of our leaders and officials, too, subscribe to this view, which is unfortunate and also against the interest of Nepal. Most of the Nepali people are patriotic and would definitely not accept and tolerate external interference under any pretext.
The author can be reached at yubanath@wlink.com.np
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