Oped»
Carving a niche
AUG 18 -
We are in a very difficult and long political transition which was preceded by a decade-long conflict and the struggle for a change in domestic power politics. The uncertainty of the current struggle for power and the shape of the new constitution make it difficult to outline the contour of Nepal’s foreign policy. Writing about Italy and the European Union in The Economist (July 31-Aug. 6), a writer concludes that “Italy is stuck in an era where the victory of one fraction over another without any consideration to the nation’s future is what matters”. I was struck by this comparison because Nepal has been pre-occupied with struggle for power and the chair with little or no regard to the constitution formulation or Nepal’s place in a changing world.
To begin with Nepal’s foreign policy that starts with the consolidation of Nepal’s border and attained nationhood has been dominated by pragmatism designed to safeguard independence and survival from the time of the British empire till its break-up. Adventurism dating back to over 250 years by the Shah’s, the Thapa’s, the Pandey’s and the Rana’s until Anglo-Nepal war of 1814-16 has been an interesting part of Nepal trying to establish territorial identity. When the empire became too powerful the policy adopted by successive governments centred on survival and coexistence. That policy continued for over a century until the empire left the subcontinent.
With the end of imperialism, rise of nationalism and quest for independence globally before the middle of last century, Nepal faced real challenges to assert itself in the subcontinent and beyond. During that period, discontent among the Nepalis with the authoritarian regime gained momentum. Nepal eventually adopted a democratic path in 1950. This was the dawn of Nepal’s emergence in the global arena. Prior to that Nepali foreign policy exercises remained extremely limited. From 1950 on, a continuous search for greater identity, bigger role and an active participation on a global scale continued to gain momentum. The decade of the 50s, 60s and 70s of the previous century can be termed as a period when Nepal, despite political and social setbacks, continued to march forward to assert its identity and gain space for itself in a changing world.
Membership of the UN followed by Nepal joining the Bretton Woods institutions and other multilateral bodies gave the country a bigger role. Nepal gained a position of an active sovereign member in the global community of nations and from then there was no looking back. I have personally witnessed these events evolve. The place Nepal today occupies in the globe is attributable to the courage, vision and diplomatic efforts of that generation of leaders and administrators. If we do not give credit where it is due we will be failing in our duty.
But how much of continuity is in our national interest and what degree of change do we want? The world is changing rapidly. Few of us would have predicted China’s rapid rise. India’s economic progress has made it a country to watch and benefit from . The European Union has become a power block. Of the two superpowers of previous century, one has lost its identity and the other has been reduced to a mid-sized power. The sole superpower is struggling to maintain its standing and image. The global economic crisis is a threat to the existing world order. The horizon of foreign policy is expanding. Issues related to trade, environment and climate change are now of global concern. The concept of diplomacy extends to almost every aspect of human behaviour. Hence the conduct of foreign affairs has become complicated and challenging.
But either continuity or change in foreign policy must await the new constitution. During this transition our behaviour is understood or tolerated as being on the margin of legality and globally accepted norms. The Interim Constitution remains less than effectively implemented. That combined with a precarious and fragile security environment and the conflict within and between parties makes it difficult to project the road ahead. Weak governance and growing conflict has made room for external pressure if not intervention; this may not be the time to outline a realistic course. Nepal is at a crossroad and a possible slide back to another conflict is in the horizon.
When it comes to foreign policy, much will depend how the new constitution defines and sets our national goals. Foreign policy is the external dimension of Nepal’s national interest and this is what must guide us. The rapid changes in the subcontinent impact us directly; therefore, it should be the cornerstone of policy formulation. A review of our legacy would be a good place to start. Review and adjustment of past structures to current national aspirations has preoccupied us for the past two years but with little progress. A search for new Nepal has been interrupted by divisive politics at home and made more cumbersome by outside pressures.
Fundamentally, Nepal’s foreign policy is based on enlightened self interest—that is to protect our sovereign status and partner with other countries for peace and prosperity. This concept took deeper roots following our participation in the Bandung conference (1955), which ushered a new era in global diplomacy and the theme of nonalignment, be it in the region or beyond, got near universal acceptance. To stay this course is now a major challenge. The changing environment on both sides of our border must be seen as an opportunity to move forward and gain a position of respect. It is a goal to be pursued with consistency and vigour. All this must await the new constitution that hopefully will enable the nation to speak with one solid voice.
Beyond the region enhanced participation and effectiveness in global fora must receive due priority. The concept of global village, market linkages, open trade, environmental concerns, and economic and financial linkages poses new challenges, which if handled properly, also presents us with a window of opportunity. For far too long we have depended on charity for want of leadership and foresight in our conduct abroad and good governance at home.
The age of superpower rivalry based on economic and technical advance combined with strategic capacity has given way to a shared orientation based on human welfare where human rights, peace, rule of law and cooperation are the basic and common goals of humanity. Foreign policy must take a new turn and be conducted not just by those donning grey suits and ties but just as much by those with unconventional wears and looks.
In the immediate future, Nepal’s foreign policy challenges are internal rather than external. That scenario has been compounded by lack of national perception and discipline in our conduct. Nepal’s foreign policy has been forcibly hijacked by non-professionals and calls for a rescue.
(Thapa, former foreign minister, made this presentation at a seminar organised by the Institute of Foreign Affairs on Aug. 9 at Hotel Malla, Kathmandu)
Posted on: 2010-08-19 08:36
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