Executive summary
By Clare Castillejo
This expert analysis examines the main internal and external blockages to peacebuilding in Nepal. It explores the factors that led to the stalling of the Nepalese political process, from the weakness of the country’s political parties to the rise of polarised, identity-based politics. It also examines those barriers to progress on peacebuilding that have been eclipsed by the focus on political negotiations, such as lack of justice, structural inequalities and a weak state-society contract.
The analysis goes on to address the role of external actors in shaping Nepal’s peacebuilding process. It argues that strategic competition between China and India has exacerbated national tensions in Nepal and undermined key elements of peacebuilding, although China has also played an important economic and development role. While international actors have provided much-needed assistance to Nepal, they have largely failed to use their leverage to promote progress in the most challenging areas, such as the renegotiation of the political settlement and ensuring respect for human rights. Finally, the analysis assesses the prospects for progress following elections for a new constituent assembly and identifies entry points for international actors to help unblock the peace process.
