Published On: January 10, 2022 06:30 AM NPT By: Dr Surendra Singh Rawal
An insightful strategist knows how to juggle between ends, means, and ways. The outcome of Nepal's unification campaign demonstrates that King Prithvi Narayan Shah was a seasoned military leader and a veteran strategist. He had a clear 'end' in his mind, and, more importantly, the King had the necessary acumen to use the available means to achieve well-defined political goals through various ways, depending on the situation.
Published On: November 24, 2021 06:30 AM NPT By: Dr Surendra Singh Rawal
The UN peacekeeping mission is a powerful platform for creating and maintaining soft power for Nepal. However, while soft power may seem less risky than economic and military power, it is difficult to use and easily lost without preservation. It requires time and effort to restore after being lost.
Published On: October 29, 2021 06:45 AM NPT By: Dr Surendra Singh Rawal
For sure, the Indians must worry about their country's security in their neighborhood, including Nepal. However, they should make sure if their worries are founded on the current reality. And they must also understand that only a sovereign and strong Nepal can deliver Indian security expectations, not an unstable and micromanaged one.
Published On: October 21, 2021 06:00 AM NPT By: Dr Surendra Singh Rawal
The aim of UN Security Council reform should be the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the global body for delivering international peace and security – the very purpose of its formation.
Published On: August 26, 2021 07:30 AM NPT By: Dr Surendra Singh Rawal
Now appears to be the right time to look into the shortcomings of the existing model of IR, especially when the strategic pendulum has swung to the east and China and India are rising as prominent actors in the international system.
Published On: July 23, 2021 10:50 AM NPT By: Dr Surendra Singh Rawal
The very premise of the "special-relations" is flawed, and so are its futile implementation attempts by the Indian side. Undoubtedly, India wants Nepal to be a good neighbor. In that case, Indian policymakers should shun the mindset of 'special relations’ and focus on friendly and good neighborly relations between the two sovereign countries, putting all major bilateral issues -- including the inert 1950 Treaty -- on the table for renegotiation.
Published On: July 10, 2021 12:59 PM NPT By: Dr Surendra Singh Rawal
In the Nepali language, the two terms deshbhakti (patriotism) and rastrabhakti (nationalism) have been used interchangeably, but people are slowly differentiating between them. Patriotism is the love of the land: a yearning for soil's sound, sight, and smell. When we feel nostalgic for our own patch of land, music, food, dress, and tradition, we are becoming patriotic. In contrast, nationalism is devotion to the state or polity and far more ideologically driven than patriotism.
Published On: May 26, 2021 03:35 PM NPT By: Dr Surendra Singh Rawal
In the overall context of anarchy, national interest, and self-help, Covid-19 might not be the sole determinant for creating a new world order. However, the pandemic will undoubtedly intensify the existing grievances and conflict between and among states and potentially create new challenges.
Published On: May 2, 2021 07:00 AM NPT By: Dr Surendra Singh Rawal
Without any doubt, the tumultuous four years of the Trump presidency significantly damaged the US multilateral outlook and its relation to the UN. However, the US has not burnt its bridge completely.
Published On: March 22, 2021 07:00 AM NPT By: Dr Surendra Singh Rawal
China remains the largest trading partner of all the Quad members, including India. Japan and Australia would not sacrifice their economic interests just for American or Indian interests.
Published On: February 25, 2021 07:00 AM NPT By: Dr Surendra Singh Rawal
When we proclaim our country a Hindu state, we blatantly violate principle of democratic republicanism. One of the leading causes of the world's deadliest atrocities in the past is the politicization of religion.
Published On: February 1, 2021 08:00 AM NPT By: Dr Surendra Singh Rawal
Without allowing China to become a regional power, the US cannot maintain its leadership position. The US should persuade China to be responsible for international peace and security.
Published On: December 28, 2020 08:15 AM NPT By: Dr Surendra Singh Rawal
The central puzzle is whether the dissolution of parliament will mark the beginning of the end of Nepal’s republic system. Time will definitely lift the curtain.
Published On: November 30, 2020 08:00 AM NPT By: Dr Surendra Singh Rawal
Joe Biden is not expected to renounce all of the foreign policy approaches of President Trump. Yet, it is anticipated that multilateralism will steer American foreign policy again.
Published On: October 23, 2020 10:10 AM NPT By: Dr Surendra Singh Rawal
Although India is competing with China by investing in connectivity in the region, it has not fully embraced economic openness. India's reluctance to provide vital air gateways for Nepal, for example, is the manifestation of that attitude.
Published On: October 7, 2020 08:20 AM NPT By: Dr Surendra Singh Rawal
Current border clash between India and China is military manifestations of the domestic and international politics and strategic situation.
Published On: September 21, 2020 01:22 PM NPT By: Dr Surendra Singh Rawal
September is known for the annual sessions of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. But this time, most of the activities are being conducted due to Covid-19.This year marks UN’s 75th anniversary, although the collective future of the organization is shrouded in unilateralism, nationalism and populism. The intergovernmental organization should have been the desirable multilateral forum for finding solutions to many of the world’s most pressing problems—from pandemic to nuclear weapons to disruptive technologies to devastating wildfires. That is not the case at the moment. Instead, the global body has been the prisoner of the politics of big powers.
Published On: September 9, 2020 09:57 AM NPT By: Dr Surendra Singh Rawal
In this unprecedented time of international politics, when the strategic pendulum swings towards the Indo-Pacific region and the US emphasizes partnership with India, it wouldn’t be surprising if someone asks what India’s grand strategy is. Although some even doubt whether India actually has a grand strategy, as a rising power with almost 1.38 billion populations, the Indian grand strategy would be a matter of great interest not only to the small and big states in the region but also to great powers and the global community.