Diplomatic Law as the Foundation of Nepal's Soft Power

Abstract

This paper examines how diplomatic law constitutes the foundation of Nepal's soft power. In the current world system, soft power is taken as the source of legitimacy, trust and international credibility. Without adherence to international legal norms and values as suggested by the constructivist theory, Nepal's cultural and diplomatic assets would be significantly less effective as instruments of soft power. In the paper both qualitative and quantitative research design has been used to establish the relations between diplomatic law and soft power in the context of Nepal. The appropriate and relevant literature were thoroughly reviewed and did discussion with preparing the different themes as required to answer the set research questions. This study finds that there are so many methods of applying the soft power diplomacy to maintain harmonious relations among the states which are determined by the context, world order, norms and values. Thus, diplomatic law functions not merely as a legal framework governing interstate relation and facing restrictions over using soft power, but also as the strategic assets that enables Nepal to exercise influence within the contemporary international system in a diplomatic method.