The Quest for Nepal’s Foreign Policy : Autonomy amid Great Power Politics in the Himalaya

Abstract

This paper examines Nepal's quest for foreign policy autonomy amid the challenging geopolitical realities in the Himalayas. Strategically positioned between two major powers–India and China–Nepal, a relatively small state, has seen its immediate influence its foreign policy choices. Grounded in the concept of a small state, Nepal navigates the complexities of relations with great powers. The essence of Nepal's foreign policy is to achieve autonomy by diversifying its relations. The policies of non‑alignment, hedging, and neutrality could be significant considerations. While Nepal strives to implement a multi‑aligned policy strategy, it remains susceptible to coercive diplomacy and regional distrust. This study posits that the challenges posed by Nepal's internal and external geopolitical dynamics in managing the interests of major powers hinder its capacity to achieve meaningful autonomy. Methodologically, the paper employs a descriptive and analytical approach, drawing on relevant secondary sources available for review.