Powers at the Periphery: An Exploration of the Strategic Political Position of the Borderland Population in Madhesh

Abstract

The oft‑extolled socio‑cultural and economic exchanges between the borderland population in Madhesh and the population across the border constitute a cornerstone of the enduring relationship between Nepal and India. The perpetual exchanges between the borderland populations engender        fluid identities and associations of the population common to both sides. These cross‑border exchanges–and the resultant identities and associations–have become a hallmark of ambivalent mainstream perceptions towards the borderland population in Madhesh, and are at times framed within the broader national security concerns. These subdued yet pervasive perceptions, when combined with shifts in Nepal–India relations, often culminate in calls for limiting exchanges with India at the grassroots and national levels. Contrary to the prevailing national discourse, this article argues that these historic exchanges between the borderland populations are a prominent means of leverage in Nepal’s pursuit of sustained security. The enduring cross‑border exchanges significantly reinforce common interests and identities across the border, diluting divisions arising from territorial boundaries, including asymmetries in political and economic power between the two countries–much to Nepal’s advantage. Drawing on a case study of the everyday lived experiences of the borderland population in Mahottari, the article explores the significance of the cross‑border exchanges and underscores the ‘strategic political position’ of the borderland population in safeguarding Nepal’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.